Do I need to take eight year old child to the doctors every year?

Question

I took my daughter to the doctor in 2nd grade, she is now in third. I have not received a shot reminder from her doctor office or request to come back. I am currently inbetween providers and changing my plan but I have been curious as to if people bring there school aged children to the doctors every year. SInce I now have two kids I say it gets crazy and I have of course kept up with all visits for my one year old but I havent brought my daughter in since her last chicken pox shot last year before the baby was born in January.Would love to hear others thoughts.

Answer 1

definitly.  My oldest is turning 16 and she still has her yearly check-up.  My middle one was severly anemic and we would not have known if it wouldnt have been for her yearly check-up because she didnt show any of the signs she was still eating, active etc.  As your daughter gets older her body changes more and more and those visits can catch problems before they come severe.  If nothing else find a good nurse practitoner and go there for the check ups but she needs something.

Answer 2

No, last year I took my oldest in for an annual checkup and they looked at me like I was weird and the doctors visit lasted about 5 minutes. He pretty much looked her over took her weight and height and asked how she was and sent us home. Not to worry. If they are in need of a sick visit take them but if they are not in sports requiring a physical don't sweat it. Dentists however need an annual visit.

Answer 3

I take my 8 year old and my 3 year old to the same annual visit.  Two birds with one stone.  And Yes, she does need to be checked.  There are things that the MD is looking/screening for that "we" mere mortals don't recognize.

Answer 4

Prevention is the best form of medicine.  Even if your doctor thinks that you and your children are hypochondriacs, take them yearly.  Tell him/her anything that you might be worried about.  You can never be too careful.

Also, bi-annual dentist appointments are a good idea too once they lose all of their baby teeth.

Answer 5

you shoudnt take her once a year,

take her every 3 months for a checkup

Answer 6

no there school should check there weight and height but no need for yearly check ups

Answer 7

I wish I only had to go to the doc with the kids 1 time a year. Mine seem to be there every 3 weeks. you shouldn't need shots for her but call the doctors office and ask

Answer 8

You don't HAVE to take her every year but it's widely recommended that EVERYONE goes in for a yearly physical.

Answer 9

I only go when it's required or when there is an illness.

Answer 10

I honestly don't feel it necessary to take an 8 yr. old to the doctor every year.  Unless your child has an unusual complaint, or frequent illnesses, it's really not necessary.  On the other hand if you are concerned then make yourself feel better and bring her in.

This being said, she should have eye exams every year, and by now her hearing should be tested every three years or so.

Answer 11

I always take my kids in for yearly checkups.

Answer 12

I'm in the UK, and I never heard of taking a child older than about two to the doctor for regular checkups other than specifically for vaccinations.

So no, I take mine to the doctor when they need to see the doctor (i.e. when I'm concerned about something).

Amazing how much more often people are told they "have" to see the doctor in a healthcare system where the doctor is paid by the visit :)

Answer 13

She should be complete with her shots by the time she entered Kindergarten.  After that, her Tetinus shot is due 10 years from the time she had her last.  A child should not have an anual doctor visit if he/she is healthy, unless there is something to suspect that would alert you make a call.  Your one year old is going to be seeing the doctor a lot his/her first year for shots and well baby checks.  After the first year, the baby does not need to go in until the age of two.  Then after age of two, the next time would be before entering Kindergarten.  After Kindergarten, then go in as needed basis (illness or accident), or until the next scheduled shot...which would put you at Tetinus.  (sorry about spelling).