TRANSLATIONS: Spanish

Primary care services

At your primary care clinic, we provide a wide variety of primary care services that kids need during a typical childhood. And, if something is out of the ordinary, we can connect you to the rest of the services throughout the Children’s Minnesota system.

Well child visits

Well child visits are regular exams where your child’s primary care physician checks your child’s development. They’re also an opportunity for you and your doctor to talk about your questions or concerns. At each visit, your doctor will monitor your child’s physical, mental and emotional health. He or she will compare this to national standards for children of that age.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends regular well child visits at specific ages. Your child’s doctor may suggest a different schedule based on your child’s needs.

Immunizations

Primary care clinics provide immunizations. These shots protect your child from getting diseases. The AAP has set a specific schedule for childhood immunizations. The schedule may seem overwhelming, but don’t worry — your doctor will let you know which immunizations your child needs and when.

They’ll thank you for it later

We know no child likes getting a shot. But immunizations are very important. Patsy Stinchfield, MS, RN, CPNP, was the director of infectious disease and immunology and infection prevention at Children’s Minnesota. In the series of videos she shares why your child needs these immunizations:

How to get the help you need – when you need it

We care about your child’s health and well-being. That’s why there are so many ways you can contact Children’s Minnesota to get the health care your child needs. If you have questions, feel free to call your primary care clinic for guidance.

For emergencies: Call 911. Examples of life-threatening emergencies include: uncontrollable bleeding, severe allergic reactions or a person who is unconscious or not breathing. If you’re not sure, call 911. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
For urgent needs: Call your child’s primary care clinic to talk with a physician or nurse practitioner for guidance. Or call the nearest emergency room and ask to talk to the physician on call.
If your child is sick and the clinic is closed: If the illness is mild, you may call the clinic in the evening hours to reach the nurse triage line for advice or wait to call the clinic in the morning. You can also ask to have the doctor on-call to give you a callback.
If your child is sick on a weekend or holiday: Some clinic locations are open on weekends; call the clinic ahead of time for a shorter wait. If clinics are closed and you’re not sure if your child can wait for an appointment, call the clinic to talk with a triage nurse. The nurse will let you know if you should go to the emergency room.
If you have a general question about your child’s health: We welcome questions about your child’s health and well-being. Call your child’s clinic during regular office hours and we will be happy to answer your questions.

Other primary care services

You go above and beyond the call of duty for your child. At Children’s Minnesota, we do the same. Our primary care clinics offer:

Nurses to answer your questions over the phone 24/7. During daytime hours, you can call your regular clinic to speak to a clinic nurse. But what happens if your child has been vomiting all night? On nights and weekends, call the clinic to reach our nurse triage service to assist you. Triage nurses can help you decide if your child needs to see a doctor and how urgently. If your child doesn’t need to see a doctor immediately, the nurse may be able to tell you how to care for your child.
Medication therapy management – Talk through side effects and potential drug interactions, and cost saving tricks that will help you and your family. (Available in Minneapolis and St. Paul clinics only)
Adolescent care. Adolescence is a time of transition and change and our pediatricians have the skills and experience to promote healthy development is children of all ages through age 21. In addition, we have a Adolescent Health Clinic at our Minneapolis campus with a team of medical and mental health professionals to meet the unique medical and psychosocial needs of teenage patients and their families.
Caring for kids with special needs. Children’s Minnesota primary care clinics work closely with other specialists, such as developmental rehabilitation, and coordinate care and appointments for children with complex needs.
Lactation consultations. If you would like help with breastfeeding, we’re here for you. Lactation consultants can offer breastfeeding advice in person or over the phone. If your regular clinic does not have a lactation consultant on staff, your doctor can refer you to a consultant in the Children’s Minnesota system.
Pediatrician introduction and selection assistance. Your child’s doctor or nurse practitioner will be a big part of your family’s life. We want you to be comfortable with the clinician you choose. Call the clinic to learn more options to introduce you to the clinic and doctors and nurse practitioners. Some clinics offer an introduction session or scheduled appointments.
Newborn screen results. The Minnesota Department of Health sends results of your child’s newborn screenings to your child’s primary care provider. If there any concerns, your primary care provider will contact you and help coordinate your child’s care including any referrals to specialists or follow up testing. At Children’s Minnesota our team of experts come together to support families with diagnosis, testing and treatment plans.
Care for kids with asthma. Our team will teach you and your child the basics about asthma including: what causes asthma, how to use asthma medicines and inhalers, and how to manage asthma at home and in school.