Is it Time for Your Child's Annual Physical?
Your child is healthy and well, so you’re probably not thinking about a trip to see a doctor any time soon. However, yearly check-ups are a crucial part of your child’s overall pediatric health care. That’s why Dr. Praveen Bolarum and our team of nurse practitioners at Primary Care Associates of Maryland help you monitor your child’s growth by providing annual physicals at our offices in Frederick and Clarksburg, Maryland. Read on to learn what to expect at your child’s annual physical and determine if it’s time for you to schedule one.
What to expect at a physical
When you come in with your child for a yearly check-up, we take a close look at how they are doing both growing and developing. The exam includes:
- Full-body physical examination
- Vision check
- Hearing test
- Check of vitals: heart rate, blood pressure, and temperature
- Urinalysis
- Height and weight check
- Autism screening
- Mental health screening
- Lead poisoning screening
- Dental cavities screening
- Dyslipidemia screening
- Anemia screening
At the same appointment for the physical, your child will receive their immunizations. Most kids get scheduled doses of the following: Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis, Hepatitis A and B, Inactivated poliovirus, Varicella, Pneumococcal, H1N1, Influenza, Human Papillomavirus, Meningococcal, and Measles, Mumps, and Rubella.
When to schedule your child’s physical
Depending on your child’s age, they will see the doctor according to the schedule recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Here are the general guidelines:
Babies:
First week, second week, one month, two months, four months, six months, and nine months.
Early childhood:
One year, 15 months, 18 months, two years, two and a half years, three years, and four years.
Middle childhood:
Yearly between ages 5 and 21
Keep in mind that these are general recommendations and don’t reflect your child’s unique health needs. If you have concerns outside the recommended schedule, please don’t hesitate to call our office.
Annual physicals help our team catch a problem before it progresses. If your child is experiencing developmental delays, Dr. Bolarum can provide a thorough assessment and swiftly craft a plan to correct the issues. If your child is on any medications, we’ll review how they are working and provide the necessary refill prescriptions.
Since our practice caters to patients of all ages and for medical continuity, we’ll transition your child from pediatric to primary care once they’re over 21. We take great pride in being your trusted health partner at all ages and stages. Give us a call to book an appointment for your child at the location closest to you or book online.