Parents know how quickly children grow. As kids develop, it’s important to monitor their changing physical and emotional needs to help give them a head start on a healthy life. With a new year underway, now is a good time to support your child’s health by scheduling a routine well-child visit.
Sutter Health Plus members have access to well-child exams and immunizations at no cost share. And with My Health Online, members can conveniently schedule in-person appointments or video visits with participating clinicians, view test results, and connect with their child’s care team from a computer or mobile device whenever it’s needed.
Well-child Exams and Immunizations
During a regular well-child exam, a primary care physician will perform wellness screenings to assess a child’s vision and hearing, physical and emotional development, and overall health. The exam may include administering recommended vaccinations and immunizations to help protect against preventable diseases, like flu, chickenpox, and measles. Immunizations for members are also available at Sutter Walk-In Care and many network pharmacies (call ahead to check availability).
To learn which screenings and immunizations are recommended at every age, view our Health Maintenance Guidelines.
Finding the Right Care
When it comes to children, accidents or illness may happen all too often. For common, everyday health needs, Sutter Walk-In Care for members 18 months and older is open daily from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. including many holidays. Services include treatment for cold, flu, and strep throat, allergies, ear infections, rashes and skin Infections, minor sprains and strains, and administering a range of immunizations.
If a more serious health concern arises, members have access to urgent and emergency care from any facility without a referral, in or out of the Sutter Health Plus network. Urgent care provides treatment for non-life-threatening emergencies, such as minor accidents and falls, bleeding and cuts, and high fever. In some cases, urgent care may be a good option because children may be seen sooner than they would at an emergency department where the most serious health issues are treated first. Find in-network urgent care locations at sutterhealthplus.org/urgent.
For assistance in determining the appropriate level of care, members can call the 24/7 nurse advice line at (855) 836-3500. As always, in case of an emergency, dial 911 (when available) or go to the nearest hospital.
Caring for Mental Health
Mental well-being is fundamental to a child’s overall health. Sadly, mental, emotional, or behavioral disorders affect nearly one in five children, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Parents should be on the lookout for children struggling with mental health and behavioral issues, such as becoming withdrawn, anxiety and depression, aggressive behavior, or attention-related issues. Oftentimes, reaching out for support can help.
Members of all ages have access to in-person or virtual visits with participating behavioral health providers through U.S. Behavioral Health Plan, California (USBHPC). To explore therapy, find a provider, and book an appointment, call USBHPC at 855-202-0984 or visit liveandworkwell.com.
COVID-19 Vaccinations
At this time, the CDC recommends a primary vaccination series and boosters for everyone ages six months and older to prevent the spread of COVID-19. COVID-19 vaccines are covered for members, even when administered out-of-network. Learn more at sutterhealthplus.org/covid-19-coverage-and-cost.
