NICU Follow-up Clinic
St. Luke’s NICU Follow-up Clinic provides services to more than 125 children each year, most of whom are “graduates” of our Newborn Intensive Care Unit (NICU).
About St. Luke’s NICU Follow-up Clinic
Most infants who spend time in our NICU do not need the specialized follow up clinic. Some children born prematurely or with certain medical conditions may be at greater risk for problems with their development and learning. These problems, when discovered early, are treatable and often have a less severe impact. That’s why St. Luke’s Children’s Hospital is committed to identifying problems at the earliest possible time and assisting you in finding resources to help your child grow and develop in the best way possible.
Visits to the clinic start at 4 months of age (corrected for prematurity). Your child will generally be seen thereafter at the following intervals, which are corrected for prematurity: 1 year, 2 years, 3 ½ years and then before entering kindergarten.
Depending on your child’s age, a combination of two or more of the following professionals will see your child: developmental pediatrician; registered nurse; physical, occupational and speech therapists; and a child psychologist.
At the first visit, the developmental pediatrician, nurse and physical therapist will review your child’s progress since leaving the NICU by asking questions and doing a physical exam. A thorough evaluation can take 1 to 2 hours. You will receive information at the visit about your child’s progress. A written report will also be sent to you and your child’s health care provider.
Subsequent visits will include additional evaluations by the physical, occupational and speech therapists at 1 year and 2 years. The physical therapist evaluates your child’s ability to use his/her muscles. The occupational therapist focuses on your child’s ability to do certain skills with his/her hands, such as coloring. The speech therapist’s focus is on your child’s appropriate development of language skills. Evaluations by a psychologist at about age 3 and preschool will also be offered. These evaluations are to assist in identifying any learning disabilities or potential school problems.
