When is a global review of all medications recommended for pediatric patients?

• A. Only during ED/urgent care visits
• B. Only at annual wellness visits
• C. Only after major care transitions
• D. During the annual well visit and after major care transitions

Answer: (D)

A comprehensive medication review, or reconciliation, is essential to keep a pediatric patient’s meds safe and appropriate. Kids often use multiple prescriptions plus over-the-counter remedies and supplements, and dosing changes as they grow can make previous plans unsafe or ineffective. Performing a full review at the annual well visit helps verify the entire list, ensure dosing is correct for current weight and age, and catch potential duplications or interactions. After major care transitions—such as hospital discharge or a change in the primary or specialty care team—a fresh review is needed because new medications may be started or old ones stopped, and the overall regimen may change. ED or urgent care visits focus on the immediate issue, so they aren’t the best opportunities to conduct a complete, longitudinal medication check. Therefore, the best practice is to review all medications during the annual well visit and after major transitions.