Checkups
Checkups are regular visits to the doctor that are important to your health and the health of your family.
Checkups are a key part of health care for people of all ages, from babies to older adults. If you have any questions about your own health or your child’s health, checkups are a great time to get your questions answered.
They are also offered at no cost for Alliance members!
Get your vaccines today!
Getting all your vaccines can help you and your children stay safe and healthy. Vaccines protect against more than 20 diseases when you get them on time! Learn why vaccines are important and when to get them.
Checkups for children and teens
Why are checkups important for children and teens?
As your child grows, it’s important for them to go to the doctor for their well-child visits. Checkups with your child's doctor are a great time to ask questions, make sure your child’s health is on track and keep up with the vaccines they need to stay healthy.
Regular checkups can:
- Give you a chance to ask any questions you might have about your child’s health.
- Help prevent your child from getting sick.
- Help your child’s doctor find health problems early.
- Keep track of your child’s development.
- Make sure your child receives vaccines and screenings at the right time.
If you are a member, the Alliance will mail you information about regular doctor visits and routine screenings. This is to help make sure your child gets the best care at the right time.
How often should my child get a checkup?
Well-child visits should happen at least once a year, even when your child is not sick.
If you have a baby 0-12 months old, they will need to see the doctor more often to make sure they are healthy. Use our infant wellness map to help you track your child’s checkups and vaccines.
Appointments fill up fast, so call your child’s doctor today to schedule a checkup!
To make an appointment for your child, call your child’s doctor. For information about getting a ride to the appointment, go to our transportation page.
Back-to-school immunizations
Now is a great time to start planning for the next school year! Ask what vaccines your child needs and schedule an appointment. Appointments can be scheduled far in advance, so call your child’s doctor today. For more information on when your child needs certain vaccines, visit our immunization schedules and vaccines page.
What happens at a well-child visit?
At a well-child visit, your child’s doctor will check their:
- Height, weight, heartbeat and breathing.
- Eyes, ears, nose, mouth and throat.
- Developmental milestones that happen at different ages, such as walking and talking.
- Blood lead screening (at ages 12 and 24 months of age).
Do checkups cost money?
Children, teens and young adults (under age 21) enrolled in Medi-Cal qualify for free services and support to stay or get healthy. This includes checkups, vaccines, health screenings and treatment for physical, mental and dental health problems. This benefit is called Medi-Cal for Kids and Teens.
Find out more about Medi-Cal for Kids and Teens from the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS):
Healthy Start
You can earn up to $250 in gift cards for completing routine care, including checkups and vaccines for members ages 0-21 years.
For more information about rewards, visit our Health Rewards page.
Checkups for adults
Checking in regularly with your doctor can help you build trust and good communication so you can get the most out of your health care. Call your doctor to make an appointment for a checkup today.
Why are checkups important for adults?
Checkups give you the chance to discuss health concerns and get tests and screenings to prevent disease. Regular checkups are also important for people with chronic conditions like diabetes and asthma to make sure their treatment plan is working.
Checkups can also help you:
- Prevent disease.
- Stay healthy.
- Get medical advice.
- Keep up to date with the vaccines and prescriptions that you need.
What happens at a checkup for an adult?
At a checkup, your doctor will:
- Go over your personal and family health history.
- Give health screenings based on age.
- Make sure vaccines are up to date.
- Review your medications.
- Provide referrals to specialty care and dental services.
How often should adults get a checkup?
Adults should get yearly checkups.
Go to your primary doctor for preventative care, not the emergency room. Your doctor should be the health professional who knows you best. They can help you determine the best next steps to support your health.
Do checkups cost money for adults?
Adults who are Alliance members can get checkups at no cost to them.
If you are an Alliance member, the Alliance covers most of the health care services that you might need. To read about the services we offer, you can visit our Get Care webpage. For more details, view the Member Handbook.
What if I have health questions outside of doctor office hours?
If you or your child is sick and you can’t make it to the doctor, call the Nurse Advice Line. A registered nurse will help you with what to do next. The service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at no cost to you.
Call 844-971-8907 (TTY: Dial 711).
Have your Alliance Member ID card with you. Be ready to tell the nurse your ID number.
Contact Member Services
Checkups Resources
Health Education Line
- Phone: 800-700-3874, ext. 5580
Accessing Alliance Services
Medi-Cal for Kids and Teens
Parents of Young Children
Member Resources
GRIEVANCE FORM
Member Handbook
Health Rewards Program
Continuity of Care Policy
The Alliance
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