CHOP

ToastieSimons

We went to a new pediatrician today for the boys and he wants us to go to CHOP.

He wants the boys to see a geneticist to see what their recommendations are for specialists although personally I feel this is a waste. We have their genetic reports and the geneticist basically gave us info, I have the reports from Greenwood Genetics on their mutation (which is minimal).  I don't think the geneticist is going to be offer much in the way of recommendations because of the limited knowledge of this mutation.

They have to see an orthopedist for a hip dysplasia check, a neuro because of their diagnosis and DS1's seizure, possibly an endocrinologist, and a GI.  

The pedi feels it's better to go to CHOP and do one-stop shopping and see everyone in one day.

CHOP is a bit of a ride for us, we're in North NJ.   We have great specialists here out of St. Joseph's and I don't mind driving around so we see the best of the best.  

Is it truly possible for CHOP to have all the physicians see us in one day?  It just seems like 2 kids times all those appointments would have us driving there multiple times.

Any experiences like this? 

ToastieSimons

-auntie-:

I'm not one of those who blindly believes that CHOP is the center of the pediatric universe and I am not dazzled by their RAC but I would absolutely drive my kid to the best pediatric hospital in the country if they had a rare or obscure condition that required multiple clinicians.

DS's former babysitter has been able to piggy back appointments at the main campus for multiple doctors. Her LO was born prematurely and has a lot of appointments around cardiology, hematology and and urology. She's an RN in a major teaching hospital in NJ- she makes the drive. If you can't get a bunch of appointments on the same day, you might be able to stay at the Ronald McDonald House

Could you access doctors on their Princeton satellite campus? DS used to see his allergist there when he attended school in Princeton. They do have specialists in the areas you need but may only have coverage on specific dates-

 https://www.chop.edu/locations/specialty-princeton/services.html

If the drive is onerous, you could take NJ Transit-Septa or Amtrak to 30th Street and catch a cab to CHOP. DS and I used to take Septa regional rail to University City Station and walk to CHOP when he saw Dr. Coplan there. 

It's not that bad of a drive, just the traffic.  I guess it's that "putting all our eggs in one basket" feeling.  Having all our providers at the same hospital could be a blessing or a curse.  I guess somehow it feels "safer" seeing specialists who are supposedly the best of the best when they're out of different areas. 

mommyof4boys

We see Dr. Wendy Chung from Columbia.  We weren't impressed with CHOP.  In fact, we were recently given an incorrect diagnosis from someone there.

CaptainSerious

I'm in Edison, and I have to say, I love CHOP.  I also have 2 kids with a variety of needs, and go there frequently (I was just at the King of Prussia office today), but the level of care my boys have received there versus the local doctors and hospitals has just been outstanding.  I do believe Columbia is probably on the same level, but in my experience, Mountainside and our local JKK and RWJ are not.

I doubt you'd be able to coordinate all your appointments for the same day (or even the same campus; we go to the main campus in Philly, the Atlantic County office, King of Prussia, and today I scheduled for the Princeton office), but there is an enormous benefit to having all your results and information in one system, for any of the doctors to pull up and review before and during appointments.  I can't tell you the amount of time and effort it's saved us, not to mention the benefit it's provided in more accurate diagnosis and treatment.

zoeyandsummersmom

We saw Dr. Marion up at Montefiore. We really liked him and he came recommended from a director we know who is at Kennedy-Krieger. Besides being asked if we were related and having to go to the Bronx, it was very good. I have also heard good things about Dr. Chung at Columbia as well. 

Also, I know that CHOP has some satellite offices in New Jersey,so it may not be as much of schlep as you think.  

ToastieSimons

Thanks for the reviews ladies!

jadwedd

I just went to CHOP this week.  I live in South Plainfield, NJ so it was only like an hour and a half.  We stayed in a hotel the night before and had an appointment at 7am the next morning.  We were there all day and met with all of the baby's doctors and nurses.  I got some bad news about the baby (she will need major heart surgery 2 days after she is born) but I really feel like I am giving her the best chance by having her there.  I would at least take a day to check it out.