Advocating for Your Child's Health Care

Today's health care arena is challenging, complex and intimidating. New issues must be sorted through as treatment options expand and the insurance industry becomes more complicated.

As the parent of a child with a severe or chronic illness, you are your child's best health care advocate. Your decisions about treatment plans, day-to-day care and insurance have a major impact on your child's quality of life.

One of the most important considerations for your child's health care is choosing the right specialist. Yet you and your insurance company may have different ideas about who the best specialist is for your child.

The following information can help you make an informed decision when selecting a specialist and, if necessary, help you communicate concerns and questions to your insurance company.