Affiliations: University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle,
WA, USA
Note: [] Address for correspondence: William O. Walker, Jr. MD, Division
of Genetics and Developmental Medicine, Seattle Children's Hospital (M/S
A-7938), 4800 Sandpoint Way NE, Seattle, WA 98105, USA. Tel.: +1 206 987 3664;
Fax: +1 206 987 3824; E-mail: [email protected]
Abstract: The contributions of primary care providers to the successful care
of children with spina bifida cannot be underestimated. Overcoming systemic
barriers to their integration into a comprehensive care system is essential. By
providing routine and disability specific care through the structure of a
Medical Home, they are often the first line resource and support for
individuals and their families. The Medical Home model encourages primary care
providers to facilitate discussions on topics as varied as education and
employment. Knowledge of specific medical issues unique to this population
allows the primary care provider to complement the efforts of other specialty
clinics and providers in often neglected areas such as sexual health, obesity
and latex sensitization. As individuals with spina bifida live into adulthood,
and access to traditional multidisciplinary care models evolves, these skills
will take on increasing importance within the scope of providing comprehensive
and coordinated care.
Keywords: Spina bifida, medical home, children with special health care needs, disability
