Medical Services
COACH for KidsŪ delivers a critical array of preventive, screening and treatment services on a periodic basis to at-risk youngsters in Los Angeles' poorest communities. There is no charge to families for these services.
Physical Examinations
Well-child exams provided by trained and experienced pediatricians and nurse practitioners often uncover developmental problems and emerging health conditions that can be treated right away to avoid later discomfort and potentially threatening disorders later on in childhood.
Immunizations and Tuberculosis (TB) Screenings
Children living in substandard housing conditions and high-risk environments are particularly vulnerable to communicable diseases. Recent outbreaks of tuberculosis, a disease once thought to be eradicated, are again appearing in crowded, inner-city areas and are evident among the homeless.
COACH for KidsŪ physicians provide immunizations against vaccine-preventable diseases, such as polio, whooping cough and tetanus, and they screen for TB, lead poisoning and other ailments common to residents of poor neighborhoods.
Hearing, Vision and Dental Screenings
Undetected problems with hearing and poor eyesight can prevent disadvantaged children from advancing academically and result in failure on many levels, both in the early years and adulthood. COACH for KidsŪ mobile units are fully equipped with up-to-date devices to test eyesight and hearing. Basic dental screenings and referrals are also available.
Developmental Screenings
Failure to thrive, below-normal growth, cognitive difficulties and a host of other conditions involving childhood development can be detected through various tests. Cedars-Sinai physicians and nurse practitioners have extensive experience in diagnosing disorders that are more likely to occur in youngsters where poor nutrition, lead poisoning, crowded living quarters and lack of regular medical care are part of everyday life.
Laboratory Tests
Lab tests are often required in diagnosing children's illnesses. In some instances, tests can be completed on site in the mobile unit, and the results made immediately available to the physician, nurse practitioner and the family. Others are sent to various Cedars-Sinai Medical Center laboratories for completion. There is no charge to the family for lab tests ordered by COACH for KidsŪ physicians.
Treatment for Minor Illnesses
Colds and flu, bronchial conditions, ear infections, skin problems, allergies and many common communicable illnesses occurring in children are routinely treated by COACH for KidsŪ professionals. Prescription drugs needed for treatment are dispensed directly to the patient from the on-board pharmacy. This system has greatly improved continuity of care and recovery in cases where disadvantaged families may not have access to a pharmacy and are unable to pay for medications.
For children discovered to have illnesses beyond the scope of the on-site mobile medical unit, COACH for KidsŪ physicians make appropriate referrals to community agencies or to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center.
