What Is the Difference between Well and Sick Visits for My Child?
Well visits, also known as routine check-ups, are scheduled appointments designed to monitor and promote a child's overall health and development. During these visits, pediatricians conduct comprehensive physical exams, track growth and developmental milestones, administer necessary vaccinations, and provide preventive care advice. Well visits are typically scheduled at regular intervals, such as annually or more frequently during infancy and early childhood, to ensure that the child is meeting expected developmental benchmarks and to catch any potential health issues early.
In contrast, sick visits occur when a child is experiencing symptoms of illness or injury that require immediate medical attention. These visits focus on diagnosing and treating specific health problems, such as infections, fevers, injuries, or chronic condition flare-ups. Sick visits are not scheduled in advance; they are made as needed to address acute medical concerns promptly, ensuring that the child receives timely care to alleviate symptoms and prevent complications. Both types of visits are crucial for maintaining a child's health, but they serve different purposes in the continuum of pediatric care.
