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Children's Medical Services - Special services for children with special needs
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Getting the Best Care for Your Child

Everyone deserves good health care, but not everyone knows how to get it. Medical professionals agree that patients who take part in decisions about their own health care are more likely to recover faster.

Many professionals are involved in your health care, but you must also be involved to make sure your child is getting the best care. That is not always easy. It is sometimes tough to navigate the health care system. Being sick is scary and hospitals can be intimidating. It helps to find a doctor you feel comfortable with. When it comes to your health, you are your own best advocate.

There are many people involved in making sure that you or your child gets good medical care. But the most important member of the team is you. You need to be an active participant in the healthcare process. By speaking up for yourself and your child, you become the center of the healthcare team.

S - Speak up if you have any questions or concerns, and if you don't understand, ask again.
P - Pay attention to the care you are getting.
E - Educate yourself about your diagnosis, medical tests and treatment plan.
A - Ask a trusted family member or friend to be your advocate.
K - Know what medications you take and why.
U - Use a health care organization that has undergone rigorous on-site evaluation.
P - Participate in all decisions about your treatment.

 

So, SPEAK UP for you and your child's health!