Well Child Visits

Well child visits are an important part of childhood preventive health.

The primary goal of preventive care is to recognize and treat health conditions that could have significant impact upon the healthy development of children and adolescents. Researchers have found that increases in well child visits are associated with fewer avoidable hospitalizations, less emergency department use, and improved child health. (Selden, Pediatrics, 2006)

During a typical well child visit, parents get important advice and information about normal development milestones, diet, immunizations, infectious disease news, general care, and other health topics. Well child visits provide a unique opportunity to detect and treat physical and mental disabilities early.

In 2010, approximately 87 percent of the members of Community Health Plan of Washington Medicaid programs were younger than 21. This young population creates an important impetus to continue the 2011 well child visits quality improvement project.

Using a variety of interventions, Community Health Plan informs members about the importance of well child visits and about Children First™, an incentive program that rewards members who complete milestone exams.

Interventions include:

  • A trifold brochure, Well Child Visits and Immunizations—Roadmap to Health & Wellness, is mailed to new mothers.
  • Postcards are mailed on specific birthdays to remind parents about well child exams and what to expect during visits.
  • Center Report 1228 EPSDT Well Child Members Due for Visit is available to providers. The report is a list of members eligible for Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis and Treatment (EPSDT) visits and which tests and immunizations they are due for.
  • Automated telephone calls remind members about the importance of well child exams.

 

Resources for Immunization and Well Child Visits