HealthCheck

There are three main reasons to complete a HealthCheck visit:

1. To find and treat health problems for children and adults younger than 21
2. To let you know about the special health services for children and young adults
3. To make those younger than 21 eligible for certain services not otherwise covered
   

HealthCheck exams look at all parts of your child's health during regular doctor visits and include:

• Head-to-toe physical exams
• Hearing and vision checks
• Dental checks
• Vaccines
• Lab tests
• Growth and development checks
• Nutrition education and information
• Other health information
  

The doctor can help to find out if your child:

• Is meeting growth and developmental milestones.
• Has ear or eye problems.
• Has tooth decay.
• Needs any vaccines or tests.
• Has high blood sugar (called Diabetes).
• Has low blood or sickle cell disease.
• Has stomach problems.
• Is experiencing any mental, emotional, or substance abuse problems.
• Has any other medical problems.
  

CCHP follows the American Academy of Pediatrics’ Bright Futures recommendations. Visit this healthychildren.org webpage for more details: Bright Futures schedule for checkups.

During the first three years of life, your child will have several HealthCheck visits. These visits help the doctor watch your child’s growth, development and early health needs. Your child should have visits at these ages:

• 3-5 days after birth
• 1 month old
• 2 months old
• 4 months old
• 6 months old
• 9 months old
• 12 months (1 year) old
• 15 months old
• 18 months old
• 24 months (2 years) old
• 30 months old
• 36 months (3 years) old

At these visits, the doctor may check for lead exposure, hearing or vision problems, and how your child is developing. The doctor will also look at your child’s teeth and may put fluoride varnish on them as they start to come in.

How to get ready: Bring any questions you have about feeding, sleep, behavior or development. If your child takes any medicines or vitamins, bring a list. You can also bring a blanket or toy to help your child feel comfortable.

Children ages 3 to 8 should have a HealthCheck visit once a year. These visits help the doctor see how your child is growing, learning and building healthy habits. During the visit, the doctor may:

• Check hearing and vision
• Check how your child is developing
• Check behavior and mental health
• Test for lead exposure
• Do lab tests
• Teach about healthy eating and being active
• Make sure your child is ready for sports or other activities
• Talk about how your child is doing in school

How to get ready: Think about any changes in your child’s behavior, learning or daily routines. Bring any school or daycare forms you need. Be ready to talk about your child’s eating habits, activity levels and everyday schedule.

Children ages 9 to 12 should have a HealthCheck visit once a year. These visits help your child grow in a healthy way. They also help with early mental health needs and getting ready for puberty. During the visit, the doctor may:

• Check hearing and vision
• Check behavior and mental health
• Do lab tests
• Teach about healthy eating and being active
• Teach about changes during puberty
• Make sure they are ready for sports or other activities
• Talk about how your child is doing in school

How to get ready: This is a good time to talk with your child about any questions they have about their changing body or feelings. Bring any school or sports forms. Think about what you want the doctor to talk about, like sleep, screen time or friendships.

Teens and young adults ages 13 to 21 should have a HealthCheck visit once a year. These visits help their bodies and minds stay healthy as they grow into adults. During the visit, the doctor may:

• Check hearing and vision
• Check behavior and mental health
• Do lab tests
• Teach about healthy eating and being active
• Teach about changes during puberty
• Make sure they are ready for sports or other activities
• Talk about how school is going
• Talk about starting a job
• Help them learn how to move to adult health care

How to get ready: Encourage your teen to take part in their own health. They can bring their own questions or worries. They may also talk alone with the doctor about things like feelings, friendships or future plans. Bring any forms needed for school, work or sports.