Health Care Home - Frequently Asked Questions

What defines children with special health care needs?

Children with special health care needs (CSHCN) have or are at risk for chronic physical, developmental, behavioral or emotional conditions. They require health and related services of a type or amount beyond that requires by children generally. (Adapted from the Minnesota Department of Health)

What is a care plan?

A care plan is a document used by families, educators and health care professionals to organize and streamline medical information. A care plan provides efficient and family centered care for your child, whether he is seen in the clinic, emergency room, hospital on vacation or at a specialist’s office. The purpose of a care plan is to improve the quality of care that we provide to children with special health care needs.
View a sample care plan (PDF)

How do I get a care plan?

To get a care plan started, talk to your health care provider, or contact Beth, the Medical Home Care Coordinator at (320) 229-4992. Together, we can get a care plan started. Parents are asked to fill out information about their child, such as nickname, personal strengths as well as school and support services. Once this information is gathered, your child’s health care provider will add your child’s pertinent medical needs to the care plan. A final copy will be mailed to you and a copy will remain in our electronic medical record for use in all CentraCare entities.

What is a Chronic Care Visit?

A Chronic Care Visit (or CCV) is an important health care visit for children with chronic healthcare needs. This appointment is in addition to your child’s annual physical. At this visit your provider will update your care plan, as well as:
- Review current therapies, services, equipment and medical care
- Problem solve questions or issues
- Set future health care goals for your child
- Create a follow-up plan

We like to have children scheduled for a CCV mid-birthday year. For example if your child’s birthday is in December, then we would like a CCV around June. This appointment is typically 30-45 minutes in length. CCVs are not meant to replace you child’s yearly physical. Most insurance companies cover CCV once yearly in addition to yearly physicals, please confirm with your insurance prior to scheduling. Call (320) 654-3610 to schedule your child's CCV.

I need to update my child’s care plan. How do I do that?

There are various ways to update your child’s care plan.

1. If you have an upcoming appointment with your child’s provider, bring the updates with you.
2. Schedule a CCV if your child is due (see “What is a CCV” above.)
3. Call the Health Care Home Coordinator call with updates at (320) 229-4992.

How do I get a handicap tag for my vehicle?

Log on to Minnesota Department of Public Safety - Driver and Vehicle Services
- Click on "Disability Parking"
- Print the application
- Give the completed application to your provider to fill in medical section
- Mail the completed form to the Driver and Vehicle Services office

Or..
Ask your provider for a formwhen you are here for a visit. We have blank applications in the clinic.

How can I get a copy of my child’s specialist's report?

When you have an appointment with the specialist, ask the front desk staff if you can sign a release of information (ROI) form for a copy to be sent to you and your primary provider.