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| | | Well baby doctor visits are regular exams during the first years of life, in which a pediatrician checks a baby for proper development and addresses the new parents' questions and concerns. During the first year, six visits are recommended: first at two to four days, then at one, two, four, six, nine and twelve months of age. The National Institutes of Health offers an overview of well baby doctor visits. | | |
| Typical costs: | - Without health insurance, a full year of the recommended seven well baby visits costs an average of $668 total -- or just over $95 per visit -- according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.
- Immunizations for the first year cost at least $620 extra and usually are covered by health insurance.
- Well baby visits are almost always covered by group health insurance -- in 97 percent of cases with PPOs and 99 percent of cases with HMOs -- according to a survey by the Kaiser Family Foundation. However, some insurance policies require that the baby be added to the insurance plan within a certain time frame -- usually by one month after birth, so check with your provider.
- For patients covered by insurance, out-of-pocket costs, usually co-pays, typically range from $10 to $30 per visit, depending on the plan.
What should be included: | - During the first well baby visit, the doctor will weigh and measure the baby to check growth; check eyesight and hearing; check for common problems such as diaper rash or the flaky scalp known as "cradle cap"; and look at umbilical cord stump or wound and, if necessary, administer a hepatitis shot. Subsequent visits will include immunizations, measurement of the head to check brain growth, addressing concerns about child safety and common health issues such as colds, croup, ear infections and diarrhea.
- At well baby visits, the doctor usually will ask about the baby's sleeping, eating and bowel habits and development markers, such as whether the baby can hold its head up or quiets at the sound of the parent's voice. The answers allow the doctor to make sure the baby's development is progressing on schedule.
- BabyCenter.com has detailed lists of what to expect at each well baby visit.
Additional costs: | - It is not uncommon for a baby to become ill in the first year of life, so additional doctor visits might be necessary.
Discounts: | |
Shopping for a well baby doctor visit: | - Most parents choose a doctor who is a pediatrician, which means they have graduated from medical school and had an additional three years' residency in pediatrics. It is recommended to find a pediatrician before the baby is born.
- To find a pediatrician, ask a friend or family member for a referral. Or, the American Academy of Pediatrics offers a pediatrician locator service by state.
- When you find a prospective pediatrician, check credentials to make sure the doctor is board-certified by the American Board of Pediatrics or the American Board of Family Medicine.
- It also is a good idea to meet your prospective pediatrician face-to-face. Observe the waiting room and ask questions about background, areas of interest, how the doctor can be reached after-hours in an emergency, how many doctors are in the office, whether the child will be able to see the same doctor for well and sick visits and how long a typical appointment lasts. WebMD.com offers a guide to selecting a pediatrician.
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Material on this page is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. For medical decisions, always consult your physician for the right course for your infant or child.
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Article updated September 2008 |
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