Well Child Program

EPSDT is the Early, Periodic, Screening and Diagnostic Treatment Program, more generally known as the Well Child Program. Every child up to the age of 21 years who is eligible for Medicaid or Denali Kid Care is entitled to receive a comprehensive set of healthcare services under this program.

A Well Child exam includes

• a complete physical exam
• vision and hearing tests
• lab tests, including hemoglobin and urinalysis
• immunizations, if needed
• dental assessment
• nutrition assessment
• developmental and behavioral assessments
• health education and anticipatory guidance.

The program trains community health practitioners (CHPs) to perform the well child exam. Currently, there are 78 active EPSDT-trained CHPs in 39 villages. In just one month, 23 vision and 18 hearing deficits were detected, and 32 dental referrals were made as a result of these exams.

On October 9, 2002, YKHC and the State of Alaska signed an agreement of continuing cooperation through which the EPSDT Program will be expanded to include children aged six weeks to four years. The first phase began in November, 2003 and will focus on CHPs at the four subregional clinics who are trained in performing EPSDT exams for 5-20 year olds.

A Director (Pediatric Nurse Practitioner) and three Clinical Instructors (two Family Nurse Practitioners and one Registered Nurse) staff the Well Child/EPSDT Program. Each member is actively involved in curriculum development, implementation and evaluation, training, field supervision, quality assurance, data collection and case management.

We are committed to increasing the number of CHPs trained in Well Child exams and further serving the children of the YK Delta.

Contact

Anna Simon

1 (800) 478-3321 (extension 6155)
or 907-543-6155