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Health Tips / Children's Health / Regular Health Exams

Regular Health Exams 

It is important to take your child to their primary care provider (PCP) for yearly check-ups (also called well-child visits). Regular well-child visits allow the PCP to check your child’s physical and mental health and address any health concerns early on. As an HPSM member, you can get these yearly check-ups at no cost.

Well-visits put your child on the path to a healthy life. So call your child’s PCP to make an appointment today!

Does your child see the same provider for all of their primary care? A PCP is the provider your child sees for all their checkups. If your child does not have their own PCP, and you need help selecting one, call HPSM Member Services. You can also select their PCP online using the Member Portal at any time.

Your child should have well-visits during these timeframes:

  • Birth to 2 years old: Exams at 1, 2, 4, 6, 9, 12, 18, 24 and 30 months
  • From 3 to 11 years old: Exams every year

Well-visits are vital – take your child in for a well-visit even if they are healthy! 

During a well-child visit, your child’s PCP will:

  • Give you an opportunity to ask questions about your child and address any health concerns you may have. 
  • Track your child’s growth, including weight and height. 
  • Track your child’s development. This includes asking questions about how your child plays, learns, speaks, acts, moves and responds to other people and things.
  • Give needed screenings based on your child’s age. This can include checking your child’s hearing, vision and/or if they have been exposed to lead or tuberculosis (an infection of the lungs).
  • Examine your child’s body.
  • Inform you about any health concerns they have and make a plan with you to address them.
  • Give vaccines your child is due for.
  • Share tips to help your child stay healthy. This includes talking with you about healthy eating, exercise, safety and mental health.
  • See how you are doing and offer to connect you to resources for parents and families.
  • Refer your child to specialists if needed.

Use these tips to get the most out of your child’s well-visit:

  • Write down a list of questions or concerns you have about your child’s health and bring them to your visit. Some important questions to ask are:
    • What screenings or tests does my child need?
    • Is my child up to date on their vaccines?
    • What skills or developmental milestones should my child reach next?
    • Is my child’s weight and growth appropriate for their age?
    • How much screen-time is okay for my child?
    • I noticed my child often does _____: is this typical for their age?
    • I have seen these changes in my child’s mood: should I be concerned?
    • I noticed this change on my child’s skin: should I be concerned?
  • Bring any information that you think your child’s PCP should be aware of, such as:
    • Your child’s vaccination record.
    • Any after-visit summaries from recent urgent care, emergency room or hospital visits.