Medical Homes for Children with Special Healthcare Needs

How were medical records shared/coordinated/even integrated?

They really weren't. Each specialist would write up a report that was sent to our son's
pediatrician. Sometimes, they would confer on the phone with the pediatrician as well.

Given your experiences, what, ideally, do you want to see happen to benefit other families whose children will be experiencing similar challenges as those you faced?

I truly believe that the best course of action is built upon a model that looks at the needs of the whole child. I think of it as one-stop shopping, where medical professionals from all of the specialty areas are under one roof and work together as a team to best meet the needs of the child and the family. Families with children who have any kind of special need are way too taxed in their day-to-day life with the child to have enough energy to serve also as the case manager. They need to be able to rely on a trusted medical professional to act in this capacity.

I am more than willing to share the story on the excellent care that we received when our son was young; however, I do not believe that our experience fits exactly with the medical home model. I have read through the articles you wrote about your story with Andrew, and I believe that our experience might be closer in line to yours than a true "medical home."

I would like to personally thank Kirsten for her willingness to share her personal experiences and story. Only by sharing can families educate and help other families. This is part of CHADD's mission: consumers and family members supporting other consumers and family members.

Clarke