Medical Home for Children and Youth with Special Health Needs

What is a medical home?

A medical home is often the clinic or doctor’s office where your child goes for their regular health care – like checkups, sick visits, and help managing ongoing health needs. But it’s more than just a building or a place. It’s a way of providing care that puts your child and family at the center.  

In a medical home, your child’s main health care provider (like a pediatrician or family doctor) works closely with you and your child as a team to give the best care possible.  

A medical home is:

• Where your child gets routine and primary care.  
• A trusted place that knows your family and your child’s unique needs.  
• A partnership between your family and your child’s providers.  
• A source of support as your child grows and their health needs change.
• What does care in a medical home look like?  

Your child’s care should feel:  

• Easy to access: You can get appointments, ask questions, and reach your provider when needed.  
• Family-centered: You know your child best. Your ideas and choices are respected.  
• Continuous: You see the same provider or clinic over time, building trust and understanding.  
• Comprehensive: Your child gets care for all health needs: regular checkups, illnesses, and special health conditions.  
• Coordinated: Your provider helps bring together care from different places – like specialists, schools, and support services.  
• Compassionate: Your family is treated with care, kindness, and respect.  
• Culturally respectful: Your family’s culture, language, and values are honored.  

How can I find a medical home for my child?  

Here are some steps you can take:  

1. Talk with clinics and providers. Look for one who:  
   • Offers both well-child visits and care when your child is sick.
   • Helps manage long-term or complex health needs.
   • Treats you as a partner in your child’s care.
2. Be involved. Bring questions, concerns, and notes to appointments. Your input matters.  
3. Talk about your family’s goals. Let providers know what’s important to your family so they can help support those goals.  
4. Ask for a care plan. A care plan helps everyone who supports your child – health care providers, school staff, and others – understand your child’s needs and stay coordinated.  

Helpful Resources:

Minnesota Health Care Homes

• A list of clinics in Minnesota that meet standards for care coordination and comprehensive care.  
• Final clinics near you on an interactive map.  
• Learn how clinics become certified as Health Care Homes.

The National Center for Medical Home Implementation, American Academy of Pediatrics

• Downloadable care notebook templates to help you track your child’s care.
• Fact sheets about health care benefits and supports.
• Tools for planning your child’s care as they grow older and move toward adult health care.