The back-to-school medical check-up: the list for your child

Published on 28/08/2019

The back-to-school medical check-up_ the list for your child

The back-to-school medical check-up: the list for your child

Back to school is on the horizon. If you have already purchased all the items listed on the back-to-school list, has the school also given you the list of requirements for monitoring your child’s health? The most common answer is no. Most schools do not require a health screening. Many schools simply perform a medical exam as part of the sports class. No full back-to-school physical!

Unfortunately, a sports physical is not the same as a wellness check-up for your child, as it does not include a complete examination. We are therefore entitled to ask ourselves the following questions:

How often should you schedule a routine visit for your child?

What specialists (if any) should you consult?

How should parents prepare for these visits?

What is the difference between a pediatrician and a general practitioner?

This article provides you with all the answers for a serene back to school.

How often should you schedule a routine visit for your child?

It all depends on the age of your child in school.

For younger children, it is best to schedule a bi-annual check-up before school starts and at the end of the school year. This exam ensures that the child is in good health before returning to school, and that he or she has not had any health problems during the vacations. As your child grows, depending on his or her overall health, an annual routine visit, scheduled before school starts, will be sufficient.

What is the difference between a pediatrician and a general practitioner?

It is important to know the difference between the two professionals, but be aware that both the pediatrician and the general practitioner are qualified to ensure the health of your children.

Pediatricians have specialized in caring only for the health of the child from birth to adolescence. General practitioners, on the other hand, do not specialize only in the care of children, and can manage the care of the whole family. For example, a family physician may follow all family members in the case of a genetic/hereditary health problem.

Should I consult a specialist?

It is important to have your child’s general health checked by a pediatrician or general practitioner. They will also be able to update your child’s vaccinations directly. In addition, both pediatricians and general practitioners can perform basic eye examinations.

However, if these doctors find that your child needs vision correction or glasses, they will most likely refer you to an ophthalmologist or optometrist. It is also important to schedule a dental visit twice a year, in addition to a routine pediatric visit, because teeth develop with age.

How should you prepare for such a visit?

We advise parents to monitor their child’s health throughout the year, and to observe him or her carefully (eating habits, sleeping habits, behavioral patterns…).

Don’t wait until your annual doctor’s visit to voice your concerns, especially if they are growing or even worrying. Finally, don’t hesitate to schedule a check-up as often as you feel is necessary for your child’s sake.

Is it possible to make an appointment for a child’s health checkup online?

Many doctors now have an online calendar to make appointments quickly and easily in their offices. See if your doctor uses Doctena by searching for him or her on the website for the back-to-school medical visit!


Return to the blog and discover other articles.

PS: Doctena allows you to make free online appointments with thousands of doctors in Germany, Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, the Netherlands and Switzerland.

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