As children enter their pre-teen years, regular pediatrician visits mark important milestones in their development. Parents in Cumming, familiar with pediatric checkups for preschoolers and school-aged children, may notice some differences in these appointments. Before you search for a pediatrician near me, read on to learn what to expect during a pre-teen’s visit.
What Happens During a Pre-Teen’s Pediatrician Appointment?
Taking a child to the doctor is not reserved only for times of illness and injury. In fact, well-child visits are just as crucial as sick care in prevention and childhood development. The following stages are part of a pre-teen visit.
Medical History Review
Whether your child is feeling great or a bit under the weather, it’s essential to assess their medical history. A child’s medical history review involves considering past illnesses, ongoing conditions, allergies, medications, along with relevant family medical history.
Physical Examination
The doctor will perform a physical examination, checking the heart, lungs, abdomen, ears, nose and throat. During a well-check visit, your child’s growth and development are checked to evaluate whether expected milestones are being reached.
Pre-Teen Sick Visits vs. Well-Checks
When choosing the best pediatrician for your child, you’ll want to know if they will be accessible during times of both health and sickness. From allergies and asthma to ear infections and the flu, pre-teens will likely experience an illness that requires medical attention.
In addition, well-child visits are necessary so that your pediatrician can identify any issues in their earliest stages, when preventive care can deliver the best results. Both sick visits and well-checks are the foundation for good pre-teen health, and a pediatrician is positioned to offer the necessary care.
Examine Development and Behavior
Discussing eating habits, sleeping patterns, physical activity and social interactions can give key insights into a pre-teen’s physical and emotional health. Doctors are trained to identify potential issues, including spotting signs of behavioral or developmental disorders.
Diagnosis and Treatment
If your child has an existing illness, your pediatric doctor will diagnose and treat the condition. In most cases, common pre-teen sickness is treated with medication and rest. However, for certain conditions a referral to a specialist may be necessary.
Vaccination Updates
If any vaccinations are due the pediatrician will administer them during the visit. Pre-teens may require vaccines for influenza, tetanus, diphtheria and acellular pertussis, meningococcal disease and others.
Address Individual Concerns
The trust developed between a pediatrician and a family means that addressing individual concerns is encouraged. Children can discuss worries about physical health and emotional well-being. At the same time, your pediatrician can review what to expect at your next pre-teen well-child visit at ages 10–13.
Trusted Pre-Teen Pediatric Services in Cumming
Vickery Pediatrics provides well-child and sick visits for children in Cumming, Buford, Dawsonville, Gainesville, Johns Creek, Sugar Hill, Suwanee and Forsyth County. For an urgent care appointment or scheduled checkup, contact our office today. Call (678) 990-2501 or request an appointment now.
