Neonatal Intensive Care Follow-Up Program

At SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital, we have a multidisciplinary program dedicated to long-term follow-up evaluations and care for babies previously seen in our Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).

The Neonatal Intensive Care Follow-Up Program is led by board-certified neonatologists who oversee not only ongoing medical care after discharge for at-risk babies, but also developmental testing for children up to three years of age.

Young children are referred to the program if they have transitional issues following hospital discharge, including the ongoing use of oxygen, specialized monitoring, or weight/nutrition issues. They are scheduled to see the follow-up team at regular intervals beginning two weeks after discharge. Neonatologists also work closely with a child’s pediatrician for any defined transitional care issues.

In addition to neonatologists, children may see the following specialists while in the program:

• Neurologist
• Ophthalmologist
• Neonatal dietitian
• Physical therapist
• Occupational therapist

A hallmark of the program is the presence of clinical care nurse coordinators, who help families schedule and coordinate patient visits as well as imaging and/or laboratory tests. As needed, a social worker also sees family in the clinic.

SSM Health has offered the Neonatal Intensive Care Follow-Up Program for more than 30 years. Lead by Connie Anderson, MD, Director of Neonatal Intensive Care Follow-Up Program, more than 900 children annually are referred to the program from the NICU.