<<Disclaimer: Verify this information before applying it to your situation.>>
 
Hi!
I have been lurking for a while. My husband has celiac. I am not, but I
am a school psychologist and have followed children who are seen in the
major Boston hospitals. One very effective way of handling children's
cases, when many different medical specialists are involved, is in
specialized clinics. These clinics which are held at designated times
involve the convening of a team of doctors and related specialists who
work together to solve problems which overlap specialties. When I read
the postings it seems that this is what would be helpful to people with
celiac. On the list I have read about people who have eye problems, bone
density problems, folic level problems, neurological problems, iron level
problems etc. My husband has run into troulble when internists, treating
other problems, minimized the fact of his gluten intolerance.
 
The clinic I imagine would have a
Gastroenterologist
General Internist
Neurologist
Endocrinologist
Orthopod
Gastrointestinal Surgeon
GYN
Opthamologist
Genetic Specialist
Pharmacist
Specialized Clinical Nutritionist
Radiologist
Hemotologist
Developmental Specialists for children and elderly
 
Depending on how it was structured it might also involve
Nurse Practitioner
Psychologist
Neuropsychologist (to measure any changes in functioning levels)
Psychiatrist - if any psychoactive medications are involved
Social worker
 
In addition to aiding people who have celiac, it could also become a
center for research and training. It could bring together the latest
finding in all areas, in a way that no one specialist could manage.
It could develop model protocols for the management of diagnosed celiacs.
It could demonstrate what is required in the way of monitoring celiac
blood levels, etc. What blood pressure lowerers are tolerated, etc.
 
Thus, standards of practice for various specialties could be
established which then   could be used to establish what must be
covered by insurance policies.
 
Note, Not all specialties would be involved in every case.
 
If such a specialty clinic is in existence please let me know.
 
I would appreciate any comments.
 
It is late at night, so please forgive spelling.
 
Irma DeBruyn
South Natick , MA
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