December 1, 2006

MGHfC opens Coordinated Care Clinic for medically complex children

The MassGeneral Hospital for Children (MGHfC) recently launched the new outpatient Coordinated Care Clinic for pediatric patients to provide comprehensive, integrated and coordinated care for the MGHfC's medically complex patients. Clinic staff members organize all aspects of the patient's care, helping families navigate more smoothly through the health care system. Because clinicians from a number of different specialties care for medically complex children, the clinic team helps facilitate communication among families, primary care physicians, specialists, therapists and other health care providers. Additionally, the clinic provides transitional outpatient care for children with complex diagnoses by coordinating medical equipment, specialists, medications and other resources.

"For many parents of children with special health care needs, navigating the medical system can be challenging and very frustrating," says Mark Robel, RN, MSN, CPNP, nurse practitioner for the clinic. "The Coordinated Care Clinic can help alleviate some of that stress and allow parents to spend more time taking care of their children."

The clinic team is comprised of Robel, three pediatricians and a family adviser, who acts as a resource and support person for families. It is located in the Yawkey Center for Outpatient Care, sixth floor, and patients can be seen Monday through Thursday, from 9 am to noon. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call (617) 643-0606.

Pictured, from left, clinic staff Marjorie Curran, MD; Robel; Sandra Clancy, PhD; Carl Seashore, MD; and Shannon Scott-Vernaglia, MD