This facility provides hospital services for youth who are generally age 18 and younger (and to age 24 in the Teenage Health Center). Children who have communicable diseases may be admitted; the hospital cannot accommodate custodial cases and children who have psychiatric problems. Services include clinical trials, CHDP exams, emergency room care, the Teenage Health Center, the Risk Reduction Program and specialized outpatient services including a child car seat program, dental care, rehabilitation and a general health education program for parents. The hospital also conducts a Comprehensive Childhood Diabetes management program. There are no geographic restrictions.

It is a designated Level I Pediatric Trauma Center, and jointly administers the High Risk Youth Program; see the separate entry. Age and geographic restrictions apply for some services.

Services include complete inpatient and outpatient medical care which may involve ancillary psychiatric care as needed; neonatal intensive care; comprehensive cancer care; and intensive rehabilitative care for chronically ill and multiply handicapped children. The hospital can also provide an initial medical evaluation when child abuse is suspected, and provides court reports and admits abused children for treatment as necessary. There is a clinical social work program which provides assessment, treatment and referral services to staff physicians for families and patients. The hospital also conducts clinical trials for children and adolescents; topics vary.

There is an AltaMed General Pediatrics Clinic on-site that provides pediatric services for low-income families. The General Pediatric Clinic, a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), provides general primary care services, and also provides services to those with more complex needs due to chronic conditions and developmental disabilities. Ancillary services include cultural linguistic services, social work, nutrition, psychology and nurse care management.

CHDP provides regular, preventive health assessments and developmental assessments for children from birth to age 21 who are Medi-Cal eligible and for children from birth through age 18 whose family income is less than 200% of the federal poverty level.

The Injury and Prevention program provides car seat inspections for the community. Free child passenger safety seats are also available for individuals receiving public assistance. One car seat is provided per family and attendance at a safety seat educational class is required. The car seat program is located in the Trauma Unit.

The general health education program for parents is called Parent University. It educates parents about their child’s health with topics such as common childhood illnesses, nutrition, over-the-counter medications and child safety. It is taught by health professionals. The classes are provided once a month with two sessions an English session and a Spanish interpretation session.

Inpatient support services include a Child Life program which helps parents and children to work through their anxieties prior to admission, and the assistance of patient relations coordinators who help with questions and problems during hospitalization. Some parent rooms and family rooms are available to parents who wish to sleep near their children.

The Teenage Health Center provides specialized outpatient services for adolescents ages 12 through 24. The center cannot accommodate individuals who are mentally unstable, have severe emotional disturbances or whose behavior is violent or disruptive. Services include health screening, primary medical care, family planning, mental health counseling and substance abuse services.

The Risk Reduction Program is offered through the Teenage Health Center and offers testing and treatment for sexually transmitted diseases, including testing for the HIV antibody. These tests are not anonymous and are most appropriate for young people who want to be treated at the center if they test positive.

Specialized outpatient services are available for children age 17 and younger. Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Services are available for a wide variety of youth related-issues including child development problems, dermatology, gynecology, general pediatrics and well baby care and dentistry. Dental services include examinations and consultation, cleaning, fillings, extractions, fluoride treatments, orthodontics and x-rays.

Specialized services are available for cerebral palsy, cystic fibrosis, craniofacial abnormalities, eye diseases, infectious diseases, spina bifida and cancer. Support groups are also offered for patients who have spina bifida and cancer.

The Rehabilitation program provides specialized rehabilitation medicine, nursing, physical and occupational therapy, hearing and speech therapy, and social services for youth ages 19 and younger. A comprehensive outpatient clinic provides evaluation and follow up for children with chronic disabling conditions.

The Autism Warm Phone Line is staffed by a nurse care manager who will listen and respond to parent’s concerns, make service referrals, and answer general questions about their child. This service is made available to the public as well as patients of the Boone Fetter Clinic. APPLICATION PROCEDURE Call or walk in for information and most services; appointments are required for some services. Individuals must show proof of public assistance and registration in a car seat safety class, to be eligible for the free car seat program. FEES/PAYMENT SOURCE There are fixed fees depending on the service and are based on ability to pay. CCS, Medi-Cal, Medicare and private insurance are accepted; CHAMPUS is accepted with a military ID card and a letter of non-availability of services through a military facility. Fees for dental service vary. Medi-Cal and CCS are accepted.
Hours: Mon-Fri, 8:00AM-5:00PM.