AAP periodicity guidelines: a framework for educating patients.

In 1967 the American Academy of Pediatrics published standards for periodic health supervision visits. In 1972 and 1975, in response to changes in child health needs, the guidelines were revised. The current AAP periodicity guidelines, adopted in 1981, provide for reasonable care and meet the minimum requirements for preventive health services for normal infants, children, and adolescents. Whereas detecting physical defects, evaluating illness, and assessing the child's development are key elements of the periodic visit, parent education is equally important. The educational aspects of a health supervision visit--which consists of interval history, measurements, sensory screening, developmental and behavioral assessment, physical examination, procedures, and anticipatory guidance--are stressed. A prenatal visit is important, particularly for first-time parents. Periodic visits are also valuable for adolescents, who face special concerns such as substance abuse, risk-taking behavior, and problems of sexuality. Often, the pediatrician may be the only professional whose advice and counsel the teenager will accept.