Why Your Kids Need a Consistent Primary Care Provider this School Year

As another school year gets into full swing, the hustle and bustle of daily life can make it feel like everything is constantly changing. From your child growing up too fast to managing chaotic schedules, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. But amid all the changes, let one thing remain consistent — your child's primary care provider (PCP).

With a trusted PCP, you’ll always know where to turn when someone in the family gets sick, said local pediatricians and primary care physicians. Norman Regional Health System’s PCPs are a one-stop shop for your family’s healthcare needs, providing care for all ages, from routine check-ups to managing chronic illnesses.

Building Trust and Comfort with Your Child’s PCP

For many kids, going to a doctor’s office can sometimes feel intimidating. However, when your child consistently sees the same provider, they build a rapport and develop a sense of comfort and trust. This trust may encourage your child to openly share any health concerns, so they receive the care they need.

"Continuity of care is key to building a strong, trusting relationship," says Kassi Sexton, MD, MPH, at Primary Care Moore. "When children feel comfortable with their provider, they’re more likely to speak up about any issues they’re experiencing, which allows us to catch potential problems early on."

At Norman Regional, our providers take the time to get to know each child personally. From remembering their favorite movies to understanding their unique interests and sports activities, our team of doctors and advanced practice providers create a caring environment where your kid will feel valued and heard.

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Why a Consistent PCP Matters

A dedicated PCP offers more than just treatment when your child is sick. They provide preventive care such as vaccinations, annual check-ups and health screenings that are essential for early detection of potential health issues. Regular visits to the same provider help establish a baseline for your child’s health, enabling the PCP to detect any changes or concerns more accurately.

“Having a consistent provider means having someone who understands your child’s health history and development without you having to retell their story every visit," explains Alexander Mach, DO, a pediatrician at Norman Regional Pediatrics South OKC. "This familiarity allows us to provide more tailored care, whether it’s addressing a minor illness or managing a chronic condition. I personally view my patients and their caregivers as my own family, and I enjoy taking the time to catch up on each other’s lives.”

Norman Regional PCPs will track your child’s growth and development, manage chronic conditions and offer advice on various health concerns. They’re not only equipped to handle physical health, but also address mental health concerns. PCPs are trained to gauge developmental milestones and emotional well-being, offering support for issues such as stress, anxiety and depression.

Amy Hobson, APRN-CNP, a primary care provider at Norman Regional's Primary Care - Doctors Park, agrees with the importance of preventive measures and adds, “Do not forget about gut health; it is essential for a healthy immune system. A healthy diet rich in prebiotics and probiotics will help! It’s also important that children are up to date on their well-child checks. This ensures they are healthy and that their chronic conditions (i.e., allergies, asthma, etc.) are optimally managed, especially when heading into cold and flu season.”

Building a long-term relationship with a provider means they are familiar with your family’s medical history and can more easily identify changes in behavior or mood, making it easier to spot potential issues early and ensure continuity of care.

"Knowing the patient beyond just their medical records makes a huge difference," adds Dr. Sexton. "It allows us to notice subtle changes that might be missed otherwise, and that’s a big part of why I love what I do."

Norman Regional’s personalized approach helps to accurately assess symptoms and understand what’s typical for each patient, making each visit more effective and reassuring.

Easy Access to Specialized Care

If your children need specialized care, their PCP will act as a guide to our health system. They can refer you to the right specialists within Norman Regional and coordinate your child’s care across different services, ensuring that nothing is missed.

Need Help Finding a Primary Care Provider?

Our Community Call Center is readily available to assist you. Operating Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (excluding holidays), you can reach the Community Call Center by phone at 405-515-5000.

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Convenient Locations Close to Home

At Norman Regional, we understand that convenience is key for busy families. That’s why Norman Regional has primary care clinics in multiple locations, including Norman, Moore, Oklahoma City, Blanchard, Newcastle, Purcell and Tri-City.

Find a Primary Care Clinic Close to You

As a new school year begins, make sure your kids are prepared not just with a cool new backpack or clothes but also health-wise. Schedule an appointment with a Norman Regional primary care provider today, and give your family the best start to the school year!