Welcoming a new baby is such an exciting time for families! As you prepare to bring your bundle of joy home for the first time, you should also get everything ready for their first pediatric care appointment.
All new babies should be seen by our pediatric team at Valencia Pediatrics in Victorville, California, within a week after birth, so it’s important to be prepared for that first visit. Here’s what pediatricians Rainilda Valencia, MD, and Deepika Saini, MD, FAAP, recommend you do to ensure your new baby has their new patient visit on time.
The best time to choose a pediatrician is before your baby is born. If you’re in the final months of pregnancy, we’d be delighted to meet with your family so we can get to know each other and see if we’re a good match.
If you’re already part of our practice, it’s an easier process to get your child scheduled for their initial well-child exam 3-5 days after birth. However, when the unexpected happens, we always do our best to accommodate new patients who are born prematurely, adopted on short notice, or otherwise aren’t enrolled before they’re born.
Most health care plans require you to add your baby to your existing health insurance policy or buy a new one within 30 days of your baby’s birth. Staff at your current health insurer or the hospital where you give birth can help you understand the health insurance options available for your child.
Before your first appointment, we ask you to complete a registration form to enroll your child in our practice. You can fill it out in advance or in our waiting area.
Along with the new patient form, we ask you to bring:
Children of any age who are changing pediatricians are welcome at Valencia Pediatrics. If your child has seen another medical provider, we ask you to have the doctor transfer past medical records to our office.
Ideally, your child’s first visit to the pediatrician should happen at 3-5 days old. This visit can take longer than subsequent visits, since it involves more paperwork and getting to know your family and baby for the first time.
We start by reviewing your child’s hospital birth records and discussing important family medical history. You can also expect us to track your newborn’s height and weight on growth charts and do a general exam of their health.
The first visit may also involve health screenings and early vaccinations. We’re also here to discuss any questions you have about caring for your newborn in their first weeks.
You can expect to leave the appointment with a schedule of your child’s upcoming well-child exams, vaccinations, and screenings. We ensure you know what to do if you have any concerns or your child appears unwell.
If your child is an older new patient, what’s covered at the first well-child visit depends on their age and previous medical history.
By preparing for your baby’s arrival as early as possible, you and your little one can have a smooth and easy experience at their first pediatric visit. If you’re expecting, have just given birth, or need a new pediatrician for a child of any age, contact us to get enrolled.
