Doctor visits & tests

Recommended tests and screenings for children at different ages. The list is alphabetical.

Assessments, screenings and counseling

Alcohol and drug use assessment

For ages 11-18, during each visit. Counseling for those at risk.

 

Anticipatory guidelines as defined by Bright Futures

At your doctor’s discretion for all children throughout their development.

Autism screening

 
At 18 and 24 months

Blood pressure

Every year starting at age 3

Cavity prevention

Doctors should apply fluoride varnish to teeth of children up to age of 5 (not a dental benefit)

Congenital hypothyroidism screening

Once at birth

Depression screening and behavioral assessments

At your doctor's discretion for children of all ages

Developmental screening

At 9 and 18 months old and with checkups throughout development

Dyslipidemia screening

Assess risk at 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 years old, then every year through age 18. Routine lab testing is not recommended but may be done for children at high risk.

Gonorrhea preventive medication

Once at birth

Hearing loss screening

All newborns and at ages 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12, 15 and 18 years

Height, weight and body mass percentile

Height and weight at each visit up to age 2. After age 2, body mass percentile.

Hematocrit or hemoglobin screening

Once at 12 months, once between ages 11 and 18, and once every year for menstruating adolescents

Hepatitis B screening

Adolescents at high risk

HIV screening

Start at age 15. Screening for children under 15, if they're at high risk.

Lead screening

At 12 and 24 months for children at high risk. Risk assessment for lead exposure between 6-12 months old, 24 months and between 2-6 years.

Medical history

At each well-child visit

Newborn screenings

Once at birth. (As identified by the Federal Health Resources and Services Administration.)

Obesity screening & physical activity and nutrition counseling

At your doctor's discretion starting at age 6

Oral health risk assessment

At 12, 18, 24 and 30 months old and 3 and 6 years old

Sexually transmitted infections (STI) prevention screening and counseling

At your doctor's discretion for all sexually active adolescents

Skin cancer prevention counseling

Fair-skinned children and adolescents ages 6 months to 24 years old should receive counseling to minimize exposure to UV radiation

Tobacco-use screening and counseling

During each visit. Includes cessation interventions for tobacco users and expanded counseling for pregnant tobacco users.

Tuberculosis (TB) testing

At your doctor's discretion for children at high risk

Vision screening

At ages 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12, 15 and 18