Health Care for Children

Rebecca’s mom works with her child’s doctor to prevent long-term health problems. “Diabetes runs in our family, so I talked to Rebecca’s doctor about what I can do to protect her. He checks her weight and has helped me choose a good diet for her.”

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To stay healthy, children need regular check-ups. They also need shots to protect them from diseases, like tetanus and measles.

Topics on this page

• Choose a doctor for your child
• Work with your child’s doctor
• When your child is sick
• If your child has a problem
• Help for the uninsured

Choose a doctor for your child

Your child can go to a pediatrician or a family doctor. Try to take your child to the same doctor each time.

• The doctor can get to know both of you.
• Your child will feel more comfortable.
• It will be easier for you to talk with the doctor.
• The doctor will be familiar with your child’s medical history.

Work with your child’s doctor

• Ask for a schedule of regular checkups.
• Use the worksheet to talk to your doctor about the care your child may need.
• Ask for a schedule of the shots your child needs. The American Academy of Pediatricians   lists recommended shots.
• Check out the Pocket Guide to Good Health for Children  .

When your child is sick

• Ask what symptoms to watch out for when your child is sick.
• Ask how to call the doctor.
• Ask how to make same-day, evening, and weekend appointments.
• Ask when you should call 9-1-1.

If your child has a problem

• Early Start   provides services for children to age three who have disabilities or are at risk of developing slowly.
• If your child has a health issue, visit KidsHealth  .
• If your child has a disability, visit Family Village  .
• If your child has a weight problem, check out the American Academy of Pediatrics   site on obesity.

Help for the uninsured

• Medi-Cal is for people with very low incomes or disabilities. Your child may qualify even if you do not. Call your county Social Services office  .
• Healthy Families   is free or low-cost health, dental, and vision insurance for children up to age 18. Your child may qualify even if you have health insurance through your job. Call 1-800-880-5305.
• California Children’s Services helps pay for treatment for children with chronic conditions or disabilities. Call your county Health Department.
• The Child Health and Disability Prevention Program (CHDP) provides checkups and shots for children with low incomes. Call your county Health Department.

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