Considering a new
pediatrician?

In most situations, yes. You don’t have to wait until your child’s next birthday, annual checkup, or the beginning of a new school year to choose a new pediatrician.

Before making the switch, confirm that the new practice is accepting patients and participates with your insurance plan.

If your child takes prescription medication, receives ongoing treatment, or sees specialists, it’s also a good idea to discuss the transition with the new practice ahead of time. At CTMC, you can do this by scheduling a meet and greet with one of our providers. Having important medical records available helps your new pediatric team understand your child’s health history and provide continuity of care.

Families change pediatricians for many reasons, and it doesn’t necessarily mean they are unhappy with their current doctor.

You may be looking for:

• A pediatrician closer to home
• A practice that accepts your insurance
• Easier access to sick appointments
• Evening, weekend, or after-hours care
• A pediatrician who can care for your child through young adulthood
• A practice where you and your child feel comfortable asking questions and discussing concerns

Sometimes, it simply comes down to finding the pediatric practice that feels like the right fit for your family.

You generally do not need to have an uncomfortable conversation explaining why you’ve decided to change practices.

You will, however, want to arrange for your child’s medical records to be transferred. In Minnesota, health records generally require appropriate patient or legally authorized representative consent for release, and state law provides a process for records to be furnished from one provider to another upon a patient’s written request.

If you’ve had a long relationship with your child’s pediatrician, you may choose to let them know you are changing practices. The most important part is making sure your new pediatric team has the information needed to continue your child’s care.

Once you’ve selected a new pediatric practice, ask the office what records they need and how they prefer to receive them.

Your child’s records may include information about:

• Previous illnesses and medical history
• Growth and development
• Immunizations
• Allergies
• Medications
• Test and laboratory results
• Specialist care
• Ongoing health conditions

In Minnesota, a patient’s written request can direct health records to another provider, and health records generally require proper authorization for release.

Whenever possible, start the transfer before your child needs a sick or urgent appointment. This gives your new pediatric team an opportunity to have important information available when your child needs care.

Your child’s immunization history is an important part of their health record. Accurate records help your new pediatrician determine which vaccines your child has received and which may be recommended in the future.

Minnesota also maintains the Minnesota Immunization Information Connection (MIIC), a confidential system that combines immunization information submitted by participating providers into an electronic record. Families can also request or access available MIIC records through the Minnesota Department of Health.

It’s still a good idea to keep your own copy of your child’s immunization record when possible, as you may need it for school, childcare, camps, or other activities.

If your child regularly takes prescription medication, let the new pediatric practice know when you schedule your first appointment.

Have an up-to-date list that includes the medication name, dosage, and how often your child takes it. Include any vitamins, supplements, or over-the-counter medications used regularly as well.

Depending on the medication and the condition being treated, the new provider may need to review previous records or evaluate your child before taking over medication management.

Don’t wait until your child is almost out of an important medication to begin establishing care with a new pediatrician.

If your child has an ongoing or complex medical condition, switching pediatricians may require a little more planning.

Tell the new practice about significant medical conditions and specialists involved in your child’s care. Ask if they would like medical records, recent test results, medication lists, care plans, or specialist reports before your child’s first appointment.

The goal is a smooth transition without unnecessary gaps in your child’s care.

Yes. Before scheduling, confirm that the pediatrician and practice participate with your specific insurance plan.

You may want to check both with your insurance company and the pediatric office. It’s also helpful to understand your plan’s coverage or requirements for services your child may need, including preventive care, sick visits, urgent care, and specialist referrals.

Because insurance networks and benefits can change, always verify your individual coverage directly with your insurance company, even when you have been with the same practice for years.

Whenever possible, establishing care when your child is healthy can make the transition easier.

It gives you time to complete paperwork, transfer records, provide your child’s health history, and become familiar with the new practice without the added stress of caring for a sick child.

It’s also a good time to learn how the practice handles same-day sick visits, after-hours concerns, evenings, weekends, holidays, and urgent pediatric needs.

Knowing where to turn ahead of time can make a big difference when your child wakes up sick or develops symptoms after the office has closed.

Every family’s priorities are different, but there are several practical questions worth considering:

• Is the location convenient for your family?
• Does the practice accept your insurance?
• How are sick appointments handled?
• Are same-day appointments available?
• What care is available during evenings, weekends, and holidays?
• Who provides guidance when the office is closed?
• What services are available within the practice?
• How does the office communicate with families?
• Can the practice care for your child from infancy through young adulthood?

Most importantly, you and your child should feel comfortable asking questions, discussing concerns, and communicating openly with your pediatric team.

Often, yes, as long as the practice is accepting new patients and can meet each child’s healthcare needs.

Having siblings at the same pediatric practice can make scheduling and coordinating care more convenient. It also gives your pediatric team an opportunity to become familiar with your family over time.

If you’re transferring more than one child, let the new practice know when you contact them so they can explain the process for establishing care and transferring records for each child.