How Much Does a Well-Baby Doctor Visit Cost?
In order to ensure that your baby is growing properly, it is recommended that you schedule well-baby doctors visits on a regular basis. In the first year, a baby should see the doctor for 7 well-visits: between 2-5 days after birth, and then at one, two, four, six, nine, and twelve months. During the second year, the baby will usually visit every three months.
How much does a well-baby delivery visit cost?
Without insurance, the cost of a well-baby doctor’s visit is right around $100. However, the majority of these visits are covered by insurance and the only thing you will need to pay is your copay, which could range from $5-$25 depending on your insurance provider. A baby will need a visit during the first week of life, followed by a two-week visit, four-month visit, six-month visit, nine-month visit, and first-year visit.
Without insurance, the cost of immunizations for your baby’s first year will be, on average, a little over $600. This won’t include the physician fee. This cost is almost always covered by insurance, however, and some states even do it for free for those without insurance.
According to BMO Harris Bank, the average out-of-pocket medical expenses in the first year is about $1,297.
| Physician visit at hospital with Hep B vaccine injected | $250 |
| 3 day well visit | $150 |
| 2 week well visit with newborn screening | $500 |
| 4 month well visit with the DTaP, Hib, PCB, Rotavirus and IPV immunizations | $550 |
| 6 month well visit with the DTaP, Hep B, PCV, Hib, Rotavirus and IPV immunizations | $550 |
| 9 month well visit with immunizations | $550 |
| 12 month well visit with MMR, Hepatitis A, Varicella, Hib and PCV immunizations | $550 |
| TOTAL | $3,100 without insurance |
Well-baby delivery visit overview
As noted on the charts above, well-baby visits will be done during the first week, first month, second month, fourth month, sixth month and ninth month.
Mayo clinic provides much information regarding what to expect at each of the child’s well-baby check-ups in the first year.
The doctor will take the baby’s measurements including his or her height, weight, and head circumference. A doctor will use a chart to see how your child is growing compared to other children in the same range.
Your baby’s head will be checked for soft spots as well as external problems such as cradle cap.
The doctor will look in the baby’s ears, mouth, and eyes.
A stethoscope will be used to listen to the baby’s heart and lungs.
The doctor will press and feel the baby’s abdomen to make sure there are no problems with the organs.
The doctor will move the baby’s hips and legs around to see if there are any dislocations or bone problems.
The baby’s genitalia will be checked for a number of different things, such as a hernia.
Immunizations will also be given according to schedule.
During these visits, a pediatrician will ask if the baby is hitting milestones, is active and is eating well.
What are the extra costs?
Some doctor offices charge a “new patient” or “processing” fee for the first visit.
The visits discussed here are only well-baby visits. If your child becomes ill, the cost will increase.
Tips to know:
When choosing a pediatrician, be sure to ask friends and family for a recommendation. While the Yellow Pages can help with the search, you’re not going to be able to get a first-hand experience. Neighbors, friends and family will be more than happy to assist those with recommending a good pediatrician.
Do a background check with your pediatrician to see if any wrongdoings have been done in the past. The Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB) can show you if there are serious disciplinary actions, or if there are any bad marks.
It doesn’t hurt to interview a handful of those that you’re interested in. Before talking with one, make sure that your insurance company works with this doctor.
Take a look around the office. How clean is the office? Talk with the staff. How is the staff? Are they accommodating? Do they feel annoyed when you ask them questions during off hour sessions? Does the pediatrician make you feel stupid when you ask questions? It’s always best to trust your gut.
Be sure to add your newborn to your health insurance policy within 30 days.
According to the Affordable Care Act, the health care reform law notes that well-baby visits must be covered.
Questions to ask:
How many doctor’s offices do you have? If there is more than one, ask them why they have more than one.
What are the latest trends with diseases, nutrition and treatments? What are you doing to help prevent these problems?
What is your experience with working with children? How long have you been practicing medicine?
Do you have any references that I can talk to?
Is my baby up to date with immunizations?
What can I do to make sure my baby is sleeping healthy?
How much television can my baby watch?
How can I compare prices?
Most people find a doctor based on a friend or family member’s recommendation.
Some insurance companies have a list of recommended doctors from which to choose.
Websites such as pediatricians.com can help you find a pediatrician in your area. Be hesitant when reading reviews online. These reviews can commonly be rigged by insiders.
Tips to know:
When choosing a pediatrician, be sure to ask friends and family for a recommendation. While the Yellow Pages can help with the search, you’re not going to be able to get a first-hand experience. Neighbors, friends and family will be more than happy to assist those with recommending a good pediatrician.
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Average Reported Cost: $122
How much did you spend?
- Anonymous (Waukesha, Wisconsin) paid $122 and said:
Well Child visit was $122 with no ins.
Was it worth it? Yes
