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Choosing a provider for your child is an important part of preparing for a new baby. This will be the person who manages your child’s health from their first wellness visit through the teen years. Here are tips on how to find a health care provider.
Types of Primary Care Providers
Primary care providers may care for children from the time they are newborns until 21 years of age, or older. There are different types of primary care providers who care for babies. A pediatrician, family medicine doctor, physician's assistant and nurse practitioner can all be part of your baby's primary care health care team.
Your primary care team provides:
Preventive health care, such as well visits, physicals, vaccines and screenings.
Support, education and guidance for caregivers.
Care for illnesses and injuries.
Referrals to specialists as needed.
Pediatricians
Most pediatricians work with kids from infancy through late adolescence. Pediatricians treat a range of health problems in kids and are focused on pediatric and adolescent medicine.
Family Medicine Doctors
Family medicine doctors take care of patients of all ages, from kids to seniors. They are trained in many different areas of medicine which allows them to provide care through adulthood. They may also provide care to your entire family so they know your family’s health history, as well.
How to Choose Your Primary Care Provider
Research
You should start looking for a health care provider about three months before your baby is due. Ask for suggestions from relatives, friends, neighbors, coworkers, and health care providers you know. Then, check your insurance company's website to see if the providers are covered by your plan.
For a complete list of UW Health Family Medicine and Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine providers that care for babies and kids, visit www.uwhealth.org/providers and select the “Pediatrics” tab. Please note, not all doctors are taking new patients so call to get an infant provider.
Location
Travel time to the office can be an important factor, especially if your child is sick. You should also check that the office hours work for your schedule.
Communication
You may want to ask how you can communicate with the provider, such as messaging through MyChart or via phone. Also, ask what options there are for after-hours questions.
Who to Call
Contact us if you need help finding a primary care provider for your baby.
Finding Care in Illinois
Patient Navigation Hub
(779) 696-7455
Finding Care in Wisconsin
Welcome Center by phone
(608) 821-4819
Visit uwhealth.org/findpcp to complete our brief Find a Primary Doctor form.
