Colorado Medical Home for Families
Healthier Children & a Happier Family!
Having a Medical Home team means that any health problems can be identified earlier, so treatment can begin sooner. Your child may not miss as much school and you may not miss as much work.
The best care possible!
- Your child has his or her own health care team that includes the child’s doctor, the office staff and others, and you are an important part of that team.
- The team respects your cultural and religious beliefs and family values.
- The team helps you to understand treatment choices, and honors your treatment choices.
- Your child gets regular well-child checkups and shots.
- Your sick or injured child can get care, even after office hours.
- Your child’s team will help you decide if you need to take the child to the Emergency Room.
- Your Medical Home team will help you find specialists if your child needs them.
- The Medical Home team gives you information and support when your child is sick or has a special health care need.
- All of your child’s records stay in one place, and the team can use them to help manage your child’s care.
Teenagers & Your Medical Home
When your child becomes a teenager, the Medical Home team will talk with you about how to help your teen avoid some of the problems that teenagers often have. They’ll discuss ways to avoid pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases, the importance of driving responsibly and avoiding alcohol, tobacco and other drugs. They can also help you identify any mental health issues, such as depression, if they occur.
You will have a familiar place to go to and a friendly team to talk with when you have questions about your teen’s diet and nutrition, sleep habits, dental care and other health habits.
What can parents do to get the best care for their children?
- Write down your questions and concerns, and bring the list with you to your appointment. Your doctor will be happy to explain anything to you.
- Keep your notes and all of your child’s health information in a special notebook or folder. Keep important names and phone numbers there too, such as the doctor’s name and the office phone number.
- Tell the Medical Home team how your child is changing as he or she grows, so they can give you suggestions about how to keep your child healthy.
- It’s okay to ask for something to be explained if you do not understand what to do for your child. You should feel comfortable asking questions about anything that has to do with your child’s health and development.