The teen years bring rapid change. Bodies grow, emotions shift, and social pressures increase. These changes can affect both current and future health. Just like adults, teenagers need regular preventive visits where they can receive recommended screenings, counseling, and vaccines.
Under the Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic, and Treatment (EPSDT) benefit, children younger than age 21 enrolled in Medicaid are entitled to a full range of preventive services. These visits are designed to catch concerns early, before they develop into bigger problems.
How often teens should be seen
The Bright Futures/American Academy of Pediatrics’ (AAP) Recommendations for Preventive Pediatric Health Care, also known as the “Periodicity Schedule,” recommends that adolescents receive annual preventive care between the ages of 11 and 21. These visits allow providers to monitor growth, development, and emotional health at every stage.
Regular appointments also create consistency. When teens see the same provider every year, it becomes easier to identify slight changes in mood, behavior, or physical health. Even when a teen appears healthy, screenings during these visits can uncover concerns that might otherwise go unnoticed.
The mental health connection
Mental health concerns among teenagers have risen significantly, with depression increasing by 30% and anxiety increasing by 29% between 2016 and 2020. Feeling sad all the time, losing interest in activities, sleep changes, irritability, or trouble focusing can be signs of depression or other mental health concerns. Annual checkups include mental health screenings that may involve brief questionnaires or conversations about mood, stress, and coping. Providers are trained to speak directly with teens in a confidential setting, encouraging more open and honest discussions about their experiences. Early identification matters. Untreated depression in teens can affect academic performance, relationships, and long-term health.
Screenings that go beyond vaccines
During a preventive visit, providers may assess more than a teen’s immunization status. Screenings often include:
- Depression and anxiety screenings
- Behavioral risk assessments
- Suicide risk screening
- Sexual health counseling and STI screening
- Blood pressure and cholesterol checks
- Vision and hearing screenings
These screenings are recommended by national health authorities and are part of a comprehensive preventive approach outlined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Why parents and teens should take an active role
Learning to schedule and attend appointments helps teens build responsibility for their own health. It also gives them space to speak openly with a provider about stress, relationships, body image, or social pressures.
Parents play the most important role in maintaining preventive care. Keeping track of yearly visits, watching for behavior changes, and encouraging open conversations can make a big difference. Parents should watch for warning signs of behavioral health issues such as withdrawal, dramatic mood shifts, or declining academic performance.
Teen checkups are health evaluations designed to support physical growth, emotional resilience, and long-term wellness. Making and keeping annual appointments ensures that teens receive the screenings, guidance, and support they need during one of the most formative stages of life.
Healthy pregnancies start early
Healthy pregnancies begin with early prenatal care and trusted support. However, recent national data shows that more people across the United States are delaying prenatal care beyond the first trimester. In the District, 10.8% of pregnancies in 2024 received late or no prenatal care. These trends highlight why early connection to care matters more than ever.
For AmeriHealth Caritas DC enrollees, support begins with the Bright Start® maternity program, which helps enrollees access care and essential resources from the first trimester through postpartum recovery.
The Bright Start maternity program helps enrollees make informed choices throughout their pregnancy journey. Enrollees can receive help with:
- Finding an OB/GYN, midwife, or doula
- Scheduling appointments and arranging transportation
- Accessing essentials such as diapers, car seats, and breast pumps
Bright Start also connects families to breastfeeding support, childbirth education classes, and nutrition programs such as WIC. Care Managers check in regularly, offering encouragement, answering questions, and coordinating care when it’s needed most.
All images are submitted by AmeriHealth Caritas District of Columbia and are used under license for illustrative purposes only. Any individual depicted is a model.