Health Plan of San Joaquin (HPSJ) reminds families – Well Child Visits are a part of their child’s HPSJ benefits, And making sure vaccines are current is essential
(French Camp, CA) – Health Plan of San Joaquin is putting out this message to make sure families know that if their children are health plan members Well Child Visits are an important part of their child’s HPSJ benefits. The Well Child Visits are for members from the age of 12 months to 19 years old. During this visit, doctors can make a record of the family’s health, give health exams, and do lab work. The American Academy of Pediatrics says children should visit their doctor at least once a year for a Well Child Visit. These yearly exams help make sure children are growing at the right pace. This visit is also a time when parents can talk with the doctor about any problems and ask questions.
For parents – What to expect during the visit
The doctor will:
- Check your child’s weight and height
- Talk about your child’s eating and sleeping patterns
- Talk to you about any health concerns you have about your child
- Review ways to keep your child safe in the house
- Give a fluoride varnish treatment (up to age 6)
- Make sure kids are up-to-date with all their shots
Some words of advice for parents
HEDIS and NCQA Coordinator Dawn Kijowski with Health Plan of San Joaquin says: “It is vital to get your child into the doctor’s office for their shots. By seeing the doctor you are not only protecting your child from illnesses and diseases, but also the community’s health. Well child visits are vital to the overall health of your child.”
No matter how old, it is vital that you and your child have a relationship with the doctor, as well as, get yearly health exams. Nurse Jennifer Norris at Health Plan of San Joaquin says, “Well-child visits help support a healthy life for your children. These visits help doctors stop health issues before they happen or from getting worse. Help give your children a healthier start in life and talk to your doctor today.”
Whether it is to talk about your family records and habits, check vital signs or if you’re just making a routine visit, you can work with your doctor to help keep your children healthy or get healthier. Together, you and your doctor can make a plan that works for you and your child.
Here to help – Busy Parents who are members of Health Plan of San Joaquin
For all the ways HPSJ is helping busy parents smooth the way to – and at – their Well Child visits, Customer Service is the one-stop place for the free services available to them (Monday – Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.).
- Toll Free, 1-888-936-PLAN (7526)
- TTY/TDD 711
- Toll Free (Spanish) 1-888-312-7526
About HPSJ
Health Plan of San Joaquin, a not-for-profit, public health plan, has been serving members and the community since 1996. Located in the heart of California’s multicultural Central Valley, local HPSJ is the leading Medi-Cal managed care provider, serving over 91% of Medi-Cal recipients in San Joaquin County and over 65% in Stanislaus County. HPSJ offers a broad network of providers and works closely with physicians to develop programs and services to ensure quality health care for almost 350,000 members who are mostly working families and children, as well as seniors and disabled residents. About 158,000 HPSJ members are children, ages 0 to 19 years.
The National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) has awarded Health Plan of San Joaquin its three-year reaccreditation in the category of Medicaid HMO. NCQA is one of the most comprehensive evaluations in the health insurance industry.