Managing Screening Time

There are many different approaches that practices take in implementing screening. Even the smallest practices can implement an effective screening program that requires little in the way of time, and may even end up saving you time by identifying concerns and needs upfront.

Tools can be:

• Mailed to families immediately prior to well child visits
• Completed in waiting or exam rooms
• Completed by phone interview prior to the visit
• Distributed at previous well child visits to be completed and brought back

You also need to consider what will work for your staff and the families you serve. Before implementing screening in your practice, consider the following questions. You know your patients and staff best, so only you can determine what will work best to meet your needs!

• Which tools will we use at what intervals?
• How do we make time for screening?
• Who administers the screening, scores the tests, and communicates results?
• What is the cost of the screening tools?
• Can they be photocopied?
• Where can I order materials from?
• Who else may be screening the children in our practice?