The Spina Bifida Clinic is a comprehensive, coordinated set of services for children up to the age of 22 with neural tube birth defects and spinal cord disorders. The program is under the leadership of Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine, a division of the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. The team includes members from the disciplines of:
- Physiatry
- Neurosurgery
- Urology
- Orthopaedics
- Occupational therapy
- Physical therapy
- Nursing
- Clinical social work
The focus of our team is to evaluate each child and work with their family in order to develop medical, surgical/procedural and therapeutic plans to maximize each child’s functional abilities. Our team works closely with community providers and also assists with referrals to other specialty services as needed. Our key team objective is to provide comprehensive, family centered, coordinated care.
Another important aspect of our care is collaboration with the UPMC Adult Spina Bifida Clinic. This allows us to provide a continuum of care as the pediatric patient transitions to adulthood. The adult clinic is the only program in western Pennsylvania specializing in the unique medical needs of adults with spina bifida.
Referral Requirements
Referrals to see our physicians and practitioners are accepted from primary care physicians, other UPMC Children’s Specialty Services, community providers, and medical or social agencies but are not required. Self-referrals are also accepted. Patients enrolled in managed care insurance plans may require authorization from the insurance provider and primary care physician.
