Article Link: http://exchangepress.com/article/ask-dr.-sue-new-national-schedule-for-childrens-checkups/5013219/
In March 2000, the American Academy of Pediatrics published the revised national schedule of Recommendations for Preventive Pediatric Health Care. This schedule defines the minimum number and content of periodic health visits for children. Beginning in the prenatal period and continuing through age 21, these preventive care guidelines correspond with predictable opportunities for prevention at each stage of child and family development. Achieving full value from preventive care requires trusted relationships between competent health professionals and families. Clinicians build these relationships with continuity of care over time.The purpose of the check-up schedule is to identify risks for diseases and conditions and offer services to prevent them. Since the schedule is a universal baseline for preventive care for all children, children and families with special problems and vulnerabilities require more than the minimum schedule. To obtain a copy of the revised schedule that was published in the March issue of the journal Pediatrics, call (800) 433-9016, extension 7918.
When implemented, the check-up schedule provides comprehensive, family-centered care that is sensitive to the world of the child. Unfortunately, problems with health insurance, language, inconvenience of services, scheduling problems, and competing priorities all interfere with achieving the benefits of recommended well-child care. Well-child checkups help ...