Patient Care

The Pediatric Rehabilitation program provides comprehensive multidisciplinary rehabilitation care for children ages birth through 21 years. Our goal is to maximize the abilities of each child while minimizing the effects of their impairments. This is accomplished through effective rehabilitation of the highest quality provided in a family-centered environment. Depending upon the nature of the impairment and the needs of the child, treatment takes place in diversified settings and uses the various skills of rehabilitation professionals to promote the highest possible level of functioning. The pediatric rehabilitation team is committed to helping each individual reach full functional independence in self-care, mobility, communication, cognition, and socialization.

• Spina Bifida Program: The Spina Bifida program is under the direction of Dr. Mitul Kapadia and is coordinated by Cindy Lazzaretti, RN. Infants, children and adolescents with spina bifida and other forms of spinal dysraphisms receive comprehensive care from specialists in pediatric rehabilitation, neurosurgery, urology, orthopedics, developmental and behavioral pediatrics, physical therapy, nutrition and social work.

• Comprehensive Rehabilitation Service: Dr. Kapadia provides consultative services for hospitalized patients and directs UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital's Comprehensive Rehabilitation Service. Thie program includes up to three hours of therapy per day, six days per week from an expert inpatient rehabilitation team. It incorporates evaluation and planning meetings upon admission, weekly team meetings, family meetings, discharge planning, psychosocial support, 24-hour coverage from hospitalist physicians, school program with special education teacher, complementary integrative health services, and spiritual services.

• Pediatric Physical Medical and Rehabilitation Clinic: Dr. Kapadia provides consultations, inpatient follow-up and continued care for infants, children and young adults with a wide range of congenital and acquired conditions resulting in functional limitations. Evaluation of therapy programs and equipment needs are also managed through the outpatient clinic with the input of physical and occupational therapists. Using a team approach, care is coordinated with a wide range of available medical, therapeutic, and support services.