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Thursday, February 22, 2007

UMC’s Family Resource Center Checking Up On The Valley’s Littlest Patients

New program gives families easy access to pediatricians

University Medical Center’s (UMC) Family Resource Center was recently awarded a Pediatric Home Grant from the Fund for a Healthy Nevada, which allows the center to assist children who don’t have their own pediatrician.

“Last year, 37 percent of the children who came through UMC’s Pediatric ER didn’t have their own pediatrician. Our new program works to give families access to pediatric services,” said Lisa Pacheco, registered nurse and assistant clinical manager of the Family Resource Center. “Most of the services are free or have a small fee, and our staff will do what we can to assist the patients and their families.”

Patients first see one of the center’s registered nurses to determine if the child needs immediate medical attention, is up-to-date on immunizations or needs to be referred to a pediatrician. Following this, the family meets with a financial specialist who determines if they are eligible for Medicaid or Nevada Check-up, a low-cost children’s health insurance program. If so, the specialist will assist with the application process and follow it through until it is approved.

All patients have their case managed by a registered nurse until they are 4 years old. This ensures that these children get important vaccinations, regular checkups and have access to a doctor when they are sick. All children are referred to pediatricians at the UMC Lied Pediatric Clinic.

“Through this type of case management we are able to help families overcome any barriers they might encounter and ensure that children are getting the constant care they need,” Pacheco said.

UMC’s Family Resource Center is located at 1120 Shadow Lane, across the street from the hospital’s main campus. To schedule an appointment, or for more information about other family services, call 383-BABY (2229).

Contact Information:
Cheryl Persinger
(702) 383-3860
Cheryl.Persinger@umcsn.com
University Medical Center
1800 West Charleston Blvd., Las Vegas, NV 89102