Programs & Services

Correctly diagnosing your child’s condition is essential because it allows our treatment team to develop a personalized care plan unique to your child. Whether your child has Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, we aim to relieve your child’s symptoms and allow the intestines to heal. Our pediatric gastroenterologists have extensive experience diagnosing IBD.

At your child’s first visit with us, we will:

• Complete a physical assessment and thorough exam 
• Gather medical history
• Order tests to ensure an accurate diagnosis

If your child is diagnosed with IBD, the pediatric gastroenterologist will develop an initial treatment plan. After treatment begins, the doctor will monitor your child’s progress through office visits and regularly scheduled lab tests that measure intestinal healing. The doctor also will schedule a follow-up endoscopy or imaging tests to detect early warning signs of problems that might require medical treatment.

Our goal is to help your child have fewer flare-ups of the disease. Together, we’ll work toward becoming symptom-free so they can enjoy the best possible quality of life.

At Phoenix Children’s, our focus is solely on kids. That means our advanced equipment, such as intestinal ultrasound, is designed especially for children. Our compassionate team members are experts at working with kids and keeping them as comfortable as possible.

To get an accurate diagnosis, the doctor may order several tests:

• Blood tests
• Endoscopic procedures to view the digestive tract from the inside, such as:
  • Video capsule endoscopy
  • Upper intestinal endoscopy
  • Colonoscopy
• Imaging tests, such as X-ray, MRI, CT scans and intestinal ultrasound
• Stool studies

The GI specialist will encourage you to make an appointment with our IBD Multidisciplinary Clinic as soon as possible after your child’s diagnosis. This clinic ensures we care for your child holistically – addressing their overall health, nutritional and psychosocial needs.

During your visit to the IBD Multidisciplinary Clinic, your child will meet with multiple members of our healthcare team. Team members include:

• A pediatric gastroenterologist who specializes in IBD will discuss your child’s treatment plan with you and answer any questions you and your child have
• A registered dietitian who provides guidance on diet and nutrition in IBD and works with you and your family to create a plan for nutritional health, growth and development
• A nurse coordinator who shares educational resources and helps arrange for your child’s IBD care
• A child psychologist who provides emotional support and coping strategies

Each team member will share details about their specific area of expertise with your child and family. Then, a clinical psychologist will meet with your child one-on-one to talk about how they are coping with their IBD symptoms and diagnosis. The psychologist will screen for depression and offer tips and strategies for coping. They’ll also provide an overall plan for your child’s wellness and mental health as they adjust to the challenges of living with IBD.

Depending on your child’s needs, a visit may include time with other providers, such as:

• A pediatric surgeon who will discuss surgical options with you and answer your questions 
• A research coordinator who may share information about opportunities to join a research study

This appointment lasts about an hour. You’ll leave with an after-visit summary, including any new treatments we recommend. We also send a copy of the summary to your child’s GI specialist. 

Your child will see their GI specialist for routine check-ups and monitoring, then return to the IBD Multidisciplinary Clinic at least once a year for a thorough evaluation.

You’ll also have access to a social worker, who can help identify resources helpful in coping with the day-to-day challenges of living with IBD.

We encourage you to follow up with your providers whenever you need guidance or support, or if there’s a change in your child’s IBD symptoms. We are here to help you navigate your IBD journey every step of the way.

As your child ages into young adulthood, our Transition of Care program ensures a smooth process for an adult provider to take over their IBD care. The Phoenix Children’s IBD team works closely with providers at Mayo Clinic, Banner University Medical Center and other locations with quality IBD programs. We work hard to ensure a smooth transition of care for your young adult when it’s time for your family to find a new provider.