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A woman in green attire gently cradles two babies in her arms, showcasing a tender moment of care and affection.

EPSDT (Well Child Care)

EARLY: Assessing and identifying problems early

PERIODIC: Checking children’s health at periodic, age-appropriate intervals

SCREENING: Physical, behavioral, developmental, dental, hearing, vision and other screening tests to detect potential problems

DIAGNOSTIC: Tests to follow up when a risk is identified

TREATMENT: Control, correct or reduce health

Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis and Treatment is a federal mandate that provides comprehensive and preventive healthcare services for children under age 21 who are enrolled in Medicaid. In Florida, the program is often called Well Child Visits.

It’s important for children to receive screenings and preventive care to avert health problems or diagnose and treat them as soon as possible. Early intervention addresses problems before they become advanced and improves long-term health outcomes.

The program covers all medically necessary services without limit to correct or ameliorate defects. This means services do not have to be considered a cure to be covered. Services that maintain or improve a child’s physical or behavioral health condition are covered. This is especially important for children with disabilities to prevent conditions from worsening, reduce pain or avert the development of additional illnesses.

Services can include:

  • Physician, nurse practitioner and hospital care;
  • Physical, speech/language, and occupational therapies;
  • Home health services, including medical equipment, supplies, and appliances;
  • Treatment for behavioral health and substance use disorders; and
  • Treatment for vision, hearing and dental diseases and disorders.
  • Immunizations

Screenings can include:

  • Comprehensive health and developmental history
  • Development and behavioral screening
  • Vision, dental and hearing screening
  • Lab tests, including lead toxicity
  • Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis and Treatment is a federal mandate that provides comprehensive and preventive healthcare services for children under age 21 who are enrolled in Medicaid. In Florida, the program is often called Well Child Visits.

  • It’s important for children to receive screenings and preventive care to avert health problems or diagnose and treat them as soon as possible. Early intervention addresses problems before they become advanced and improves long-term health outcomes.

  • The program covers all medically necessary services without limit to correct or ameliorate defects. This means services do not have to be considered a cure to be covered. Services that maintain or improve a child’s physical or behavioral health condition are covered. This is especially important for children with disabilities to prevent conditions from worsening, reduce pain or avert the development of additional illnesses.

    Services can include:

    • Physician, nurse practitioner and hospital care;
    • Physical, speech/language, and occupational therapies;
    • Home health services, including medical equipment, supplies, and appliances;
    • Treatment for behavioral health and substance use disorders; and
    • Treatment for vision, hearing and dental diseases and disorders.
    • Immunizations

    Screenings can include:

    • Comprehensive health and developmental history
    • Development and behavioral screening
    • Vision, dental and hearing screening
    • Lab tests, including lead toxicity