Our Services
Airway and Voice Center
Description of Services
The Airway and Voice Center (AVC) is a multidisciplinary diagnostic and referral center dedicated to medical and surgical care of children with:
- Disorders of the airway or voice
- Swallowing disorders
- Sleep apnea
- Related problems such as malnutrition and gastroesophageal reflux
Otolaryngologists, pulmonologists, gastroenterologists, plastic surgeons, craniofacial surgeons, oral maxillofacial surgeons and voice/speech therapists provide most of the services at the center. Occupational therapists specializing in swallowing disorders, radiologists, pediatric surgeons, anesthesiologists, respiratory therapy/tracheotomy education specialists and social workers provide services as needed.
As a comprehensive resource center, the AVC is available not only to patients, but also to referring physicians and surgeons who may request diagnoses, second opinions, treatment plans and definitive treatment.
The types of disorders appropriate for referral to the AVC include:
- Severe subglottic stenosis
- Posterior glottic stenoses
- Supraglottic stenosis
- Combination stenoses
- Revision cases
- Stent cases
- Laryngeal clefts
- Laryngotracheoesophageal clefts
- Tracheal stenoses
- Base of tongue/epiglottic collapse
- Reflux diagnostic dilemmas affecting the airway
- Severe sleep apnea
- Voice/resonance dilemmas
- Swallowing dilemmas
- Failure of tracheotomy decannulation
Referral Requirements
Referrals are required from primary care physicians or other Children’s Hospital specialty services. Referrals for patients enrolled in managed care insurance plans also may require authorization from the insurance provider and primary care physician. All necessary referral and authorization forms must be received before the patient’s visit. For accurate provider numbers or more information, please call the office number listed.
