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Coordinated Treatment

 
 

Coordinated Treatment Center

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Metabolic Outpatient Services

MeritCare Outpatient Metabolic Services treat children in North Dakota and in Western Minnesota with metabolic deficiencies; such as Phenylketonuria, Galactosemia and maple syrup disease. Individuals with a metabolic disorder require in depth care that can best be accomplished with a multidisciplinary approach. Active family involvement is also extremely important. Due to the complexity of the medical problem, several specialists who recommend a comprehensive treatment plan evaluate patients at MeritCare. This kind of coordinated care approach has been found to play a significant role in decreasing complications. This service does not replace the care of the family physician.

The Team

MeritCare will incorporate the expertise of a:
  • Pediatric endocrinologist
  • Pediatric nutritionist
  • Pediatric social worker
  • Pediatric nurse
  • Pediatric psychologist
  • Education specialist to provide comprehensive interdisciplinary care to these children

Our Goals

The goal of the MeritCare Metabolic Outpatient Service is to provide immediate and long-term medical, nutritional and psychosocial supervision to the child and family experiencing a metabolic disorder.

Objectives

  • To identify and treat the complex medical, psychosocial problems associated with a metabolic disorder
  • To promote nutritional treatment and maintain biochemical equilibrium
  • To provide adequate nutrients to support normal growth and development
  • To provide support for social and emotional development
  • To prevent complications associated with metabolic disorders
  • To educate the child and their families
  • To educate families on the availability of community resources

The Appointment

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:
  • History of medical, social, developmental, behavioral and education issues
  • Physical exam
  • Lab screenings
  • Nutritional assessment and recommendations
  • Family, social/psychological assessment with assistance and referral if necessary
  • Following the appointment the team 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.

Outcomes

  • Improved intellectual functioning of the children with a metabolic disorder
  • Improved parental education and compliance with treatment regimes
  • Improved patient education leading to better "self-management" skills in food selection

Financial Support

The program is financially supported by North Dakota Special Health Services which means there is no cost to residents of North Dakota after insurance.

How to find us

Metabolic Outpatient Services
Located in the MeritCare Coordinated Treatment Center
736 Broadway, Fargo
(701) 234-6600 or (800) 828-2901
9 a.m.-4 p.m., Monday-Friday
No Holidays

Research

For over two decades, MeritCare has been a leader in clinical research. Visit our online guide to learn more about our current research and clinical trials.

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Every day, MeritCare is committed to quality health care and continuous improvements. Learn more in our online quality guide.