Appointments are made only by a referral from a physician. Physicians should call Children's Direct at 800.678.HELP (4357) to make a referral.
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The Pain Clinic at St. Louis Children's Hospital strives to utilize a team approach including nurses, physicians, and other pediatric specialists in developing diagnosis and treatment plans for patients with complex pain issues. Chronic pain treatment for children often requires a high-touch, but low-tech approach de-emphasizing reliance upon drugs, nerve blocks, or surgical interventions. Restoration of function is emphasized through engaging the patient’s own cognitive resources, and using complementary care to promote return of normal daily activity.
Operation of the Clinic
- The referring physician remains the primary clinician in the patient’s management, including managing prescribed medications. This avoids hazards of multiple prescribers and keeps the home physician–patient relationship the center of care.
- The clinic will review consult requests made by phone or fax, and report to the physician whether a clinic visit for the patient is within the scope of practice offered. If needed, we may contact the patient by phone to help determine whether the clinic consult would be of benefit.
- The patient and guardian will be evaluated, counseled and advised of treatment recommendations. These will then be reported to the primary clinician in writing. Personal contact will be made as needed to ensure communication is not a barrier to provision of care.
