Children grow up so fast. That’s why it’s essential for parents to schedule routine well-child exams with a pediatric primary care provider they trust. These visits help parents track their child’s growth, stay on top of immunizations, and get expert guidance on their physical, mental and social well-being.
At Ironwood Family Practice, we offer well-child exams for kids of all ages, from newborns to young adults. Our compassionate team is dedicated to serving families in Coeur d’Alene and surrounding areas by monitoring developmental milestones, answering questions, and partnering with parents. If you need to schedule a well-child exam in North Idaho, call us today.
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Ironwood Family Practice provides personalized healthcare to patients of all ages. Our approach involves educating and empowering our patients to take charge of their health and make informed decisions.
When does my child or teen need a well-child exam in North Idaho?
In general, parents of newborns, infants and toddlers will need to schedule well-child exams every few months. Parents of children ages 3 and older can stick with annual pediatric wellness visits.
At Ironwood Family Practice, we encourage parents to schedule well-child exams at these specific ages:
- 2 weeks
- 2 months
- 4 months
- 6 months
- 9 months
- 12 months
- 15 months
- 18 months
- 2 years
- 2-1/2 years
- 3 years
- Annually every year after age 3
What should I expect at a child checkup?
Childhood is a time of rapid development, which means each well-child exam might be a bit different depending on your child’s age and developmental stage. But preventive care exams for children and teens typically include these five elements:
1. Physical exam
Your well-child visit will begin with a head-to-toe physical examination. We’ll check your child’s height, weight, body mass index (BMI), head circumference, eyes, ears, tongue, teeth, feet and hands. Additionally, we’ll check your child’s hearing, vision, blood pressure, and listen to their heart and lungs.
2. Developmental exam
Children develop new skills as they grow. During a child’s developmental exam, we’ll evaluate the way your child plays, learns, speaks, moves and behaves. Our pediatric primary care providers will also make sure your child is healthy, growing and gaining weight at a pace that’s expected for their age. We may also screen for common neurodevelopmental disorders such as attention deficit disorder (ADD), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
3. Immunizations
At Ironwood Family Practice, we partner with you to keep your child’s immune system strong and healthy. Below is our recommended schedule of vaccines and antibodies—each with a brief description of what it protects and why it’s important.- Birth
- Hepatitis B vaccine (HepB, 1st dose) to prevent against the Hepatitis B virus, which can cause lifelong liver infection.
- RSV monoclonal antibody (RSV-mab) Not a vaccine, but an antibody injection that helps newborns fight Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), a common virus that can lead to severe lung and breathing problems in infants.
- 2 months
- Hepatitis B vaccine (HepB, 2nd dose) for continued protection against Hepatitis B.
- Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis vaccine (DTaP, 1st dose), which guards against diphtheria (severe throat infection), tetanus (lockjaw), and pertussis (whopping cough).
- Haemophilus influenzae type B vaccine (Hib, 1st dose) which prevents Hib bacteria, which can cause meningitis and pneumonia.
- Inactivated Polio Vaccine (IPV, 1st dose), which protects against poliovirus, which can lead to paralysis.
- Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV-13, 1st dose) which prevents streptococcus pneumoniae infections, including pneumonia and ear infections.
- Rotavirus vaccine (Rotavirus, 1st dose), which helps ward off severe diarrhea and vomiting caused by rotavirus.
- 4 months
- Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis vaccine (DTaP, 2nd dose)
- Haemophilus influenzae type B vaccine (Hib, 2nd dose)
- Inactivated Polio Vaccine (IPV, 2nd dose)
- Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV-13, 2nd dose)
- Rotavirus vaccine (Rotavirus, 2nd dose)
- 6 months
- Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis vaccine (DTaP, 3rd dose)
- Hepatitis B (HpeB, 3rd dose)
- Haemophilus Influenzae type B vaccine (Hib, 3rd dose if indicated by brand)
- Inactivated Polio Vaccine (IPV, 3rd dose)
- Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV-13, 3rd dose)
- Rotavirus vaccine (3rd dose if indicated by brand)
- Influenza vaccine, annual flu shot, beginning at 6 months, which prevents against serious complications from the flu.
- COVID_19 vaccine (series per CDC guidelines), prevents against severe infection from COVID-19.
- 12 months
- Measles, Mumps and Rubella vaccine (MMR, 1st dose) which protects against highly contagious diseases like measles, mumps and rubella.
- Hepatitis A (HepA, 1st dose), which protects against Hepatitis A
- Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV-13, 4th dose)
- 15 months
- Varicella (1st dose), which protects against chickenpox
- Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis vaccine (DTaP, 4th dose)
- Haemophilus influenzae type B vaccine (Hib, final dose depending on series)
- 18 months
- Hepatitis A (Hep A, 2nd dose)
- 4 years
- Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis vaccine (TaP, 5th dose)
- Measles, Mumps, and Rubella vaccine (MMR, 2nd dose)
- Inactivated Polio Vaccine (IPV, 4th dose)
- Varicella (2nd dose anytime between ages 4 – 6)
- 11-12 years
- Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis vaccine (DTaP, 1st dose in childhood; repeat every 10 years for life)
- Human Papillomavirus vaccine (HPV, 2 shots separated by at least 5 months), which protects against HPV, a precursor of cervical cancer
- Meningococcal ACWY vaccine (MeanACWY, 1st dose), which protects against meningitis A, C and Y.
- 16 years
- Meningococcal ACWY vaccine (MeanACWY. 2nd dose)
4. Emotional health and self-esteem
The mental well-being of children and teens has a direct impact on their physical health. Our team at Ironwood Family Practice embraces a holistic approach to care that incorporates both mind and body. We encourage children and teens—and their parents—to talk with us about any behavioral concerns, sibling rivalries or social challenges. We can help link families with resources they can use to navigate conditions that affect kids and teens the most, including low self-esteem, anxiety, depression or eating disorders.
5. Education and counseling
Children don’t come with instruction manuals, so it’s natural for parents to have lots of questions. Bring them with you to your well-child exam, and we’ll be happy to give you answers. Our providers can offer recommendations on exercise, diet sleep schedules, hygiene, social skills or school performance. We will also provide safety tips to protect your children, including using approved car seats, seat belts and helmets.
Why choose Ironwood Family Practice for well-child exams?
Families in Coeur d’Alene and surrounding areas trust the pediatric and adolescent primary care providers at Ironwood Family Practice with well-child exams. Our friendly, compassionate providers specialize in preventive care, enhancing the health of kids, teens and everybody in your family. Here, you’ll find:
A team that puts your family first. We can help you schedule your child’s well-child exam sooner thanks to our team-based approach to care. You will have access to a physician and an Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner (ARNP), both of whom will get to know you and your entire family and guide you toward wellness.
Providers who understand children and teens. Our providers are skilled at caring for kids of all ages. We address common pediatric and adolescent injuries and illnesses. Plus, our providers have special expertise in sports medicine and weight management.
Easy access to your family’s test results. You can use our MyChart patient portal to see your child’s lab results, fill up their prescriptions, or send secure messages to our providers.
If you’re ready to schedule your well-woman exam at Ironwood Family Practice, call us today at 208-667-4557.
Frequently Asked Questions
How should I prepare for a well-child visit?
Bring your child’s vaccination record with you to each well-child appointment. Also, bring a list of any medications they are taking, including any vitamins or supplements. It’s also helpful to jot down any questions you might have about your child’s growth or development, along with any changes you might be seeing in their eating, sleeping or other daily habits.
Does insurance cover a well-child exam?
Your child’s Annual Wellness Visit is designed to focus on preventive care and may be covered under your wellness benefit. During this visit, our team will:
- Review your child’s medical history
- Assess risk factors
- Conduct routine preventive screenings (such as blood pressure checks and cholesterol screenings)
- Provide guidance on maintaining your child’s health through lifestyle changes
- Update your immunizations
An annual well-child exam does not include diagnosing or managing any specific health conditions. Depending on your insurance coverage, additional charges may apply if we address new or ongoing health concerns, such as:
- Diagnosing a new medical issue
- Adjusting treatment for chronic conditions
- Ordering tests or referrals.
To avoid additional charges, please let us know in advance if your child has ongoing medical concerns or symptoms. This may help us determine whether a separate appointment is necessary.
What if my child is sick on my well-child visit date?
If it’s a minor cold or runny nose, the visit can usually proceed as scheduled. However, if your child has a fever or more serious symptoms, it might be better to postpone your well-child exam or schedule a sick visit instead. If you’re unsure, call us at 208-667-4557 and we’ll help you make the best decision for your family.
Why choose a family medicine practice for well-child exams?
Family medicine practices like Ironwood Family Practice provide comprehensive, compassionate care for children from infancy through adolescence. This ensures your child or teen gets seen by dedicated providers who know their medical history and growth patterns.
How can I schedule a well-child exam in North Idaho today?
Call Ironwood Family Practice in Coeur d’Alene at 208-667-4557. Our team will schedule your visit at a time that works best for you. We look forward to seeing you here!