Pima Health System provides comprehensive health care services for all eligible, enrolled children through the Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis and Treatment (EPSDT) program. PHS children may be enrolled in the Acute Care Program (under 21 years of age), KidsCare Program (under 19 years of age), or the Long-Term Care Program (under 21 years of age). Regardless of program affiliation, services concentrate on primary prevention, early intervention, diagnosis, and medically necessary treatment of physical and behavioral health problems.

Well child check-ups are the foundation of the EPSDT program and four basic screens are provided: medical, vision, hearing, and dental. EPSDT screenings are due a least one time in each of the following age groups:

2-4 Days, 1 Months, 2 Months, 4 Months, 6 Months, 9 Months, 12 Months, 15 Months, 18 Months, 24 Months, 3 Years, 4 Years, 5 Years, 6 Years, 8 Years, 10-13 Years, 14-17 Years, and 18-20 Years.

EPSDT visit findings must be documented on:

• Age-specific EPSDT Tracking form
• Age-specific growth charts, and
• Immunization records.

All PHS EPSDT services: (1) meet or exceed the minimum standards outlined in the AHCCCS EPSDT Services Policy; (2) are appropriate for the age, health history, and risk determination of the EPSDT member, and (3) include:

• comprehensive health and developmental history
• comprehensive unclothed physical exam
• nutritional assessment
• developmental assessment
• laboratory tests (including blood lead level and tuberculosis screening)
• immunization screening and assessment
• vision/hearing/speech screening
• oral health screening and dental treatment
• medically necessary transportation
• follow up of members with incomplete immunizations
• follow up for EPSDT members failing to keep appointments
• anticipatory guidance provided by the PCP during each EPSDT visit,
• organ and tissue transplantation,
• case management services,
• behavioral health services, and
• health education.

Health care providers are in the perfect position to monitor the growth and development of children and to educate parents about many aspects of child rearing, such as adequate nutrition, oral health and injury prevention. The educational EPSDT program requirement, "Anticipatory Guidance", is a valuable component of this program.