Yale-New Haven Children's Hospital

Children's Medical Services

Outpatient care at the Pediatric Specialty Center

The Pediatric Specialty Center is located on the second floor of Yale-New Haven Children’s Hospital (YNHCH) in thed West Pavilion. It is a major referral center for outpatient pediatric specialty services, with more than 20 subspecialties offered. Children are seen for a variety of reasons—from a one-time consultation to treatments for acute, chronic or terminal medical/surgical conditions.

Each specialty clinic is staffed by an attending physician from YNHCH as well as fellows, residents, advanced practice nurses, registered nurses, child life specialists, social workers, nutritionists and others who work together to provide the specialty care needed.

To make an appointment
Call (203) 785-4081, Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Frequency and availability of each specialty session varies. Please let us know if you cannot keep your appointment. We’ll be happy to reschedule.

*Note regarding pediatric cancer patients: Pediatric oncologists want to discuss each case with the referring physicians and parents before seeing new patients. The Pediatric Oncology office can be reached by calling (203) 785-4640.

What to bring to your appointment

• Health insurance cards
• Referral forms or papers or special authorizations if you are a member of an HMO and a referral is required
• Health and medical records
• Laboratory results, X-rays or other test results
• List of your child’s medications
• A favorite toy or stuffed animal
• Snacks, formula and diapers

Where to park

Entering the center
When entering the center, parents should register with the receptionist and then go to the insurance area to handle any insurance paperwork and/or copays. The waiting area is large, spacious and kid-friendly. A special section for children is equipped with games, crafts and books for them to enjoy while they wait.

Inside the center are 14 examination rooms, an infusion room, a treatment room, a phlebotomy lab for drawing blood, a satellite hematology/chemistry laboratory and cardiopulmonary testing. Pediatric diagnostic imaging services are located nearby in the Soiuth Pavilion.

If your child is having blood work done, please write his or her name on the blue clipboard by the front entrance, in order for your child's name to be called.

When the exam begins, your child’s weight and height will be taken, along with blood pressure and other vital signs. Then your child will go to an examination, treatment or procedure room.

Procedure room
A variety of invasive procedures can be done on an outpatient basis, including spinal tap or lumbar puncture and bone marrow aspiration and examination. This room has its own supply of toys and activities, as well as a TV and VCR to help distract children during these procedures.

Infusion area
The infusion area is where children can receive blood transfusions and intravenous medications used to treat a variety of diseases. Children sit in large, comfortable chairs while receiving the infusion, equipped with a personal TV and VCR. Parents are welcome to stay with your child. A large circular table is a gathering point for the children to play games or make crafts. Snacks and drinks can be kept in a refrigerator located in the waiting area. A computer is also located in the area so that children can play games, search the Internet and e-mail friends while undergoing treatment.

Red blood cell transfusions are used in the treatment of sickle cell disease, thalassemia and cancer. Platelet transfusions are given to children under chemotherapy, which can temporarily wipe out the supply of platelets in their blood.

Isolation room
Because a child’s immunity is very low after a bone marrow transplant, children coming for treatment are placed in an isolation room located off the infusion area. This room has windows where children can interact with other children coming in for treatment. They are included in activities and can talk with other children through child-sized walkie talkies. The room also has its own TV and VCR.

Specialists who see patients at the center:

For other specialities, see the Department of Pediatrics, Yale University School of Medicine

Last revised: June 6, 2007 (dh)

Home page URL: http://www.ynhh.org

All information is intended for your general knowledge and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for specific medical conditions. You should seek prompt medical care for any specific health issues and consult your physician before starting a new fitness regimen.