Physical Exams Q&A

What are physical exams?

Physical exams monitor and protect your child’s health. Professional Pediatrics offers physical exams tailored to your child’s needs as they grow.

What types of physical exams are available?

Professional Pediatrics offers:

 

Well-child physicals

Well-child exams are general physical exams that cover all aspects of your child’s health. This type of exam ensures that your child’s hitting their developmental and growth milestones, monitors their health, and protects them from preventable problems.

 

School physicals

School physicals are typically briefer than well-child physicals. Your child may need a school physical before they start school or join a sports team. These exams verify that your child’s healthy enough to attend school or play sports based upon predefined rules from the school. 

Professional Pediatrics can also tailor exams to your child’s needs if they require other types of care.

What happens during physical exams? 

Physical exams at Professional Pediatrics include a review of your child’s individual medical history and your family medical history. The exam also includes checking:

  • Vision 
  • Hearing
  • Ears, nose, and throat
  • Heart 
  • Lungs
  • Abdomen
  • Flexibility
  • Strength

If your child needs any immunizations, the team explains what they need and administers the shots during the exam. California schools require certain immunizations for all children.

If your child experiences any significant or concerning changes since their last physical, the team explains these issues and recommends a plan to avoid major health problems in the future.

When should my child have physical exams? 

Professional Pediatrics generally recommends well-child exams for all kids, with school physicals as needed. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends:

Newborn care

The first newborn care appointment is at 3-5 days old, with subsequent visits at 1, 2, 4, 6, 9, and 12 months. 

Toddler care

Toddlers should have well-child physicals at 15 and 18 months, 24 months (2 years), 30 months, and 36 months (3 years). 

Childcare

Children need annual well-child visits starting from 3 years old until they’re adults.

Physical exams are for monitoring and protecting your child’s health but don’t focus on treating illnesses. If your child is ill, you can schedule a same-day sick visit anytime. 

If your child needs a physical exam for school or they’re due for a well-child visit, call Professional Pediatrics now.