Pediatric Rheumatology

About our pediatric rheumatology clinics

Pediatric Rheumatology at Children's Hospital Colorado specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of children, teens and young adults with autoimmune conditions, such as juvenile idiopathic arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus and vasculitis.

We are the only team of pediatric rheumatologists in a five-state-region. Our patients come from all over Colorado and surrounding states, referred from local and regional physicians, health departments, inpatient providers and parents themselves.

The division of rheumatology started a fellowship program in 2018 and many new patient appointments will be scheduled with pediatric rheumatology fellows. Fellows have completed medical school and residency in pediatrics as well as passed their pediatric board certification. If you are scheduled for an appointment with a pediatric rheumatology fellow, you will also be seen be a faculty pediatric rheumatologist as well.

Why choose us for pediatric rheumatology care

Pediatric rheumatology experts at Children's Colorado treat only children, teens and young adults — making us experts when it comes to caring for kids. The entire medical team and all services, including phlebotomists (lab technicians), radiology technicians, and physical and occupational therapists are specially trained to work with pediatric patients.

We use a family-centered approach to care, creating individualize treatment plans for each patient by involving families in the medical decision-making process. Verbal and written educational materials are provided regarding each patient’s condition and medications. We also routinely work with teachers and schools if special accommodations are required.

Our multidisciplinary team includes pediatric rheumatologists who specialize in treating kids’ autoimmune conditions. The team also includes specialized nurse practitioners, physician assistants, nurses and a staff assistant who help to:

• Create a family-centered approach to care with parents at the core of our care team.
• Individualize treatment plans for each patient and involve families in the medical decision-making process.

Our Pediatric Rheumatology Program and multidisciplinary clinics

Pediatric Rheumatology clinics are located on the Anschutz Medical Campus in Aurora, North Campus in Broomfield, South Campus in Highlands Ranch, and Outpatient Care at Briargate in Colorado Springs. For questions and appointments, please call 720-777-6132.

We offer four multidisciplinary clinics for patients with rheumatology conditions that overlap with other pediatric specialties.

Nephrology and Rheumatology Clinic

This is one of the few clinics in the country dedicated to children with autoimmune conditions affecting the kidneys, such as lupus and vasculitis. When the kidneys are harmed, they have trouble removing the waste and extra water from the blood to make urine. We monitor our patients’ symptoms and watch for any signs of kidney problems.

During your visit, you’ll meet with a pediatric rheumatologist and a pediatric nephrologist who perform a physical exam, review lab results and discuss your child's treatment plan. Our specialized pediatric nurse will help with any home or school needs, and we may refer your child to a physical therapist, pediatric dietitian, family navigator or social worker.

Children's Colorado provides these clinics two times per month. You can make an appointment by calling our Kidney Center at 720-777-6263.

Pediatric Hematology and Rheumatology Clinic

This multidisciplinary clinic takes place every other month for patients with autoimmune blood clotting disorders. These disorders, such as antiphospholipid antibody disease, cause blood clots in the arteries and veins. Blood clots put children and adolescents at risk of dangerous complications. These include heart attacks, strokes, miscarriages and pulmonary embolism, which is when a blood clot blocks an artery in a lung. Our team provides testing, evaluation, treatment and counseling. We hold appointments in our Hemophilia and Thrombosis Center. You can make an appointment by calling 303-724-0362.

Ophthalmology and Rheumatology Clinic

This multidisciplinary team includes providers specializing in chronic inflammatory ophthalmologic conditions such as uveitis and pars planitis. Scheduling contact is through Ophthalmology at 720-777-2020.

Orthopedic and Rheumatology Clinic

This monthly clinic brings together experts in pediatric rheumatology and pediatric orthopedics to treat the complex needs of children with chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis (CRMO). With CRMO, inflammation of the bone causes pain and swelling. Regular visits in our Orthopedics Clinic allow our doctors to track your child’s bone inflammation, watch for medication side effects and adjust treatment as needed. To make an appointment, call 720-777-4944.

Resources for patients and families

Our Program works with various organizations that may also be helpful resources for your child and your family.

• American College of Rheumatology
• Arthritis Foundation Colorado
• Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatology Research Alliance
• Got Transition
• Lupus Colorado
• Making a Smooth Transition from Pediatric to Adult Care
• Pediatric Rheumatology International Trials Organization
• Scleroderma Foundation

Transitioning patients from pediatric to adult healthcare

We support and advocate for all young people and their families during the transition process from pediatric to adult healthcare through the Improving Pediatric to Adult Care Transitions (ImPACT) Program.