Preventive Checkups for Children and Adolescents

Preventive medical checkups accompany children in their development. Immediately after birth, parents receive an "examination booklet" from the hospital or the pediatrician's office for preventive examinations for children.

U1, immediately after birth: The first newborn examination takes place immediately after birth. This preventive examination detects life-threatening diseases and malformations. Breathing, heartbeat, signs of maturity and skin color are checked. On days 2 to 3, an extended newborn screening is performed to detect congenital metabolism defects and endocrine disorders early. A newborn hearing screening on or before day 3 to detect any ambilateral hearing disorders supplements the postnatal examinations.

U2, 3 to 10 days: The U2 examination detects for congenital disorders and significant health risks in the newborn. It takes place between the 3rd and 10th day of life and includes a thorough examination of organs, sensory organs, and reflexes.

U3, 4 to 5 weeks: Between the 4th and 5th week of life, the doctor checks whether the infant's reflexes, motor skills, weight, and reactions are age-appropriate as part of the U3 examination. At the same time, they examine the organs and hip joints for hip dysplasia and dislocation. During the examination, the doctor will ask about the drinking, digestion, and sleeping behavior of the child.

U4, 3 to 4 months: To determine whether the infant is developing and moving in an age-appropriate manner, an examination of the organs, sensory organs, sexual organs, and skin takes place between the 3rd and 4th month of life. The doctor examines the child's growth, motor function, and nervous system.

U5, 6 to 7 months: Between the 6th and 7th month of life, the doctor checks whether the infant is moving and developing in an age-appropriate matter. They examine the organs, sensory organs, sexual organs, skin, growth, motor function, and nervous system.

U6, 10 to 12 months: Between the 10th and 12th month of life, an examination of the organs and sensory organs, especially the eyes, takes place. The doctor checks motor skills, speech behavior, interaction, and the musculoskeletal system.

U7, 21 to 24 months: During an examination that takes place between the 21st and 24th month of life, the doctor detects for visual disorders, tests the child's speech development, as well as the fine motor skills and body control of the toddler.

U7a, around the 3rd birthday: The doctor checks for any visual disorders and whether speech development is age-appropriate during an examination that takes place between the 34th and 36th month of life.

U8, around the 4th birthday: An examination of the dental status, speech development, pronunciation, and behavior, and mobility and coordination skills takes place between the 46th and 48th month of life. The doctor examines the child's reflexes and muscle strength.

U9, around the 5th birthday: To detect for any diseases and developmental problems before the child starts school, the doctor examines the child's motor skills, hearing, vision, and speech development between the 60th and 64th month of life.

U10, 7 to 8 years old: U10 is an additional examination designed to bridge the gap between the U9 and U11. It is thus an examination for elementary school children. Here you can find more information and health insurance companies that cover the cost of the U10 examination (in German).

U11, 9 to 10 years old: U11 is an additional examination. All health insurance companies do not cover the cost. Focus: School performance and socialization disorders, dental and jaw abnormalities, promoting sport and exercise, and addressing harmful relationships to media. Here you can find health insurance funds that cover the cost of the U11 examination (in German).

J1, 12 to 14 years old: In the 13th or 14th year of life, the doctor examines the general health and development of organs and bones. They check the status of vaccinations, the stage of pubertal development, mental development, and check for any psychological abnormalities. The adolescent answers questions regarding any problems with school performance and behavior that is harmful to their health such as smoking or the use of alcohol and drugs. Based on the individual risk profile, the physician advises the adolescent on how to avoid behavior that is harmful to their health.

J2, 16 to 17 years old: The J2 is an additional examination. All health insurance plans do not cover the cost. Areas of focus: Puberty and sexual disorders, career choice and socialization, trusting conversation with the doctor about health problems – can take place without parents. Here you can find the health insurance funds that cover the cost of the J2 examination (in German).

Preventive dental care for children and adolescents

6 to 34 months of age: Three dental checkups educate parents about the causes of oral diseases. The application of fluoride to harden tooth enamel for children of this age is included in the benefits catalog of health insurance funds.

3 to 6 years of age: Early dental checkups for dental, oral, and maxillofacial diseases with detailed examination of the oral cavity, assessment of caries risk, advice for the child and parents on oral hygiene and nutrition, motivation for prevention, and recommendation of suitable fluoride products.

6 to 18 years of age, preventive services: Determination of oral hygiene status, education of the child and parents about causes of disease and how to prevent them, local fluoride treatment, and sealing of caries-free fissures and pits of molars.