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  Preventive health care services are provided for children from birth up through 18 years of age (up to 20 years for
  some services).  These services include health screenings, physical exams (EPSDTs), and immunizations.

        The goals of these services are: 
            1. Early detection of health related problems and 
            2. The promotion of optimal growth and development for all children.


Preventative services are provided at four clinic sites – Birchwood, Family Health Clinic (downtown), Ooltewah Health Clinic, and Sequoyah Health Clinic. Click here for clinic locations.

All services have a charge but may be discounted through a ‘sliding scale fee system’ based on family size and income.

Appointments are required for some services, others are walk-in (no appointment needed).

Check with the clinic of your choice if you have questions about fees or appointments.


Programs and Services

Newborn Genetic Screenings:
Newborn screening allows for the early diagnosis of metabolic disorders, followed by appropriate medical treatment. All babies born in Tennessee are screened for certain genetic conditions - this screening generally occurs before a baby leaves the hospital after birth. If any of the test results are abnormal showing a possible disorder, the Department of Health follows up with the baby’s doctor to initiate retesting, confirmation and treatment from a specialist if necessary. Early diagnosis and treatment can make the difference between a child leading a relatively normal life or having more significant developmental delays, long-term health care needs, or even death.

Click here for more Newborn Genetic Screening information.
                                                                        

Well Child Physical Exams or EPSDT (Early Periodic Screening Diagnosis and Treatment):
Well child exams or EPSDT exams provide for routine and periodic physical and developmental assessment of children ages from birth up through 20 years of age.

Children on TennCare are provided these exams (called EPSDT under MEDICAID) as part of the basic TennCare services. Children not on TennCare can receive these same exam services on a ‘sliding scale’ or discount fee system. Well child exams (or EPSDT exams) are provided at each of the following: Birchwood Health Clinic, Family Health Clinic, Ooltewah Health Clinic, and Sequoyah Clinic.  Appointments are required for these services. Parents are requested to bring a copy of the child’s immunization record to the clinic at the time of the exam. Call your health care provider or one of our clinics to make an appointment.

EPSDT stands for Early Periodic Screening, Diagnosis, and Treatment is a program of scheduled checkups (well child exams or a physical exam) and screenings for children ages 20 years and below to detect and treat health problems. EPSDT checkups are FREE for all children who have TennCare and are offered on a discounted fee system to those who are not on TennCare and qualify.

Early

Many problems can be prevented or stopped before they get worse.

Periodic

Checkups are needed on a regular basis to monitor growth and development. See schedule.

Screening

Checkups include the following examinations and tests:
  • Complete physical exam
  • Eye test
  • Hearing test
  • All needed shots
  • Blood tests and lab tests as needed
  • Growth and development check
  • Nutrition check and facts on healthy eating
  • Referral to the dentist beginning at age 3 for regular dental checkups

Diagnosis

The health care provider will make a diagnosis of anything unusual found during the checkup. Further tests or a referral to a specialist may be needed.

Treatment

Referrals are made for treatment for any physical, mental or developmental problems that are found.

Remember: Take your child to your health care provider anytime your child is sick. If you or someone who works with your child suspects a physical, mental or developmental problem, take your child to the doctor even if it is not time for a checkup.

Click here for more EPSDT information.

Click on a topic below for information on:


 


Head Lice Exams (Pediculosis):
Head lice (also called Pediculus humanus capitis (peh-DICK-you-lus HUE-man-us CAP-ih-TUS), are parasitic insects found on the heads of people. Having head lice is very common. Head lice are most commonly found on the scalp, behind the ears and near the neckline at the back of the neck.

Signs and symptoms of head lice infestation:  

  • Tickling feeling of something moving in the hair.
  • Itching, caused by an allergic reaction to the bites.
  • Irritability.
  • Sores on the head caused by scratching. These sores can sometimes become infected.

Who gets head lice:

Anyone who comes in close contact (especially head-to-head contact) with someone who already has head lice is at greatest risk. Occasionally, head lice may be acquired from contact with clothing (such as hats, scarves, coats) or other personal items (such as brushes or towels) that belong to an infested person. Preschool and elementary-age children, ages 3-11, and their families are infested most often. Personal hygiene or cleanliness in the home or school has nothing to do with getting head lice.

Nursing staff at any of the MCH clinics can assist you in identifying a head lice infestation and provide treatment information (often called a ‘head check’). These services are provided on a ‘sliding scale’ or discount system. Education, examination for lice, and provision of over the counter (OTC) medications are provided. Appointments are not needed. Services are available at the following sites: Birchwood Health Clinic, Family Health Clinic, Ooltewah Health Clinic, and Sequoyah Clinic.

Click here for general head lice and treatment information.

 
Childhood Immunizations:
Childhood immunization services are provided at the following sites: Birchwood Health Clinic, Family Health Clinic, Ooltewah Health Clinic, and Sequoyah Clinic. Immunizations charges for children below the age of 19 years of age are discounted on a sliding scale fee system; no appointment is needed.