Getting Health Care

2 in 3 parents want their child’s healthcare provider to suggest ways to prevent their child from developing hereditary health conditions. Parents feel slightly more knowledgeable about their child’s family health history for medical conditions than mental health. Nearly half of parents express concerns about their child potentially developing a hereditary condition.

Over half of parents do not have a portal for their child. Among parents who have a portal for their child, 1 in 3 have used it to get advice about their child’s illness or injury. Among parents whose teen has a portal, 1 in 3 have noticed differences in their ability to access their teen’s health information.

Nearly half of parents schedule well visits with their child’s regular provider even if they have a long wait for an appointment. 1 in 3 parents believe their child is more likely to follow advice if it comes from a provider their child knows well. 3 in 4 parents recall the provider giving feedback on questionnaires completed about their child’s health and behavior.

Only half of parents recognize that screen time has a major impact on their child’s eye health. Most parents overlook simple actions to protect children’s eyes, such as wearing protective eyewear when playing sports and sunglasses when outside. 1 in 7 parents say their child has not had a vision test or seen an eye doctor in the past 2 years.

1 in 5 parents report their child had a virtual healthcare visit during the pandemic. Lower-income parents have more concerns about technical problems related to virtual care. Parents are more comfortable with virtual visits for mental health or minor illness than for check-ups.

1 in 3 parents say COVID-19 has made it hard to get dental care for their child. Children with Medicaid dental coverage have had more problems getting a preventive dental appointment. 1 in 4 parents say their child’s oral health habits have improved during the pandemic.

Half of parents said their young child age 2-5 was afraid of going to the doctor. 1 in 5 said it was hard to concentrate on what the doctor or nurse was saying because their young child was scared or upset. 1 in 25 had postponed a vaccine for their young child due to fear of doctor visits. Parents prepared their young child for the doctor by educating (with books, shows, or explanations) or placating (promising a treat or no shots).

Two-thirds of parents report their child has had a headache not related to a fall or head injury. 1 in 6 would withhold pain relief medicine so the doctor could see how bad their child's headache is. Parents vary in whether they would take children to the ER for headache with neck stiffness and fever, possible signs of meningitis.

Over half of parents did not receive guidance from their child’s doctor or a dentist about when to start dentist visits. Professional guidance was more common among parents with higher income, education, and private dental insurance. 1 in 6 parents who did not receive guidance from health care providers believed children should delay dentist visits until age 4 years or older.

One in 4 parents of teens of driving age say their teen is registered to be an organ donor. Misconceptions about medical care, potential suffering and cost are major parental concerns about organ donation. Only 17% of parents of younger children said they would like to learn more about organ donation.