Children's Health
Children’s health includes physical, mental, and social well-being. It’s important to closely monitor your child’s health as they develop. Regular visits to the doctor can detect or prevent your child from experiencing health problems. Your child should have a well visit after newborn discharge at 2 weeks, 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, 9 months, 12 months, 15 months, 18 months, and then every year around their birthday.
Schedule an Appointment
Call the appointment line (785) 239-3627, Option #1, Monday - Friday, 7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Talk with a Nurse
The Nurse Advice Line can also help make an appointment with Primary Care during non-business hours. Talk directly with a registered nurse 24/7 at 1-800-TRICARE (874-2273).
Proof of Eligibility of Minors
Proof of eligibility of a minor aged 10 or older is required for medical care services at Irwin Army Community Hospital. If proof of eligibility is not provided within 30 days of service date, the patient will be billed as a non-beneficiary.
A valid ID card and enrollment in DEERS will establish beneficiary status of a minor. Parents can obtain an ID card from the Fort Riley ID Card Center, 212 Custer Ave. on Main Post, in the west wing of the basement, Room B01.
The ID Card Center operates on an appointment only system. Appointments can be scheduled online at the RAPIDS site or call (785) 239-3654 for assistance.
The Center is open Monday through Thursday, 7:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.; and every other Friday 7:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. For questions, call DEERS/ID Card Chief (785) 239-3654 or 239-3698.
Medical Consent for Minors at IACH
At Irwin Army Community Hospital, we are committed to providing safe and high-quality medical care to all our patients, including children. However, it is important for parents, guardians, and caregivers to understand the legal requirements regarding medical consent for minors.
Who Can Consent to a Minor’s Medical Care?
Under federal healthcare regulations, a minor (anyone under the age of 18) cannot receive medical treatment unless consent is given by:
- A biological parent
- A legal guardian (with court documentation)
- An individual holding a valid medical power of attorney (MPOA)
Stepparents and Other Caregivers
While stepparents, grandparents, or other caregivers may play an essential role in a child's life, they cannot authorize medical care for a minor unless they have an MPOA specifically granting them the authority to do so. Without this legal document, IACH is unable to provide medical services to a minor unless a biological parent or legal guardian is present.
What You Need to Do
To avoid delays in care, families should take proactive steps:
- Obtain a medical power of attorney: If a stepparent, grandparent, or another caregiver regularly brings a child to appointments, the biological parent or legal guardian should complete an MPOA form.
- Keep legal documents up to date: Ensure the hospital has the necessary paperwork on file before any scheduled appointment.
- Plan ahead: If the biological parent cannot attend the appointment, they should send the child with a caregiver who has the appropriate documentation.
How to Get a Medical Power of Attorney
A medical power of attorney can be obtained through the Fort Riley Legal Assistance Office. This document must be notarized and should specify that the designated individual has permission to consent to medical treatment for the child.
Ensuring Smooth Appointments
Our goal at IACH is to provide timely and effective care for every patient. Understanding and preparing for these consent requirements will help prevent any disruptions to your child’s medical treatment. If you have any questions, please contact our Patient Administration Division for guidance.