How serious are heart conditions for children?
Because the heart and the systems it affects are so complex, some diseases are simple to understand and treat while others can be life-threatening, some perhaps even requiring multiple surgeries to resolve. The rule of thumb is to never assume any heart condition is minor, and always see your child’s physician when any symptoms appear.
What kind of initial process will my child have to go through?
The process is different for each patient, depending on the symptoms she presents, but generally your pediatrician will perform initial tests. If the symptoms and test results indicate a potential hearta problem, your pediatrician will refer you to a Rainbow cardiac specialist. When you come to us, one of our specialists will take a very detailed medical history and perform a thorough examination. If needed, she will have your child tested further to determine what may be the problem with his heart.
Will my child experience a lot of pain during testing and treatment?
Whenever a procedure may involve pain and discomfort, each member of our team is solidly focused on minimizing it. We’re aggressive about treating and eliminating pain. Our philosophy is that there’s no excuse for excess discomfort in our young patients.
Are there options for treating heart disease other than surgery?
Yes. Many heart conditions in children respond well to medication and various forms of physical and lifestyle therapy. After thorough testing, your Rainbow specialist will recommend the most effective course of treatment.
How will we be able to afford all this?
At Rainbow, no child who needs help is turned away. Medicare pays the major share of the costs incurred by patients. Your insurance carrier may cover some or all of the remainder. If you have questions about finances, call the finance office.