When a child or teen is diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), the entire family is affected. Patients with ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease often require ongoing medical management throughout their lifetimes.
CHOC’s IBD Program was recently established to provide these patients with access to pediatric gastroenterology experts and other key subspecialists, advanced diagnostics and the latest evidence-based research to diagnose and create personalized treatment plans. The program’s team works closely with patients’ primary care providers to ensure care coordination and open communications.
“Primary care providers play a major role in managing the care of patients with IBD. They are our partners in helping us reach our ultimate goal: securing bright futures for our patients,” says Dr. Kenneth Grant, pediatric gastroenterologist at CHOC. He provides the following program highlights:
- Board-certified pediatric gastroenterologists who work with the latest advancements in IBD research and are engaged in continuous quality improvement
- A support team that includes a registered nurse, nutritionist, social worker, and behavioral health expert
- Coordination with primary care providers, medical and surgical subspecialists, and adult IBD providers and programs
- Membership in the ImproveCareNow (ICN) network, whose purpose is to transform care provided to children and adolescents with IBD. CHOC is the only Orange County hospital that participates in ICN.
- Outpatient care provided at multiple locations: Orange, Mission Viejo, Corona, Newport Beach and Fountain Valley
- Emergency office visits with IBD medical providers for established patients, with same day or next day appointments usually available
- IBD Parent Advisory Council whose members partner with providers to enhance the program
- Outpatient infusion services
- Ongoing research into the causes of IBD and development of better treatments
“Treating IBD in children and teens can be complex, requiring specialized expertise and a multidisciplinary approach to care. We are proud to now offer additional support services to our IBD patients,” says Dr. Grant.
To speak with a CHOC gastroenterologist about the IBD program, call 714-509-4099.
Appointments can be made by calling 888-770-2462.
