Wellness (Well-Child) Exams

Wellness exams are regular checkups with your child’s healthcare provider. A parent or legally authorized representative must attend this visit. During each visit, the doctor will do a physical exam and provide any necessary health screenings and vaccinations. They will also check that your child is growing and developing as expected.

These regular checkups are a great time to talk with your child’s doctor about any health or development concerns, including growth, behavior, sleep and eating habits.

At Phoenix Children’s Pediatrics, our pediatricians partner with you and your child to promote a healthy lifestyle and overall wellness. Based on industry best practices, our wellness exams follow guidelines set forth by the American Academy of Pediatrics.

The following lists outline what pediatricians typically assess during each stage of your child’s growth and development:
 

Infant Screenings: Birth - 9 Months

Between birth and 9 months of age, pediatricians assess a baby’s overall health and wellness by conducting several physical exams to measure and track growth and development. Wellness exams for infants may include:

  • Physical measurements, such as height, weight, length, weight for length and head circumference
  • Developmental, psychosocial and behavioral health screenings
  • Immunizations (please refer to the AAP’s vaccine schedule)
  • Newborn-specific procedures (newborn screening and jaundice screening)
  • Oral health, after 6 months


Early Childhood Screenings: 1 - 4 Years

As your child grows, wellness visits help track motor skills, development and school readiness. These visits may include:

  • Physical measurements, such as height, weight, length, weight for length, head circumference and blood pressure
  • Anemia risk assessment or screening
  • Developmental, psychosocial and behavioral health screenings, including screening for autism spectrum disorder
  • Immunizations (please refer to the AAP’s vaccine schedule)
  • Lead exposure screening for infants at risk
  • Oral health screenings 
  • Sensory screenings, including vision and hearing


Middle Childhood Screenings: 5 - 10 Years

Wellness visits during school-age years focus on learning, social development and healthy habits. Pediatricians may assess:

  • Physical measurements, such as height, weight, length, body mass index (BMI) and blood pressure
  • Anemia risk assessments or screenings
  • Blood testing
  • Developmental surveillance
  • Immunizations (please refer to the AAP’s vaccine schedule)
  • Lead exposure screening for children at risk
  • Oral health screenings 
  • Psychosocial/behavioral assessments
  • Sensory screenings, including vision and hearing


Adolescent Screenings: 11 - 18 Years

For preteens, teens and young adults, wellness exams address both physical health and emotional well-being. Your child’s provider may include:

  • Physical measurements, such as height, weight, length, body mass index (BMI) and blood pressure
  • Sensory screenings, including vision and hearing
  • Developmental/risk surveillance
  • Psychosocial/behavioral assessments
  • Depression and anxiety screenings
  • Immunizations (please refer to the AAP’s vaccine schedule)
  • Blood testing
  • Oral health screenings