115-7          EARLY AND PERIODIC SCREENING, DIAGNOSIS, AND TREATMENT (EPSDTEarly and Periodic Screening Diagnosis and Treatment)

The EPSDTEarly and Periodic Screening Diagnosis and Treatment program is administered by the Division of Health Care Services in the Department of Health. The goal of the Early Periodic Screening, Diagnostic, and Treatment (EPSDTEarly and Periodic Screening Diagnosis and Treatment) program is to improve the health status of children by assuring provision of preventive services and follow-through care. EPSDTEarly and Periodic Screening Diagnosis and Treatment services are available to all Medicaid eligible individuals under the age of 21. The focus of the EPSDTEarly and Periodic Screening Diagnosis and Treatment program is to ensure preventative care and treatment designed to:

• Help families effectively use health care resources,
• Assess children's health needs through initial and periodic exams, and
• Ensure that health problems found are diagnosed and treated early, before they become more complex and their treatment more costly.

The EPSDTEarly and Periodic Screening Diagnosis and Treatment program informs families of these benefits through frequent mailings and newsletters.

EPSDTEarly and Periodic Screening Diagnosis and Treatment is available to all persons under age 21 who are receiving, or who are eligible to receive Medicaid benefits; however, parental consent is required for the coverage of non-emancipated minors.

Screenings covers: physical and mental history, assessment of growth, development, physical defects, ear-nose and throat, cardiac, anemia, sickle cell, lead poisoning, tuberculosis, diabetes, infection, urinary disorders, nutrition, immunization, vision and hearing testing.

The recipient has an I.D. card or coupons to present to the health care provider.