Children’s Minnesota is here to help you through the process
When you’re a parent, you want the very best for your child. We know that, and we understand why. One important decision you’ll have to make is, choosing your pediatric primary care provider. Your chosen provider will partner with you to care for the health and well-being of your child throughout their childhood, and often into young adulthood.
Many factors go into choosing a primary care provider, and we’re here to help you through the process. Here are five things parents should look for:
1. Someone who is genuinely interested in your child and your family.
It’s important to choose a health care provider you feel is interested in your child’s well-being and health. But, being a pediatric primary care provider goes beyond caring for a child’s health. They should be interested in caring for and treating the whole child – taking time to focus on prevention, nutrition, development, mental health and family environment.
2. Knowledgeable regarding your child’s health care.
You should feel that you are being provided with the best care possible – even if your child has a challenging diagnosis. Seeking recommendations and doing research will help you find the right fit for you and your child: ask family and friends, ask your obstetrician or midwife, research beyond the provider and look into the clinics they work at. All of these things can help you narrow down the best choice for your family.
3. Someone who listens to your concerns so you feel like you are heard.
Worrying is a natural part of being a parent. So, when you’re worried about something to do with your child, you want to feel like you’ve been heard. Make sure you pick a provider that you feel listens to your questions and concerns — and helps ease your worries.
4. You feel like you got your questions answered by provider.
Going into an appointment with questions is very normal. Your provider should spend time helping answer all of the questions you have, even if you have a lot. You should feel like you received recommendations and guidance that help you feel as you are a partner in your child’s health care.
5. Pick a provider who you feel like you can connect with regarding your child’s care.
There is a wide variety of styles of communication and care in primary care providers. Find the right one for you. Here are some questions to think about:
- What is their philosophy of care? Does that align with your values?
- What’s their communication style? Do they listen to and trust your instincts?
- What’s their opinion on vaccination use? Frequency of well-child check-ups – do they follow the American Academy of Pediatricians recommendations?
Children’s Minnesota primary care
Our pediatricians and pediatric nurse practitioners treat babies, toddlers, children, teens and young adults. And it’s our mission for every child in our care to grow up happy, healthy and fit. Children’s Minnesota has nine pediatric primary care clinics around the metro area so that your family can get comprehensive care close to home.
Find a pediatric primary care provider at a Children’s Minnesota affiliated clinic near you. Need help choosing? Here are even more tips for choosing a provider.