The Colorectal Team: Bringing Together Different Specialties to Treat Your Child

Traveling to a new facility and meeting a new care team can be exciting and overwhelming. The team who treats colorectal patients is a group of medical professionals who will work together to help your family navigate through your child’s appointment. Collaborating and communication is key within a large group caring for children with complex needs.

When you first arrive, you will be greeted by the registration staff. They will walk you through the check-in process and request necessary documents, such as driver’s license and insurance cards to ensure the team has what they need to get started.

Once you have been checked-in, a nurse clinician will meet with you and your child to start your visit. Your child’s height and weight will be measured and a set of vital signs, such as heart rate, blood pressure, and temperature, will be obtained. You will be guided to an exam room and the nurse will review your child’s medical and surgical history and any updates or concerns you would like to discuss with our team.

Based on the reason for your child’s visit, you may be seen by a surgeon, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner for an assessment and exam. You may see a variety of specialty providers, such as colorectal surgeons, urologic surgeons, gynecologic surgeons, physician assistants, and an advanced nurse practitioner.

The providers all come to your clinic room, minimizing your need to travel to individual visits in different locations. Each care team takes turns coming to your clinic room to see your child for their specific needs. The team will introduce themselves and their role in your child’s care upon entering the room. This is your time to speak with providers about any goals or concerns for your child and work together on a plan that is best for your family.

Alongside clinical staff, a skilled psychosocial team made up of social workers, child-life specialists, and psychologists will care for your child. This team is here to support your child and family throughout your care by providing resources, developmentally appropriate support, and mental health care. The psychosocial team can meet with you at various times along your journey.

The team works together with your family to meet your individual needs. At the end of your visit, you will have a clear plan of care determined by your providers and reviewed by the nurse clinician upon your departure from clinic.