Prepare for the pediatrician
4 tips to make the most of your child’s annual checkup.
Article Author: Juliette Allen
Article Date:
You’re rushing out the door to drop your son off at soccer practice and your daughter at a playdate when you get an alert on your phone: Your child’s well visit is coming up. Soon.
Why pediatrician appointments matter
It’s easy to see how these routine visits can get lost in the chaos of everyday life, but Sherwat Abdelrahman, MD, a pediatrician with Baptist Primary Care, urges parents to prioritize the annual health check-ins.
“Well visits are the epitome of preventive medicine,” Dr. Abdelrahman said. “This is your chance to convey your concerns and make sure your child is developing on track. We check your child’s growth, get him or her up to date on immunizations, and monitor overall well-being. Don’t miss out!”
4 ways to prepare for your child's annual checkup
If you find yourself scrambling before your child's appointment, here are 4 quick tips to make the most of the visit.
1. Consolidate your questions.
Write down any concerns you have or issues you want to address so you can be sure to remember them when you see the physician.
2. Prepare paperwork.
If it's your first visit to a new office, make sure to get your child's records from his or her previous provider so your new physician has the full health history. Also, try to request any health documents that may be required for schools or daycares so you don't have to make another call or trip.
3. Consider your child's whole health.
Well visits aren't just an opportunity to discuss physical growth and development. These vital check-ins also serve as a safe space to discuss behavioral and cognitive concerns.
4. Download a digital patient portal.
Apps like My Baptist Chart help you manage appointments for the whole family and communicate with providers between visits, should a need arise. One big bonus for busy parents: You'll see in your news feed when it's time to schedule preventive care appointments and get reminders as the visit gets closer.
Full range of family care
Together, Baptist Health and Wolfson Children's Hospital provide all types of care for kids.
If it's time to schedule a well visit for your child or yourself, Baptist Primary Care has physicians for the whole family. To find the right one for you, call 904.202.4YOU or fill out the appointment request form.
