Rheumatology
Improving the Lives of Children With Rheumatic Disease Through High-quality and Innovative Care, Training and Research
Rheumatology
Pediatric rheumatologists at Nationwide Children’s Hospital provide comprehensive care and consultation services for children with suspected or definite rheumatic diseases and non-surgical musculoskeletal problems.
Our mission is to improve the lives of children with rheumatic disease through high-quality and innovative care, training and research. Our vision is that children with rheumatic disease are able to live without limitations.
New Patients
Now you can schedule appointments and second opinions online. You can schedule online with a provider, time and location that is most convenient, or call (614) 722-6200.
Existing Patients
If your child is already a patient within Rheumatology, you can schedule follow-up appointments right in MyChart or call (614) 722-6200.
Sign Up for MyChart
Signing up for MyChart is easy, and it's free. Use MyChart to schedule appointments, view lab results, refill prescriptions and more.
Referring Physicians
We're one team. Our physician resources make referring your patients to our experts fast, seamless and ensures the highest quality of care.
Refer a PatientCan't Find What You're Looking For?
If you are unable to schedule your next appointment through MyChart, fill out our online Request an Appointment form and a member of our scheduling team will be happy to assist you.
Meet Our Leadership
Stacy P. Ardoin
Stacy P. Ardoin, MD, is Section Chief of Rheumatology and director of the Lupus, Vasculitis and Glomerulonephritis Clinic at Nationwide Children's Hospital.
Our Clinics
Rheumatology Clinic
Outpatient Care Center
555 S. 18th Street
Columbus, OH 43205
Phone: (614) 722-5525
Fax: (614) 722-3194
Mon. – Fri. 8 am – 4 pm
Dublin Close to Home Center
5675 Venture Drive
Suite A
Dublin, Ohio 43017
Phone: (614) 355-8400
Fax: (614) 355-8410
Meet Our Patients
Family Resources
- Lupus and Kids: Understanding Child Onset Disease
- Helping Your Child With Lupus: From Team Care to Sun Smarts
- Juvenile Arthritis: Diagnosis and Treatment Options for Your Child
References
- American College of Rheumatology
- National Institute of Health - JIA
- National Institute of Health - Lupus
- National Organization for Rare Disorders
Foundations
- Arthritis Foundation
- Lupus Foundation
- Scleroderma Foundation
- Vasculitis Foundation
- Cure JM Foundation
Highlighted Activities
Research
We participate in clinical research, but our first priority is always patient care. We would never treat a patient, or their parent, with any less respect or care if they did not participate in research. We believe it would be unethical, and we would never participate in any research that we thought might harm our patients. Children's has an institutional review board that has very strict rules about how research involving patients must be performed. We also have available the facilities and expertise of Pediatric Clinical Trials International (PCTI).
Since the number of children with arthritis, or lupus, for example is small in comparison to adults, it is essential for multiple pediatric rheumatology centers to participate in collaborative research. Otherwise, it will be impossible to have enough patients in certain studies to reach meaningful conclusions.
Most of the pediatric rheumatologists in the United States have come together to form a group called the Pediatric Rheumatology Collaborative Study Group, or PRCSG. This group is lead by pediatric rheumatologists who have great experience in designing and performing clinical research. We belong to the PRCSG, and are committed to only doing studies of high quality – that is those that are well designed and likely to give very useful results.
Resources
Quality Improvement
In keeping with our mission, the Rheumatology section is actively engaged in measures to improve the care and outcomes of children with rheumatic diseases. Our team is leading the way in improving outcomes in Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis and Childhood-Onset Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. We partner with national collaboratives such as PR-COIN. Further, we have made strides in improving vaccinations, screening for mental health, social determinants of health, and transition to adult care. Prevention of harm is another area of focus through improved screening for uveitis and hydroxychloroquine-related retinopathy, and prevention of pregnancy in adolescents on teratogenic medications. The team is supported by a quality data technician and Quality Improvement Specialists. Fellows can lead an independent quality improvement project during their training with appropriate data support.