FAQ
Well child visits are an essential part of a child’s health, attending routine visits can help to monitor your child’s overall health and development. Well child visits should be performed from birth to 20 years old under the EPSDT benefit. The following age intervals highlight important topics, recommended screens, and immunizations (shots). Each visit should follow the recommended guidelines provided by the American Academy of Pediatrics.
| An anemia screen is a brief blood test done to identify those who have or are at risk of developing an iron deficiency. |
| An autism screen is done to identify early and manage potential developmental and behavioral challenges. There are many tools to assess autism in children, speak with your provider to determine the best option for your child. |
| A behavioral health screen is done to identify and manage mental health conditions. Early detection is important in preventing some of the long-term effects associated with a childhood mental disorder. |
| During regular well-child visits, the pediatrician will complete an oral screening to check your child’s teeth, gums and apply fluoride varnish. In addition to the oral screening, it is recommended that children visit their dentist every 6 months for a dental checkup. |
| A developmental screen is done to take a closer look at how your child is developing. Developmental screens can come in the form of a brief test or questionnaire. |
| A hearing screen is done to identify early and manage hearing loss. Hearing screens for children can take place in several settings such as, school, community, home, or medical settings. |
| The pediatrician completes an HIV/STI screen by getting a sexual history to determine if there is a risk for HIV/STI. The pediatrician may offer testing if an increased risk is identified. |
| A blood test is given to check to see if a child had exposure to lead. If lead level is high, follow up is recommended that may include additional testing and treatment to remove lead from the body. |
| Tobacco, Alcohol, Drug Use and Depression are identified through a self-administered questionnaire or interview given by the pediatrician. After the screening the pediatrician will address any risk and offer health education. |
| A vision screening is a brief eye and vision check to help identify vision issues. Some screenings may be performed by asking your child to read or match images in an age-appropriate way, others may use special tools |