WELL CHILD VISITS & PHYSICALS
Why Well-Child Visits & Physicals Matter
Regular check-ups go far beyond height and weight measurements—they’re our chance to track growth, catch concerns early, update vaccines, and coach families on healthy habits. At SPDocs, we also provide school, sports, camp, college-entry, and routine physicals under the same roof. Because we already know your child through ongoing well-child care, these visits are thorough yet efficient: paperwork is accurate, any concerns are addressed on the spot, and your child feels comfortable with a trusted pediatric team in their corner.
What Makes SPDocs Different?
What sets our well-child visits apart is continuity: the same provider follows your child from birth through young adulthood. Because our practice has just two pediatricians, we truly get to know each family, offering care that is warm and highly personalized. You won’t need to repeat long medical histories - we’ve been on the journey with your child from the very start. During sick visits you’ll see both physicians, so you’ll soon feel comfortable with each doctor. And on the rare occasion a well check is covered by “the other provider,” rest assured they already know your child and family just as well.
What Physical Does Your Child Need?
Physical Type
When to Schedule
What We Cover
Well-Child Physical
Annually, birth - 21 years
Weight gain, jaundice check, feeding support, safe-sleep review.
Sports Physical (Pre-Participation Exam)
4-6 weeks before tryouts
Heart & lung check, musculoskeletal screening, concussion baseline, asthma action plan, form completion.
School/County Physical
Before kindergarten or new school entry
State-required health form, lead & TB risk assessment, vaccine review, referrals for vision or hearing issues.
Camp Physical
4 weeks before camp
Up-to-date vaccines, allergy & medication plan, activity-specific safety advice.
College-Entry Physical
Summer before freshman year
Adult-vaccine catch-up, mental-health screening, lifestyle counseling, documentation for campus health center.
Pre-Operative Clearance
7-30 days pre-procedure
Cardiopulmonary exam, labs or ECG as ordered, coordination with surgical team
We follow the American Academy of Pediatrics' Bright Futures guidelines (see the full checklist on HealthyChildren.org), with a few enhancements - like our two-week newborn visit - to ensure no milestone is missed.
What We Measure & Discuss at Every Visit
Growth parameters (height, weight, BMI) and why they matter.
Vaccination status & catch-up options.
Vision, hearing, and lead screening at recommended ages.
Diet, exercise, and quality sleep goals.
Safe environments - pools, firearms, helmets, car seats.
Mental & behavioral health, including ADHD, anxiety, and depression.
Age-appropriate screen time and social-media habits.
How to Prepare for Your Child's Well-Child Visit
What to Bring
Current insurance card and copay
Any school, sports, camp, or pre-op forms (fill out parent sections in advance)
Immunization record (if not already on file)
Glasses or contacts for vision screening
List of medications, supplements, and past injuries
Our Well-Child Appointment Process
Check-In:
Call from the parking lot for contact-free check-in.
Vitals & Screening:
Our nurse records height, weight, blood pressure, and vision/hearing results.
Physician Exam:
Head-to-toe assessment, developmental or musculoskeletal screen, discussion of nutrition, sleep, school, and mental health.
Forms & Vaccines:
We complete required paperwork, update shots, and provide copies for your records.
Questions:
No rush - ask about training plans, injury prevention, or college health tips before you leave.
Schedule Your Well-Child Visit Today
Healthy kids, confident parents, lifelong care - that's the SPDocs promise. Call 410-647-8300 to reserve your child's next wellness check-up. We can't wait to see your family grow!