What is a Medical Home?
A Medical Home is the one place you
can take your child for all your child's health care needs.
For
- Checkups
- Sick visits
- Accidents
- Special health needs
- Immunizations (shots)
A Medical Home is a doctor's office, a community clinic
or a local health department. It is where the staff knows
you, your child, and your child's health history. You can
call your Medical Home during office hours and after-hours.
Why Does Your Child Need a Medical Home?
A Medical Home offers the very best care for
your child. Because the staff knows your child and your child's
health history, they can:
- Catch little problems before they become big ones
- Give you help and advice
- Make sure your child gets the checkups, screenings and
shots he or she needs to stay well
- Help you find the right specialists and equipment for
your child when needed
- Tell you about helpful community programs
When Your Child is Sick or Hurt...
You have someone to call for help! The staff at your child's
Medical Home can tell you what you need to do.
- Treat your child at home (They will tell you how!)
- Come to the doctor's office (They will make the appointment)
or
- Go to the Emergency Room. The Emergency Room is for
true emergencies - times when children may lose their life
or risk their health without immediate treatment. It is
rare when children need to go to the Emergency Room.
For Children With Special Health Care Needs
If your child has, or is at risk for, special health care
needs, the
Family Support Network (1-800-852-0042) can help you
establish a Medical Home and get in touch with resources
and services available in your area.
The American Academy of Pediatrics' National
Center of Medical Home Initiatives for Children with Special
Needs Web site has information for parents and healthcare
providers. It includes tools, training programs and materials,
screening initiatives, grants and funding opportunities.
Other Links
For help finding a Medical home or information on
publicly-funded childrens' health insurance, call:
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Last updated: April 2012 |
