Essentia Health Urges Summer Scheduling for Well-Child and Teen Visits
As families settle into summer routines, Essentia Health is encouraging parents to take advantage of the season’s added flexibility by scheduling well-child/teen visits before school, sports and activities pick back up.
Annual well-child checks are an important opportunity to assess every aspect of a child’s health — from growth, cognitive and social development to mental well-being, nutrition, immunizations and injury/illness prevention. For students planning to participate in athletics, these appointments can also include a required sports physical, also known as preparticipation physical evaluations.
“Annual well-child checks are an important part of helping kids and teens stay healthy, active and ready for the upcoming school year,” said Dr. Tanya Diegel, a family medicine physician at Essentia Health. “Summer is a convenient time for families to schedule these visits because there’s often more flexibility and students don’t have to miss class. It’s also a chance to complete sports physicals, update immunizations, talk through any concerns and help children become more involved in their own health and well-being.”
Well-child/teen visits are recommended every year from birth through age 21. During these appointments, a pediatrician or primary care provider may:
Conduct a comprehensive physical exam.
Measure height, weight and other growth indicators.
Discuss development, behavior and school or social concerns.
Screen for mental health concerns, including anxiety and depression.
Update immunizations, including HPV, meningitis and other recommended vaccines.
Talk about nutrition, physical activity, sleep and illness prevention.
Discuss how to respond to emergencies or sudden illness.
As children get older, providers may also discuss age-appropriate topics such as substance use, sexual health, peer relationships and healthy decision-making.
Appointments can be scheduled directly through your child’s pediatrician or family medicine provider. You can also schedule by calling (844) 663-1068, visiting EssentiaHealth.org or using the Essentia MyChart patient portal.
Many insurance plans cover one well-child or teen visit each year. Families are encouraged to contact their insurance provider to confirm coverage. For more information, including helpful questions to ask your child’s provider, visit Essentia’s well-child and teen visit page.