As summer speeds by and we start thinking about new backpacks, lunchboxes and school schedules, it’s also the perfect time to schedule your child’s annual well-child visit. These visits are an important part of keeping your child healthy, safe and ready to succeed in the year ahead.

Why well-child physicals matter

A back-to-school physical is much more than a quick check-up or a form for school sports. These visits help us monitor your child’s growth, development, mental health and overall wellness. They’re also a key opportunity to:

• Ensure immunizations are up to date
• Discuss age-appropriate nutrition, sleep, screen time and safety
• Identify and address concerns about behavior, learning or mental health
• Provide any needed referrals for specialists, therapy, or school accommodations when needed

Make the most of your visit

Here are a few tips to ensure your child’s physical is smooth and productive:

• Arrive on time: Well-child visits are carefully scheduled to allow time for a full assessment and meaningful discussion. Arriving late can mean having to reschedule, especially during the busy back-to-school season.
• Silence your cell phones: We want to give your child and your family our full attention. Minimizing distractions during the visit helps us focus on your concerns and build a strong, trusting relationship with your child.
• Bring updates: Please be prepared to share any new medical diagnoses, changes in medications or recent specialist visits. Also, let us know about major social changes, like a move, a change in guardianship or new stressors at home or school. These can significantly affect your child’s well-being.
• Come with a list of questions: No concern is too small. Whether it’s about puberty, nutrition, sleep habits, school performance or emotional changes. Having a list ready helps make sure nothing gets overlooked.

Why choose your pediatrician over urgent care

We understand the convenience of urgent care, but your child’s primary care pediatrician knows them best. We have access to their complete medical history, track their growth and developmental milestones over time and understand their unique needs. Urgent care visits often don’t get communicated back to your child’s medical home, which can lead to:

• Missed follow-up on important issues
• Repeated or unnecessary tests
• Gaps in your child’s health record

Whenever possible, schedule physicals and routine care with your pediatrician. This continuity helps us provide safer, smarter and more personalized care for your child.

Let’s start the year strong

We’re honored to partner with you in your child’s health and development. A well-child visit is a small investment of time that brings lifelong benefits. Visit the patient portal to schedule your child’s back-to-school physical. We’re here to support them every step of the way!