Children's Preventative Services

Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis and Treatment (EPSDT)

Children have special health care needs and should see their PCP regularly for well and sick care. The EPSDT program is for all children from age 0 through 20 years old. It is also called Well Child Care.

Well Child (EPSDT) screenings include the following:

Complete Physical Exams
Dental Screenings
Developmental, Behavioral and Nutrition Assessment
Hearing/Speech and Vision Screenings
Immunizations (shots)
Laboratory Work
Screening for Anemia, Lead, Sickle Cell and TB
Health Education
Referrals to Specialists

Why are Well Child visits important?

Your PCP has a normal baseline for your child, which is used for comparison when your child is sick.
Your PCP can better address growth, developmental, behavioral and nutritional issues.
Your PCP can review needs for specialist, therapies or equipment.
Your PCP can screen for new problems e.g., vision problems, scoliosis, anemia, etc.

Every child over age 2 should have a Well Child visit every year. Under age 2 the recommended schedule for Well Child visits is at 2, 4, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18 and 24 months.