Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Before the Appointment
- Arrival and Check-in
- The Examination Room
- The Doctor’s Examination
- After the Appointment
- Keeping Up With Latouche Pediatrics
Even if kids don’t exactly look forward to it, getting an annual physical is one of those things that helps keep them healthy. Spotting any issues early on is another key reason for these visits, though it’s also about checking growth and development. Parents can Bring up something that’s been bothering them all year or ask questions about their kid’s health. How much taller they’ve gotten is usually all kids care about—but yeah, there’s more to it than that.
Basic stuff like hearing and vision tests, and making sure all vaccinations are on track – that might be the extent of a new parent’s expectations. Knowing what to expect is something this guide will help you with, hopefully making the whole thing a little less stressful for parents and kids. A few tips to help you get ready beforehand—we’ll also share those, because let’s be real—knowing what’s coming makes everything easier.
So you know exactly what to expect, let’s break down the details of the visit. No surprises here. Before the Appointment
Gather any important info about your kid’s health from the past year — things like recent illnesses, medications, or changes in mood or behavior. If you’re concerned about sleep, nutrition, or school performance, having a list of questions ready can be super helpful. Since it often comes up during the visit, check if any vaccinations are due.
Visiting The Pediatrician
Before you come to the office, please note that our paperwork is digital and should be completed beforehand. Parents will receive a text or email with instructions to finalize this.
With shots or strange medical equipment, younger kids might get nervous about their checkup. Talking with them before the visit helps — you can explain that the doctor’s there to keep them healthy, and most of the time it’s just stuff like checking height and weight. Promising no shots isn’t the best move, though—if one’s needed, that could go wrong fast. Instead, focus on how quickly it’s done and how it helps keep them strong and healthy.
Encouraging open communication sets the stage for a smoother visit. Having your kid ask their own questions or share any worries makes things more comfortable. This is also a good chance for parents to bring up topics that feel awkward, like puberty or behavior changes. The more open the conversation, the better care your kid will get.
Arrival and Check-in
The first bits are just like any other doctor office visit, so you probably already know what you can expect. Staff at the front desk will ask about the paperwork that you filled out online beforehand. Have any updates about your child’s medical history—like recent illnesses, new medications, or allergies—ready when they ask.
To feel cozy and kid-friendly, pediatric offices are set up with bright colors, fun decor, and staff who know how to make kids feel comfortable. While you take care of check-in, toys or books are usually in the waiting area to keep the little ones entertained. Expect that you may have to fill out a few extra forms — like insurance info and consent forms — if it’s your first visit, but the process generally moves quickly.
Double-checking your contact info and bringing up any new health concerns you have is also a great idea at this time. Once you’re with the doctor, that way, you can dive straight into your child’s care without needing to worry about the small stuff.
The Examination Room
Things usually start with some basic measurements once you head back to the exam room. A nurse or medical assistant will check weight and height to see how much they’ve grown since the last visit. The blood pressure cuff might feel kinda strange for younger kids, but they’ll see
it’s quick and painless. These measurements help the doctor understand how your child is developing and whether anything needs closer attention.
Vision Tests & Vaccines
Next, vision tests might follow. Your child might be asked to read from a chart or point out shapes and letters from a distance during the vision test. Tests as such are crucial to catch any issues that could affect learning or daily activities.
Depending on your child’s age, vaccines could also be part of the visit. Shots that protect against certain illnesses might be due. And sure, shots can make kids nervous, but the nurse or doctor will explain what’s needed and why it matters for keeping them healthy. Most clinics do a good job with kids who are scared of needles, and it’s usually over before they realize.
The Doctor’s Examination
When the doctor comes in, your kid will get the whole works—head to toe. First off, they’ll listen to their heart and lungs with that trusty stethoscope, just to make sure everything sounds the way it should. Then, they’ll poke around a bit, checking the belly, taking a look inside their ears, eyes, and throat, and feeling around the neck to see if there are any weird lumps or swelling. They’ll give the reflexes a quick test with that knee tap thing, and also sneak a glance at your child’s skin to spot any rashes or other stuff that could be off.
This part’s also a good time to just chat about how your kid’s doing overall—things like motor skills, talking, or growing. The doc’s there to give you advice and help calm any worries. If something’s feeling off, they’ll tell you the next steps or maybe suggest a specialist, if needed.
For parents, this is your window to bring up any health stuff that’s been bugging you all year. Got questions about sleep, diet, or even some emotional ups and downs? Now’s the time. No question is too small—or too silly—and honestly, the more you ask, the better care your kid will get.
After the Appointment
The doctor might give you some follow-up instructions based on what was discussed. You could get referred to a specialist or told to schedule more tests if any health concerns came up or additional screenings are needed. You’ll probably get a handout explaining what to expect — like mild side effects — if your child got any vaccinations. The doctor will also go over how to use any new prescriptions or medication changes.
Make sure to schedule the next annual physical before you head out. It’s super important to keep an eye on your kid’s growth and development through regular checkups, catch potential issues early, and to stay on top of vaccines. These visits also give you a consistent chance to bring up concerns, whether about toddler milestones or the tricky stuff of adolescence.
Yearly Check-Ups For Your Child In Alaska
A great way to keep your child’s health on track is keeping up with yearly checkups. They’re not just for checking height and weight—they also give you a chance to ensure your child is doing well both physically and developmentally.
Keeping Up with LaTouche Pediatrics
Getting your kid in for their annual physical is pretty important—it helps keep track of their growth and catch any issues early. The key? Good communication, a little prep, and keeping a regular schedule all make these checkups go smoother for you and your kid.
As always, don’t get your healthcare information from a blog on the internet – if you have concerns or questions about your child’s health, vaccinations, or anything else, contact your Alaskan pediatrician. If you’re looking for a pediatrician in Eagle River or Anchorage, LaTouche Pediatrics is a full provider of pediatric and adolescent medicine for newborns, infants, toddlers, children and young adults in Alaska. Schedule an appointment with us today.
Key Takeaways
- Annual physicals are vital: They’re not just about growth measurements; they’re a chance to monitor overall health, address concerns, and get expert advice.
- Preparation is key: Gather health info, discuss the visit with your child, and have questions ready for the doctor.
- The visit itself: Expect measurements, vision tests, vaccinations if needed, and a thorough physical exam.
- Communication is crucial: Bring up any worries you have, and encourage your child to share their concerns too.
- Follow-up and scheduling: Follow any doctor’s instructions, schedule the next checkup, and stay proactive about your child’s health.