Completing the circle: providing comprehensive care to children with special healthcare needs

Providing a medical home for children with special healthcare needs presents challenges such as allowing time during the office visit to address the child's and parent's concerns, the provision of comprehensive medical care, and identifying resources to support these children in the community. The care coordinator serves as a link between the child/family, physician, school, and community resource to promote communication and prevent duplication of services to ensure optimal outcomes for these children. A plan of care or medical summary is developed by the care coordinator with input from the parent/child, pediatrician, specialists, and allied healthcare personnel to use as a communication tool with staff/physicians in the emergency room, new specialists, schools, and community agencies to promote access to services.