Patient Resources

Why does my child need regular check-ups?

Every child is different, but children generally grow and develop at a similar rate. Your child's primary care provider cares not only about physical health, but also about making sure your child is developing normally. 

Children don't come with a "manual" at birth – your primary care provider can answer questions that you may have, give you the reassurance you need and let you know about the wonderful job you are doing. 

Your child is special, and we want to give your child every opportunity, with your help, to be as happy and healthy as possible!

What happens at the regular check-ups?

Check-ups are not just about "getting shots." They're important to check growth, language development, brain development and screen your child for potential health problems, such as lead poisoning. By checking your child's body regularly, your primary care provider can reassure you that your child is healthy. It also gives you an opportunity to ask questions, and learn new and different ways of promoting your child's development. Vaccines are also given at certain visits, in order to prevent your child from getting some diseases that can be life threatening.

When should children come in for check-ups?

Most children come in at regular intervals for a physical exam, a developmental check-up and vaccines. Younger children have to come in more often because they grow so fast and change so quickly! As your healthy child gets older, you will come in less often.

Here is a typical schedule of when most healthy children should come in for a check-up, but don't forget that every child and family is different!

• One to three days after leaving the hospital
• One month
• Two months
• Four months
• Six months
• Nine months
• 12 months
• 15 months
• 18 months
• 24 months
• Two and a half years
• Three years
• Four years
• Five years
• Six years
• Eight years
• 10 years
• 12 years, and then yearly

How do I make an appointment?

Call 617.414.5946 for all appointments and cancellations, or if you have a concern about your child. Please come 15 minutes before your appointment to register. If you come more than 15 minutes late, your appointment may be rescheduled. 

If you have not chosen a primary care provider, our staff will be happy to assist you in making your choice of provider.

What should I bring to the appointment?

• Medical information from other doctors and nurses who have seen the child
• Insurance card, if you have insurance
• List of medications your child is taking or has finished
• Immunization booklet (blue book)
• Forms: WIC, school or camp. Our team needs five working days to complete forms. If you have the forms, please bring them in advance and leave with the front desk. We keep a number of commonly used forms; please check to see if we have what you need. The completed form can be mailed or picked up.

What should I do if my child is sick?

If your child is having a life-threatening emergency, call 911 or go directly to the Boston Medical Center's Pediatric Emergency Room, located on the first floor of Boston Medical Center’s Menino Pavilion near the Albany Street entrance.

For non-emergency illnesses:

• During office hours call 617.414.5946 and select the triage nurse option. A nurse will return your call, give advice, and if necessary, schedule an appointment on the same day.
• After office hours, including weekends, call 617.414.5946 and a doctor will call you back within thirty minutes. Some illnesses can be handled over the phone; otherwise, we will arrange for you to come in as soon as possible.

What payment options are offered?

Don't let payment be an obstacle to getting care for your child. Most children in Massachusetts are eligible for some form of public or private health insurance. Let the Pediatric Practice help you enroll your child in a health insurance plan.

The Pediatric Practice accepts most insurance programs. Please consult us or the Boston Medical Center’s offices of Patient Financial Services at 617.414.5155. They are there to enroll uninsured patients and troubleshoot any coverage issues you may be facing.

Boston Medical Centers also offers the WellSense Health Plan. Patients and families will be assisted with enrolling in this health insurance plan, if they so desire, during an office visit.