Who coordinates the health care of my child who has a birth defect?
The PCP usually provides the basic care of a child with a birth defect. The PCP should know about sources of help for the child and the family. Help may include support groups, public health services, and current medical literature. The PCP also coordinates the childs care. For example, children with birth defects involving their bones may need to see an orthopedist, a doctor trained in problems with the bones. A child with a birth defect involving the brain may need to see a neurologist, who is trained to deal with problems in the brain and nervous system. The PCP may also send the child for special services that will help the child function better. For example, a child with a cleft palate may be sent to a speech therapist, someone with special training who works with people to improve their ability to talk. Another common referral is for physical therapy to improve the childs strength and movement. Many children with birth defects have more than one problem and may need one or more s
The PCP usually provides the basic care of a child with a birth defect. The PCP should know about sources of help for the child and the family. Help may include support groups, public health services, and current medical literature. The PCP also coordinates the child’s care. For example, children with birth defects involving their bones may need to see an orthopedist, a doctor trained in problems with the bones. A child with a birth defect involving the brain may need to see a neurologist, who is trained to deal with problems in the brain and nervous system. The PCP may also send the child for special services that will help the child function better. For example, a child with a cleft palate may be sent to a speech therapist, someone with special training who works with people to improve their ability to talk. Another common referral is for physical therapy to improve the child’s strength and movement. Many children with birth defects have more than one problem and may need one or more
