Coordinated Treatment Center
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Coordinated Treatment Center Pediatric Diabetes Outpatient Service
MeritCare's Pediatric and Adolescent Diabetes Outpatient Service provides care to individuals with diabetes mellitus from infancy to 18 years of age. Because diabetes is a complex medical problem, individuals who use this service are evaluated by several specialists, who recommend a comprehensive treatment plan. This kind of coordinated care approach has been found to play a significant role in decreasing the complications of diabetes.
It is recommended that individuals visit the Coordinated Treatment Center Diabetes Outpatient Service on an annual basis. This program is financially supported by the North Dakota Children's Special Health Service, which means all costs for residents of North Dakota are covered at no expense to the patient.
Please note: Participants must receive a referral from their primary care physician; this service does not replace the care of the family physician.
Our goals
Diabetes has a major impact on the life of the individual with the disease as well as that person's family. The goal of MeritCare's Pediatric Diabetes Outpatient Service is to help manage the disease by addressing the following areas:
- Monitoring normal growth and development
- Improving blood glucose levels
- Decreasing diabetes complications
- Enhancing patient and family education
- Developing appropriate lifestyle changes
- Identifying and treating psychosocial issues such as school problems, depression, rebellion
A comprehensive visit
This comprehensive clinic appointment takes approximately five hours - that time includes one hour of education. At each appointment, the care team will provide a comprehensive evaluation that includes:
- A comprehensive history that addresses medical, social, developmental, behavioral and educational issues.
- A physical exam
- Appropriate laboratory screening
- Nutritional assessment and recommendations
- Family, social/psychological assessment with assistance and referral if necessary
- Exercise assessment and recommendations
Following the appointment, the team of specialists works to develop a treatment plan which meets the needs of the individual. After the appointment, a comprehensive report is sent to the referring physician and to the parents.
Specialists involved in the pediatric diabetes outpatient service:
- Pediatric endocrinologist
- Certified pediatric diabetes nurse educator
- Dietitian
- Pediatric social worker
- Exercise physiologist
- Pediatric and adolescent psychologist
Availability
The Pediatric Diabetes Outpatient Service is offered monthly in the Coordinated Treatment Center at the MeritCare Broadway Health Center, 736 Broadway, Fargo. Families are encouraged to schedule this service once a year. For more information or an appointment please call:
MeritCare Coordinated Treatment Center
(701) 234-6600 or (800) 828-2901
9 a.m.-3 p.m., Monday through Friday.