Routine pediatric care

Nurturing your child or teen’s healthy development

Routine pediatric care helps support your child’s physical, emotional and developmental health as they grow. These visits allow your child’s doctor to evaluate potential concerns, provide preventive care like immunizations, and help your child build a trusted relationship with their care team.

From newborn checkups to school physicals, Endeavor Health’s board-certified pediatricians and family medicine providers offer pediatric routine care tailored to your child’s age and needs — and delivered close to home.

Well-child and well-teen visits

It’s important to schedule regular well-child or well-teen exams — even when your child isn’t sick. These checkups help your care provider track your child’s growth, answer your questions and offer guidance on nutrition, behavior and development.

Well-child visits allow your child’s care team to:

Monitor growth and development using national benchmarks
Track immunizations and other preventive screenings
Review your child’s medical and family history
Coordinate care with specialists, if needed
Support your child’s mental and emotional wellbeing
Identify any areas for concern and develop a care plan to address them

Most insurance plans cover well-child visits. Check with your plan for details.

Vaccines & immunizations

Vaccines protect children from potentially serious diseases like measles, chickenpox and whooping cough. At Endeavor Health, we follow CDC guidelines for childhood immunizations and help parents understand what’s needed at every stage.

If your child has fallen behind on their vaccination schedule, we manage catchup schedules to put them back on track.

We also offer the flu vaccine annually and COVID-19 boosters when indicated.

Growth & development

Every child grows at their own pace, but we follow key developmental milestones to guide your child’s progress. We’ll check physical, motor, speech and emotional health at every stage — and answer any questions you may have along the way. Should a concern arise, we can help you navigate interventions and refer you to specialty care when needed.

Learn more about our specialized programs for healthy growth and development.

Newborn Developmental Follow-Up Program
- Edward Hospital newborn & infant services
- Evanston Hospital newborn & infant services
Breastfeeding support - please visit your hospital’s newborn & infant service page for details
Pediatric physical therapy and/or occupational therapy

Illnesses & minor injuries

While routine visits focus on prevention, your child’s doctor can also evaluate common health concerns that may come up in day-to-day life. Unsure if your child’s condition requires emergency care? Call your physician’s office for guidance.

Fevers and coughs

Evaluation for viral or bacterial infections, including flu and colds.

Stomach and digestion concerns

Help with tummy aches, constipation, nausea, and dietary issues.

Skin, ear and eye issues

Diagnosis and care for rashes, ear infections, pink eye and more.

Sleep challenges

Support for sleep routines, night waking, and sleep-related behaviors.

Allergies

Identification and management of seasonal, food or environmental allergies.

Minor injuries

Sprains, strains, sunburns, non-urgent cuts and scrapes.

School & sports physicals

Need a physical for school, sports or camp? We offer quick and convenient appointments to complete required health forms and make sure your child is ready to participate safely in physical activities.

State of Illinois school & sports physical requirements

The State of Illinois Certificate of Child Health Examination form must be submitted to your child’s school at the following times:

Students entering preschool, kindergarten, sixth (6th) grade and ninth (9th) grade.
New students from out of state must complete a physical examination within one calendar year of the date of entry.
Sports physicals are required yearly for all athletes participating in school sponsored athletic programs. They must be completed prior to the first day of participation. Sixth and ninth graders do not need a separate sports physical.

Your healthcare office will provide a completed State of Illinois Certificate of Child Health Examination form at your appointment.

Illustration of a woman using a smartphone, with a yellow background.

When to schedule a routine appointment

Most children should have a checkup:

Within a few days of birth
At 2, 4, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18 and 24 months
Yearly from ages 3-21

Your doctor may recommend more frequent visits based on your child’s health and needs.

Preparing for your appointment

What should I bring to the first visit?

Please bring your child’s medical records, including growth charts, vaccine history, test results, and notes from any specialists. This helps your doctor understand your child’s health history and make informed recommendations.

What happens during a routine exam?

Your child’s doctor or advanced practice provider will review your child’s growth and development, complete a head-to-toe physical exam, check vital signs, and discuss any concerns you may have. We’ll also provide screenings, vaccinations and guidance based on your child’s age.

How do I schedule well-child visits and vaccinations?

Most pediatric offices schedule well-child visits in advance, based on age-based checkup schedules. Your doctor will let you know when your child is due for vaccines or developmental screenings. You can schedule by phone or through your patient portal.

When should I see a specialist instead of my pediatrician?

Your pediatrician is your first stop for most health concerns. They can manage common issues and guide routine care. If your child has a complex, chronic or specific condition, your pediatrician will refer you to a specialist when it’s appropriate.

What if my child is sick before their well visit?

Call your doctor’s office. Depending on the symptoms, they may reschedule the well visit or convert it to a sick visit to better address your child’s needs.

What if I have questions after the appointment?

You can message your doctor, nurse practitioner or physician’s assistant through the online patient portal or call the office directly. Many practices offer follow-up reminders and digital tools to help answer your questions between visits.

How do I access my child’s medical records or get a referral?

Most records and referral requests can be handled through your online patient portal. You can also call the office if you need help. If your child needs a referral to a specialist, your care team will help coordinate the next steps.

How can I stay on top of my child’s care plan over time?

Your child’s care team will work with you to develop a personalized care plan, especially if your child has long-term or complex needs. This plan may include checkups, therapies, referrals and home care tips — and your care team will help you navigate each step.