Pediatric Checkups and Screening Tests

From your child’s birth through the teenage years, seeing a pediatrician regularly is important to check on your child’s growth and development as well as screen for possible problems such as vision and hearing problems.

During the first three years of life, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends checkups at:

• 2 to 5 days old
• 1 month old
• 2 months old
• 4 months old
• 6 months old
• 9 months old
• 12 months old
• 15 months old
• 18 months old
• 2 years old (24 months)
• 3 years old (36 months)

After age three, visits are generally once a year. However, if your child has a special health concern, you may need more frequent visits. Always follow the schedule outlined by your pediatrician.

What Checkups Include

A comprehensive well-baby or well-child visit may include:

• Recording of vital growth statistics and plotting of height and weight on your child’s individual growth chart.
• Blood pressure check.
• Full body exam.
• Collecting and updating of family health history.
• Questions about your child’s development, both physical and emotional.
• Questions about your child’s home and school environment to screen for safety and health concerns.
• Questions about diet, exercise, sleep, safety and emotional well-being.
• General health education and answers to your family’s medical questions.
• Cholesterol testing between age 9 and 11. Sooner and more frequently for children at special risk for high cholesterol.
• Periodic scoliosis screening.
• Periodic vision screening.
• Periodic hearing screening.
• A dental health check and referral to a dentist by age 2.
• Vaccinations.

Special Concerns for Teens

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends screening all teens for substance abuse problems and discussing sexual health. California law protects teens’ privacy and allows them to receive certain types of healthcare services on their own. Confidential healthcare includes:

• Prevention of pregnancy or sexually transmitted infections.
• Treatment for pregnancy or sexually transmitted infections.
• The diagnosis and treatment of sexual and physical abuse.
• Care and counseling for drug and alcohol problems.

If any of these issues come up during a routine checkup or regular doctor’s visit, your child has the  right to speak privately with his or her doctor and keep that specific information confidential.  Sutter Health encourages teens to share information with their parents.

Sports Physicals and School Enrollment

To participate in organized sports or enroll in day care, preschool or grade school, a physical exam is typically required. Your pediatrician’s office can assist you with scheduling a sports physical and completing health form requirements. An exam within one calendar year will be accepted for a sports physical.