Bringing Health Care & Child Care Together

When a child has a "medical home," it means that the child has a doctor who works in partnership with the child and his or her parents to identify and access all services (both medical and non-medical) that child needs. This is a true partnership in which the outcome is attaining the best health for the child. A "medical home" recognizes the needs of other family members often have a direct impact on the child’s well-being.

A "medical home" is an approach to providing health care to all families where:

• the family receives care from a doctor, or other health care provider, they trust.

• the family and doctor are partners.

• the wellness of the child and family are promoted.

• both medical and non-medical services are coordinated .

A "medical home" is:

• accessible

• family-centered

• continuous

• coordinated

• comprehensive

• compassionate

• culturally-competent

Having a "medical home" is especially important for families of children with special needs.

For more information on this initiative of the American Academy of Pediatrics, visit their website.