U1 to J2: what happens at these check-ups?

The U1 examination

Your baby’s APGAR score will be determined to assess respiration, heart rate, muscle tone, skin colour and reflexes. In addition, the baby will be checked for any conditions requiring immediate treatment and for any visible external abnormalities or deformities.

In the 3 days following birth, additional screenings are recommended.

Expanded newborn screening: Does your baby’s blood contain enough oxygen? This is important to know in order to rule out a critical congenital heart defect. Does your baby have a congenital metabolic disorder or possibly severe combined immunodeficiency? This screening enables early detection and prompt treatment if such disorders are present. A few drops of blood are taken from the baby’s heel during the screening.

Cystic Fibrosis screening: In most cases, this test is done in conjunction with the newborn screening, using the same blood sample. The purpose of this screening is to detect cystic fibrosis, a congenital metabolic disease, at an early stage.

Newborn hearing screening: This screening can detect hearing disorders early on. This painless test measures the sound waves in the ear canal and can even be done while your baby is asleep.

As a rule, TK covers the costs of these examinations. Exception: if the infant is healthy and born in a hospital, the costs of newborn screening are covered by the mother's hospital flat rate and are therefore covered by the mother's health insurance.

The U2 examination

As during all the other exams, your baby will be measured and weighed. Is the infant growing enough? Is the baby developing in accordance with their age? For example, are there any problems with the sensory organs or the skeletal and nervous systems?

The U3 examination

During the U3 check-up, in addition to checking overall development, a hip sonography is also performed. The baby will be given an ultrasound examination of the hip joints to detect any congenital misalignment or dysplasia of the hips.

The U4 to U6 examinations

Does your infant react age-appropriately when you speak to him or her or show the baby a toy? You will also be advised on the recommended vaccinations. Even before the baby’s 1st birthday, your paediatrician will advise you on preventive dental care (dental prophylaxis) - e.g. with information and advice on a teeth-healthy diet (U3), oral hygiene (U5) and dental hygiene (U6).

The U7 to U9 examinations

Age-appropriate language development and motor skills are checked and assessed. Can your child see and hear correctly? Does he or she have any breathing or respiratory problems?

The U10 to U11 examinations

The doctor will talk to your child about social and psychological issues, such as difficulties at school as well as TV, computer and eating habits. Does your child have any tooth, mouth or jaw abnormalities?

In addition, your doctor will ask your child about topics such as exercise, sports and stress. The doctor will also make sure that all vaccinations are up to date.

Any suspected diagnoses from previous examinations are discussed further during preventive check-ups and screenings.

The J1 examination: the first adolescent health check-up

The doctor will ask about the medical history and perform a complete physical examination and will mainly discuss:

atypical psychological/emotional developments and behavioural disorders

problems at school / educational development

health risk behaviours (e.g. smoking, alcohol consumption, drug use)

chronic illnesses

The doctor will especially focus on the following during the physical examination:

height and weight

precocious (early) or delayed puberty

possible growth disturbances or physical development disorders (e.g. lack of growth or excess growth, underweight or overweight)

possible hypertension (high blood pressure)

disorders or problems with the neck, chest or abdominal organs

abnormalities or irregularities of the skeletal system A check on are any vaccinations to catch up on will also be done.

The doctor will discuss the examination results with the adolescent and give tips for a healthy lifestyle.

The J1 check-up is provided by doctors specialised in the following areas: general medicine, paediatrics and internal medicine (as part of the primary physician care). The charge for the check-up is billed directly via the TK eHealth card.

The J2 examination: the second adolescent health check-up

This check-up is a special benefit offered by TK. During the J2 health check-up, the focus is on identifying any socialisation and behavioural disorders and/or pubertal and sexual disorders and initiating treatment if needed.

The check-up also includes:

body posture and fitness

identification of medical risks (e.g. thyroid disease and diabetes)

media usage and habits

dealing with drugs

career counselling

The J2 check-up is provided by specialists in paediatrics and adolescent medicine, as well as by specially qualified primary physicians and specialists (provided they are SHI-doctors contracted with TK); the J2 check-up is free and the charges are billed via the TK eHealth card. Please ask your doctor’s surgery if they offer these exams.