Providing comprehensive, family-centered care to children, adolescents and young adults is central to the mission of Children’s Division of Pediatric Rheumatology, one of the foremost programs devoted to children with rheumatic diseases in the United States. At the heart of this endeavor is one of the largest pediatric rheumatology teams in the nation – experienced medical specialists and leading pediatric rheumatologists working together to diagnose, treat and manage childhood rheumatic diseases, musculoskeletal pain syndromes and other conditions.
This physician-directed team approach provides the comprehensive and coordinated care and support necessary to address all of the medical, social and emotional issues that children with autoimmune disorders and their families may face. In addition, clinical care is tailored to meet individual needs. Each child is assigned to a pediatric rheumatologist, who is supported by experienced staff specialists, including a rheumatology nurse, a clinical social worker and physical and occupational therapists.
Clinical services include diagnosis by a pediatric rheumatologist to identify the underlying cause of a child’s problem, evaluation, consultation and a recommended course of treatment. Follow up and management is provided by pediatric rheumatologists working with the rheumatology team. Each child’s condition is followed through regular appointments with a pediatric rheumatologist. Physicians and staff are also available to respond to emergencies, report laboratory results and to answer any questions that may arise between appointments. To ensure continuity of care, the rheumatology team will often communicate with the child’s primary care physician. The services of other specialists are also available, including physical and occupational therapy.
Medical issues are often not the only concerns children with chronic rheumatic conditions and their families encounter. The division’s clinical social worker helps families with many of the emotional and practical concerns that may arise, such as child behavior problems, school problems and disability. Other services provided by the Division of Pediatric Rheumatology include individual, family and group counseling, special weekend disease-related educational sessions for families and arranging support groups for patients and families.
