The NICU Follow-up Clinic identifies, evaluates and assists in the managing of infants and young toddlers who may be at risk for developmental delays. This may be due to a low birth weight or the gestational age at your baby’s birth.
What does “at risk” mean for your situation? Your baby may have a greater chance of developing hearing, speech, vision, motor (reaching, grasping,sitting, crawling, etc), nutritional and behavioral concerns. These may affect your infant’s later abilities to learn, to play, and to handle day care and school.
We invite you to see our specialists when your baby has reached the corrected age of 6 months, with follow up at 1 and 2 years of age. Corrected age is your baby’s age according to their due date, instead of their actual birth date.
We encourage you to follow up if:
- Your baby was born at 32 weeks or less, especially if they were 3½ lbs or 1500 grams or less at birth
- This was requested by you medical provider
How can I refer my child?
- If your baby was born at Evergreen and has met the criteria, you will be notified by letter and phone call.
- Your child’s primary care provider may suggest this additional evaluation.
- You may be referred by parent support group, nurse or community agency
Who will my child see?
- Neonatologist
- Developmental Psychiatrist
- Pediatric Nutrition Therapist
- Physical Therapist
- Social Worker
How long will my appointment last?
The expected time you will spend with our team is 60-90 minutes. This will depend on the age of your child. We request that if your child has other siblings, arrangements be made to care for them during your visit. The appointment will be used solely to focus on you and your baby.
What are the benefits for me and my child?
- Your child will receive comprehensive evaluation by our specialists
- Parents will be given an opportunity to ask questions about their baby's development and behavior, as well as about parenting coping and resources in the community.
- Parents will receive feedback, with plans and suggestions for activities to enhance your child’s development
- Your plan will be readily available to be shared with your child’s care provider and other community professionals, at your request.
- These services will compliment the care your child is already receiving, but should not replace other services you are already involved with.
Cost
Most fees are covered by private insurance. No child will be refused of services because of lack of resources.
Location
We are located in Suite 320 in the Coral Zone at Evergreen Hospital, in the Postpartum Outpatient Clinic.
Questions?
Contact Renee Navarre, RN, at 425.899.3602 or rdnavarre@evergreenhealthcare.org