Question about Medford and children's hospitals and doctors (Portland, Ashland: house, school district)

[loralai]

My family may be relocating to Medford, OR but I have some specific questions about the nearest children's hospitals. My son was born with a bilateral cleft lip and palate and a preemie as well. This means a lot of doctors/specialists/therapists and according to some of his doctors the nearest cleft team is in Clackamas or Portland, both 4+ hour drives. This is a considerable drive so I'm wondering the cost of just a flight from Medford to say Portland and if this would be an option.

I'm wondering what kind of services and programs are available for children who were born premature (such as preemie clinics where you see a team of doctors all in 1 place), children born with a cleft and if there is some type of Early Childhood Intervention services (these are provided for children 0-3 years old where they come to your home to do physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy).

I'm hoping someone might be able to give me some insight, if these programs are available in Medford and they're feedback on them. Thank you.

[tiffela74]

i cant help you for Medford, but I can tell you there are some incredible teams in the Portland area for preemies. My oldest was a 27weeker, so we went through all that. Loved each and every specialist that worked on/with her. They helped make her the incredible kid she is today.
Id suggest calling either Emanual hospital or Doernbecher Children's Hospital. Both have wonderful staff and might be more able to direct you to someone in the Medford area.
Good luck!!!

[Silverfall]

I do think that most, if not all kids, with cleft lip head to Portland for their surgeries.

As for EI, that is run by the public school system. All areas have early intervention programs. I don't think they do in-home work do the large costs associated with that, but they do offer services in their buildings.

Medford School District 549C - HOME is the link for the school district. You can email them and ask who does the early intervention program down there.

[bluebird39]

I'm afraid kids from Medford have to go up to Portland, as mentioned. Rogue Valley Medical Center does have a NICU as well as pediatric unit. Those are the only ones for many miles around.

I had a friend who had a son with club feet, and they were able to get a lot of assistance through the Shriners organization. I think they were even able to stay for free in a house in Portland while he got treatment. It was a big hardship for them though, driving back and forth as well as the medical treatments. But much of their medical costs were covered through the Shriners.

There are flights to and from Portland regularly out of Medford. Keep in mind though that the valley there has a lot of fog and planes can be grounded, especially in the mornings.

There is early intervention programs as mentioned through the school system. I had a bit of contact with my child when he was 4, and was denied intervention for a neurological condition, but your son may qualify. I know their funding is limited. Give them a call before you get there. I hate to say this, and don't want to freak you out, but we left the Rogue Valley 2 1/2 years ago, partly because we were so dissatsfied with the education system there. When you do move, make it extremely important that you live in a good school district. In general, Ashland and East Medford are the "better" areas for schools. Avoid places like Central Point, White City and Eagle Point.

I've been trying to think of any pediatric specialists in the valley, and can't come up with any. There is Southern Oregon Pediatrics, a group of physicians. Our pediatrician retired and we started going with Dr Jones, who we liked. I had some really bad experience with one from the Providence group, so do your research. I'm afraid as far as pediatric specialties, the choices are very limited in the Medford area. Sorry. Most regular specialty groups in town have 1 or 2 doctors who will see pediatric patients though, which helps for more routine issues. The area is growing though, so maybe things will improve.

Best of luck with your move.

[Terryj]

Loralia, Jackson county does have very good child development workers, my grand daughter was born with Optic nerve hypoplasia, she has a child development worker that come to the house about twice a month. They inform you of the resources that are avilablie and work with the child and the family.

The best childrens hospitals are in Portland, however, the doctors at these hospitals do schedule trips into southern Oregon to meet with children of special needs. If the need can be treated in the Medford area they do support it, on the other hand, if the need is best treated in Portland then they will recommend a trip to Portland.

The only issue I can think of right at the moment is funding for these programs. It seems that when the state runs short on dollars these programs are the first to go. It's sad but true.