Do you know the difference between a well-check and an office visit?

At Cincinnati Children’s Liberty, Mason and Springdale Primary Care, we always want what’s best for you and your child. That’s why we try to keep well-check appointments and office visits separate whenever possible.

However, these visits do get combined because of certain circumstances. We’re happy to do this, but insurance requires us to bill for additional services. We want to eliminate potential confusion and help our families understand their charges.

Well check vs. an office visit

A preventive physical is your typical well check. It’s a thorough review of your child’s general health and well-being. At this head-to-toe checkup, your provider will also ask about sleeping, diet and other behaviors. We also administer immunizations occur during well checks.

An office visit is an appointment about a specific health problem your child is having. This includes anything outside of a well check, such as the flu, strep throat or another medical condition. In an office visit, your doctor  diagnoses and prescribes any medicine needed to get better.

What happens if your child is sick at a well check?

Let’s say your child comes in for a well check but also feels sick. Your Cincinnati Children’s Liberty, Mason and Springdale Primary Care provider will diagnose and prescribe any necessary medicine during the appointment. However, this portion of the visit will be billed separately because there are additional services. If your preventive physical includes consultation or treatment for a specific condition, your provider is legally required to report additional medical services on your bill.

Want more information about well checks and office visits?

You can check out our FAQ guide below.

For more information

At Cincinnati Children’s Liberty, Mason and Springdale Primary Care, we’re here for you and your family every step of the way.  If you have questions about your particular insurance, you can call our billing department at 513-336-6700. Check out our additional website Resources and follow us on Facebook.