Pediatric Specialty Services

We help kids with a wide range of health issues. Our pediatric specialists work with your pediatrician to create a care plan that meets your child’s unique needs – physical, mental, and emotional.

We provide a full range of healthcare services for your child’s condition, including:

Blood conditions

Blood disorders, or hematology, encompass a wide variety of conditions. Some of these include problems with red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, bone marrow, and the blood’s ability to clot. 

Craniofacial conditions

Our multi-disciplinary team calls on experts from several specialties to provide evaluations related to both the skull (cranium) and face (facial). Specialists in plastic surgery, orthodontics, genetics, speech therapy, and more work together to recommend treatment options for your child. 

Digestive conditions (Gastrointestinal)

Pediatric gastroenterology involves diagnosing and treating diseases of the digestive system, as well as the liver and biliary system. This includes conditions of the esophagus, stomach, small and large intestine, pancreas, liver, and gallbladder. Conditions include:

• Esophagus and swallowing issues such as chronic vomiting, dysphagia, eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE), feeding difficulties, reflux, and GERD.
• Stomach issues such as gastritis (swelling or inflammation of the stomach), gastroparesis (poor gastric emptying), peptic ulcer disease, or recurrent or chronic abdominal pain.
• Intestinal issues such as celiac disease and gluten sensitivities, constipation, chronic diarrhea, food allergies and sensitivities, gas and bloating/distention, IBS - irritable bowel syndrome, crohn's and colitis, malabsorption, or motility issues.
• Pancreas issues such as cystic fibrosis, pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), and pancreatic insufficiency.
• Liver issues of acute and chronic hepatitis, bile duct disorders, biliary atresia, fatty liver disease, metabolic disorders, and neonatal jaundice/cholestasis.
• Nutritional issues like food allergies and intolerance, nutritional deficiencies, poor weight gain, obesity related issues, and unexplained weight loss. 

Genetic conditions

Whether inherited (congenital) or caused by environmental factors (acquired) such as prenatal alcohol or drug use, about 8 percent of babies are born with a genetic disorder. This means they have an odd number of chromosomes, causing certain birth defects, certain facial features, and learning issues. We help you navigate life with a genetic disorder and help you understand the likelihood for a disorder in future pregnancies.

• Down syndrome
• Trisomy 18 & 13
• Turner Syndrome

Heart conditions (Cardiology)

The most common cause of heart failure in children is a heart defect that is present at birth (congenital). Other times diseases may develop as they grow. You want to know your child is going to receive the best possible medical attention. We bring together specialists to care for your little one so they may enjoy the fullest life possible.

Common heart conditions include:

• Heart disease present at birth (congenital)
• Heart disease developed during childhood (acquired)
• Abnormal rhythm of the heart (arrhythmia) 

Hormonal conditions (Endocrinology)

The endocrine system is a network of glands that secrete hormones into the bloodstream. These hormones affect your child’s internal processes, such as metabolism and growth. Some common endocrine problems in children include diabetes, growth issues, puberty disorders, and thyroid conditions. Our team of educators, nurses, nutritionists, and specialized doctors treats your child’s hormonal conditions from infancy to young adulthood.

• Diabetes
• Abnormal growth issues
• Obesity
• Pubertal concerns
• Thyroid issues
• Bone disorders

Kidney conditions (Nephrology)

Nephrology deals with kidneys. Our pediatric specialists diagnose and treat your child’s kidney problems, from urgent symptoms to ongoing kidney disease. We work with you to provide complete care for your growing child, including those who’ve received organ transplants.

• Kidney and renal failure
• Urinary tract issues and infections 

Liver conditions (Hepatology)

We treat a wide range of liver disorders. Learn about common characteristics and types of liver disease.

Lung conditions (Pulmonology)

Our pediatric pulmonologists specialize in treating your child’s lung conditions.

• Chronic lung disease
• Asthma
• Oxygen dependency
• Vocal cord dysfunction and enlargement (dysplasia) 

Metabolic conditions

Metabolic or metabolism conditions affect how your child breaks down food. While metabolic disorder symptoms are varied and difficult to recognize, an enlarged belly may be one visible sign. Abnormal blood sugar or eating habits may be another sign.

Nervous system, brain and spinal cord conditions (Neurology)

Pediatric neurology is the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the nervous system, which include the brain and spinal cord. Conditions your child may experience include:

• Headaches and migraines
• Epilepsy
• Cerebral palsy
• Seizures, tics, and other disorders
• School problems
• Tourette disorder 

Nutrition conditions

Many problems that may affect a child's digestive system require clinical care by a physician or other health care professional including:

• Failure to thrive
• Food intolerances 

Sleep conditions

While sleep disorders come in varying degrees, the good news is the majority of them can be treated. We focus on understanding the underlying causes of your child’s disorder; we don’t just treat their symptoms.

• Sleep apnea
• Restless leg syndrome
• Nightmares and night terrors
• Sleep walking

We use a variety of tests and screenings to better understand your child’s unique conditions and for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. This may include routine screenings and an initial examination to understand your child’s health history, imaging tests to see internal pictures of your child’s body, and lab tests like blood work.

Physical examination

Your first visit to our specialty clinic will include a comprehensive physical examination where the doctor will obtain a complete medical history. This helps us to understand everything we need to know about your child in order to make swift and accurate diagnoses.

Imaging tests

When it’s your little one, it’s important we get it right. We use the most advanced technology at our disposal to ensure we find the problem as early as possible. The more we know the better we can treat your child’s problem. To help doctors diagnose issues and decide on the best method of treatment, they may recommend non-invasive imaging (radiology) tests like:

• CT scan (computed tomography) scan - Uses a series of X-ray images to create cross-sectional images of your child’s organs and bones. These scans provide greater detail than X-rays.
• MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) - Relies on magnetic fields and radio waves to create images. MRIs do not use radiation and are helpful in viewing bones and tissues clearly. Learn more about MRI and children.
• Ultrasound - Uses high-frequency sound waves to look at structures inside the body. These images can show movement of your child’s internal organs in real time.
• X-ray - Involves a form of electromagnetic radiation to create black-and-white images of the inside of the body.
• Echocardiogram - Uses sound waves to make detailed images of your child’s heart.

These tests are not painful and usually only take a few minutes. In some cases however, the machines may seem a bit intimidating. Our caring technologists will guide you and your kiddo through the process and answer any questions so you have one less thing to worry about.

Screenings for heart problems

Common heart screenings include a combination of physical examination and imaging tests, as well as:

• Electrocardiogram (ECG) – Measures the electrical activity of your child’s heartbeat.
• Cardiac catheterization – Helps doctors perform imaging tests. A long, thin tube is inserted through the blood vessels into the heart in order to see the heart better. It sounds scary, but oftentimes the procedure can prevent surgery and further treatment.

Lab tests

Blood tests check hormone levels, look for chromosomal problems, and check for chronic disorders relating to immunology, diabetes and endocrinology, genetics, gastrointestinal issues, and infectious diseases. Inherited disorders are present at birth and can be diagnosed with routine newborn screenings. Most are identified through a blood sample. 

Neurological screenings

At our pediatric specialty clinics, infants, children, and adolescents are evaluated for standard neurological disorders such as tics, headaches/migraines, seizures/epilepsy, and disorders of the developing nervous system. Common “neuro” tests include:

• Neurological exam – An evaluation of your child’s nervous system.
• Electroencephalogram (EEG) - Detects abnormalities in your child’s brain by placing small transmitters on their scalp. 

Sleep tests

Polysomnogram is a painless test doctors use to help identify sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea. The test is usually done in a sleep lab and involves recording breathing and muscle movements. 

Visual and hearing screenings

Early detection and treatment may prevent vision loss and ear health issues as your child grows. Screenings can start soon after birth. 

Regular visits to your pediatrician for checkups and routine screenings are a great way to ensure a healthy, happy childhood, and to detect any potential issues as early as possible.