Why a well visit should be added to your back-to-school list

As summer winds down, it’s easy to forget an important task on your child’s back-to-school checklist: a well visit.  

“These visits are a great way to help your child start the school year on a positive note,” says Dr. Markeita Moore, a pediatrician with pediatric virtual primary care at Aurora Health Care. “It’s a chance to check your child’s overall growth, development and emotional wellbeing.” 

During a well visit, your doctor will: 

• Track their growth and development 
• Evaluate their heart and lung health 
• Provide child safety guidance 
• Review and update vaccinations 
• Discuss sleep, nutrition and mental health 

“These visits help us catch any concerns early and give parents a chance to ask questions,” adds Dr. Moore. She recommends bringing a list of topics you’d like to cover. If something needs more attention, your doctor can always schedule a follow-up appointment. 

Depending on your child’s age and grade, the visit may include required school screenings, such as vision and hearing tests. Their doctor can also complete any school-required medical forms. If your child plans to join school sports or other activities, the doctor can also complete the sports physical form.

As you take advantage of the last weeks of summer and your thoughts turn to school supplies and new schedules, scheduling your child’s well visit may feel like one more thing to manage. But Dr. Moore urges parents not to put it off.  

“Your child’s health is just as important as their school prep,” says Dr. Moore. “A well visit sets them up for a healthy, confident start to the year.” 

Still struggling to set aside time for an appointment? A dedicated pediatric virtual primary care provider allows you to not only cross off your child’s well visit but future appointments for ongoing health needs without stepping foot into the doctor’s office.  

Establish your child’s care with a virtual provider in Illinois or Wisconsin.