Child and Teen Checkups (C&TC)

Child and Teen Checkups (C&TC) is the name for Minnesota's Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis and Treatment (EPSDT) Program. C&TC visits are covered for children from birth through 20 years who are enrolled in Medical Assistance or MinnesotaCare. A C&TC visit meets the health checkup requirements for school, Head Start, WIC, child care and camp and sports participation physicals. Be sure to take all your questions and any forms the provider needs to fill out with you to the appointment.

Continuing preventive care and routine immunizations during COVID are important. The significant drop in well-child preventive care visits and immunizations that has occurred throughout the pandemic continues to impact children and adolescents. These visits are important to stay on track with growth and development, to discuss any concerns about your child’s health, and get vaccinations, including the COVID vaccine if your child is old enough, to prevent serious illness and disease.

Where can I get a C&TC visit?
- Your doctor or clinic
  - Children enrolled in a health plan must get their checkups from providers in their health plan network
- Some local public health departments
You can get help finding a doctor or dentist, making an appointment, finding transportation and arranging for an interpreter if needed.
- See the Child and Teen Checkups Coordinator (PDF) and call your county or tribal coordinator
- Call your health plan member services
- Call the MinnesotaCare office for transportation under MinnesotaCare
What’s the purpose of the program?
- To promote age-appropriate preventive health services
- To support healthy growth and development of infants, children, adolescents and young adults
- Early identification, diagnosis and treatment of any potential health problems or disabilities
- To promote the development of good health habits, including healthy eating and physical activity
What’s included in a visit?
- Information about physical and mental health
- Complete head-to-toe physical exam
- Immunizations, when needed
- Hearing check
- Vision check
- Lab tests, when needed
- Checks on development and growth
- Oral health screening and a referral to the dentist
- Time to ask questions and get answers about your child's health, behavior and development
- Time to discuss your child’s thoughts, feelings and relationships
How often should I take my child for a checkup?
How often a child gets a health checkup depends on the child's age. Visits are recommended at these ages:
- Between birth and 1 month
- At 2, 4, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 24 and 30 months
- Every year starting at age 3 through age 20
- More often if needed
- A child should get regular dental checkups starting at the eruption of the first tooth or by age 1
Why are C&TC visits important?
- Regular checkups help keep children healthy
- Screenings can detect possible concerns early
- Tests and follow up are performed if needed
- Healthy children are ready to learn and reach their full potential

For more helpful information

See our Child and Teen Checkups publications and resources webpage.