COVID-19 well-child visits

The California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) suggests that well-child care should be done in person when possible.  Where community circumstances requiring limiting in-person visits, clinicians are encouraged to prioritize in-person newborn care, and well visits and immunizations of infants and young children through 24 months of age when possible.  DHCS encourages providers to discuss with beneficiaries/parent caregivers attending well-child visits in person to receive necessary immunizations and screenings, and providing other services by telehealth.

Med-Cal policies allow providers to provide medical care by telehealth or telephone.  Providers should inform beneficiaries/parent caregivers of the option to have some elements of well-child visits completed via telehealth and explain that some parts of the physical exam and/or immunization must be done in person.  (DHCS notice, April 24, 2020.)