Preventive Screenings
There are several screenings performed during a preventive visit to ensure your child is developing normally. Although these screenings are part of standard pediatric medical practice and recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), you may wish to check with your specific plan prior to your appointment.
Developmental Screening (CPT code 96110)
Smiling for the first time, crawling, and saying her first words are just some of the things we consider developmental milestones. Every child develops at her own pace; however, failing to meet her developmental milestones can be indicative of a more serious medical condition. The Ages & Stages questionnaire is a screening tool used by your pediatrician to help identify those children in need of further evaluation and those who are developing typically.
The Ages & Stages questionnaire will be offered for you to complete at your child's preventive visits for age 9 months, 18 months, and 30 months. As a partner in your child's health care, we want to recognize and treat any possible developmental delays, helping your child reach her full potential.
You may prefer to complete your Questionnaire online, in the convenience of your own home, prior to your child's appointment. You will receive an email 2 weeks prior to your child's appointment with a link to the Questionnaire, or you may scroll to the bottom of this page and click on Questionnaires. If you need help with your login information, please call our office and a receptionist will be happy to assist you.
M-CHAT(R) (CPT code 96110)
Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers: This questionnaire is offered at ages 18 and 24 months and is designed to identify young children who may be at risk for Autism Spectrum Disorder or other developmental delays.
You will receive an email 2 weeks prior to your child's appointment with a link to the Questionnaire, or you may scroll to the bottom of this page and click on Questionnaires.
Vision Photoscreening (CPT code 99177)
At The Children's Clinic, vision screening is a part of your child's annual preventive visits. In addition, at the 1-, 3-, and 5-year visits, we are implementing state-of-the-art technology for vision photoscreening. After much research and investigation, we have obtained the PediaVision Plusoptix vision screener. This test is fast, taking only seconds to test for the following:
- Nearsightedness (myopia)
- Farsightedness (hyperopia)
- Unequal refractive power (anisometropia)
- Blurred vision, eye structure problem (astigmatism)
- Pupil size deviations (anisocoria)
- Corneal reflexes (strabismus)
If your child fails any component of the vision photoscreen, we will provide a referral to one of the local pediatric ophthalmologists.
Depression Screening (CPT code 96127)
For Adolescents
Approximately 10% of teenagers suffer from clinical depression. Another 20% experience some form of depression before they reach adulthood. Clinical depression is a serious medical condition requiring immediate attention. Teen depression has been linked to poor school performance, strained social relationships, and substance abuse. Suicide, the most severe expression of the condition, is the 2nd leading cause of death in teens. The Children's Clinic, recognizing the importance of mental health screening, provides the PHQ-9 adolescent depression screen during annual preventive visits, starting at 12 years old. This can be done in the privacy of your teen's own home using the Questionnaire link found at the bottom of the screen or confidentially here in our office.
For Our Patients' Mothers (no charge)
Depression is a common illness that can affect anyone. It occurs twice as often in women as in men. 1 in 5 women (20%) and 1 in 10 men (10%) are affected by depression at some point in their lives. Women are especially vulnerable to depression during childbearing years. Mothers with depression have a much greater negative impact on their child's health and development than if the father has depression. The Children's Clinic recognizes the importance of mental health screening and performs this routinely for mothers/fathers at Preventive visits. This can be done in the privacy of your own home using the Questionnaire link found at the bottom of the screen or confidentially here in our office.
