EPSDT (Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis and Treatment Programs)

Abstract

EPSDT is the means the federal government has selected to force the states to seek out poor children who are out of the mainstream of medical care and to offer them preventive services. The use of periodic screening exams (as defined in the Program Regulations Guide) is an untried method of providing health care and may be unsuccessful, but fortunately the states have been given much freedom in program design and future modification.

Major obstacles at present are the absence of specific goals at the state level, and a lack of commitment by state governments and administrators to provide adequate funds and direction for a successful program. Inadequate health resources in inner cities and rural areas, the lack of outreach workers, and a low priority for health care on the part of the consumer all add to the problem.

If EPSDT is successfnl in screening out children with problems and then providing diagnosis and treatment for them, it will be a major achievement. If it takes the next step and places children in a continuing primary care facility, it will be a significant advance in achieving the Academy's goal-the attainment by all children of their full potential for physical, emotional, and social health.