Early Detection Examinations (U3–U11)

Early detection examinations (U3–U11) are a procedure for diagnostic testing of both the child’s physical and mental condition. The purpose of this examination is to determine if the developmental status is age appropriate and can be judged as adequate. The early detection program U3 to U9 comprises seven examination appointments up to the age of 6. Thus, the child is regularly examined and its development is monitored until it starts school. The early detection examinations U3 to U9 serve on the one hand to provide parents with information, to take a medical history, to make an orienting assessment of development, to conduct a clinical examination and to assess parent-child interaction, and on the other hand to provide parent counseling. The child screening examinations are performed by pediatricians and adolescent physicians, so that a high level of professional competence can be guaranteed in the examination of children and adolescents. If a physical or mental disorder of the child is diagnosed during the screening, there is a possibility of quick therapeutic intervention on the part of the doctor. This provides the opportunity to take advantage of early therapy, so that the risk of possible consequential damage can be reduced. In addition to checking the mental and physical condition, an assessment of any existing neglect or maltreatment of the child can also be made during a child check-up. Furthermore, it is part of the attending physician’s responsibilities to document attendance at a child screening examination in the child examination booklet.