Division of Rheumatology
UCMG physicians within the Division of Rheumatology were one of the first groups in the country to develop a children's arthritis program. It remains one of a relatively few major centers in the United States devoted to the diagnosis and care of children with rheumatic and autoimmune disorders. UCMG physicians within the Division are well recognized throughout the world for their contributions to the care of children with rheumatic diseases. Although most people think of arthritis only in adults, an estimated 100,000 children in the U.S. suffer from juvenile rheumatoid arthritis and many more from other rheumatic diseases.
Division physicians treat children with both inflammatory and non-inflammatory rheumatic diseases including juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus, dermatomyositis, scleroderma and vasculitis. The care of children with multisystem diseases and handicapping disabilities is facilitated by the use of a multidisciplinary team, close collaboration with other medical specialties, such as nephrology and surgical specialties, especially orthopaedic surgery, and the availability of an outstanding inpatient Acute Rehabilitation Program. The Rehabilitation Program provides state-of-the-art care to children with complex rheumatic diseases including arthritis and myopathies. Here, physicians and other highly trained healthcare providers work to restore function, psychosocial health and general medical fitness of children affected by these diseases.
Although the chronic, complex and unpredictable nature of childhood rheumatic diseases calls for a high level of expertise from a variety of skilled providers, cutting-edge research also is important. In recent years, research efforts in the Rheumatology Division have focused on immunologic tolerance, autoimmune diseases and the pathogenesis of childhood rheumatic diseases.
UCMG physicians in the Division of Rheumatology also see patients at Long Beach Miller Children's Hospital and in offices in Encino and in Bakersfield.
Description of Programs and Services
Services provided by the physicians within the Division include:
- Careful diagnostic assessment and exclusion of non-rheumatic conditions.
- Comprehensive assessment of disease activity and extent of physical disability, radiologic and laboratory testing, psychosocial function assessment and assistance, child and family education and goal setting.
- Development of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes specialized consultative services.
- Referral for financial assistance, community services, vocational rehabilitation and support.
- Prompt management of acute crises.
- Bram H. Bernstein, M.D., Division Head
- Kerry T. Gallagher, M.D.
- Andreas Reiff, M.D.
- Bracha Shaham, M.D.
HOW TO CONTACT US
The Division of Rheumatology welcomes your inquiries. To contact us you can:
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| Call the Division directly at: | (323) 669-2119 | |
Write to us at: |
Division of Rheumatology Childrens Hospital Los Angeles 4650 Sunset Blvd., #60 Los Angeles, CA 90027-6062 |
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