Patient and Family Resources

For Parents

As part of UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh’s ongoing commitment to providing family-centered care, the Division of Pediatric Rheumatology makes a concerted effort to involve and educate the parents of our patients. On the Web, our Parent Advisory Committee, parent-to-parent connections, parent alerts, and the information available through frequently asked questions, all provide an exchange of information that will help them and their children to remain active throughout their daily lives.

Take the opportunity to learn more with your personal involvement, or keep informed of current topics relating to the medicines or characteristics associated with your child's condition.

For Patients

Office Location

We see scheduled patients at UPMC Children's Hospital in the Lawrenceville section of Pittsburgh. Get directions to UPMC Children's.

Appointments

To schedule an appointment, call 412-692-5081 Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.–4 p.m.

Read about referrals.

The patient must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian who is familiar with the child’s medical history.

The time required for the initial visit varies, but please allow up to three hours. Follow-up visits can take up to two hours. It may be helpful to bring a quiet activity (such as games, books, toys, and a light snack).

Please arrive at least 20 minutes prior to your child’s scheduled appointment time to allow adequate time for registration. Please be sure to bring all pertinent X-rays and records, including a list of your child’s medications, with dosage and frequency. If you are unable to keep your child’s appointment, please call the scheduling office at least 48 hours in advance to cancel and/or reschedule.

Although medical emergencies may occasionally cause delays in the office, we make every effort to see all patients in a timely fashion. Therefore, if you arrive late for your appointment, we may ask you to reschedule.

Transition to Adult Care

Some time after the age of 18, UPMC Children's patients transition to adult caregivers. Individuals older than 21 are not hospitalized at Children’s. Our staff will work with you to find a qualified adult rheumatologist who can meet your child’s specific needs.

Important Phone Numbers

• Division of Pediatric Rheumatology 412-692-5081
  
  • Fax 412-692-5054
  • Appointments 412-692-5081
• Emergency 412-692-5325
• Physical and Occupational Therapy 412-692-5480

Phone Calls

Pediatric nurse practitioners or nurses answer the majority of phone calls under the supervision of or in collaboration with physicians.

• Calls received by 2 p.m. usually are answered the same day. Depending on the problem, we may give advice, prescribe medication or suggest that you see your child’s primary care provider.
• Most management issues should be discussed with the nurse practitioner or nurse.
• If you have a non-urgent issue that you want to discuss directly with your regular rheumatologist instead of the nurse practitioner or nurse, you may leave a message for that physician. He or she will return your call as soon as possible.
• If you have an emergency when the Rheumatology office is closed, contact your primary care provider or local EMS. You also may call Children’s Hospital at 412-692-5325 and ask to speak to the rheumatologist on call.
• Prescription refills may be authorized by your primary care provider. For medications we prescribe, refills will be called in within two business days, provided the child has been seen in the Division of Pediatric Rheumatology in the last six months.
• If you are calling for laboratory or X-ray results, please identify the specific test for which you are requesting results and a telephone number where you can be reached.
• School excuses will be provided to patients after they are evaluated by the rheumatologist and a course of treatment has been determined.
• Authorizations and paperwork issues usually take longer than one business day, depending on the responsiveness of insurance companies.