Common Questions about the Down Syndrome Clinic

We are a referral clinic providing comprehensive medical and professional services to children with Down syndrome by:

• Aiding families in acquiring specialized and personal care
• Providing current information on health related services
• Referring families to resources in their community and their region
• Educating communities about the strengths and abilities of children with Down syndrome

Our clinic comprises a multidisciplinary team of professionals who have extensive experience with children with Down syndrome. At the first visit, most patients will meet with a Down syndrome physician or nurse practitioner, nutritionist, speech/feeding specialist, physical therapist, and occupational therapist.

After the initial visit children may be referred to other specialists in the Down Syndrome Program including: Ophthalmology, Otolaryngology, Neurology, Hematology/Oncology, Orthopedics, Cardiology, Endocrinology, Gastroenterology, and Pulmonary Medicine. In addition, the program can assist patients in accessing necessary services of social work, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, nutrition counseling, educational/behavioral counseling, and audiology.

Speak with your primary care doctor for a referral to our clinic. Call (615) 343-3696 (DOWN) or (800) 866-3696 (DOWN) to schedule an appointment.

We see patients every Thursday and Friday at the Pediatric Developmental Medicine Clinic at 2416 21st Ave South in Nashville.

Close communication with your child's primary care provider will ensure integration of specialty care with ongoing healthcare goals. Prior to your appointment we will ask your primary care doctor for their specific concerns about your child. After each appointment we will send a summary letter to you and your child's primary care doctor reviewing what was discussed during your appointment and any recommendations that we have.

We require a referral from your primary care physician for insurance to cover appointments. If your insurance requires a co-payment, you will need to pay it for each physician or therapist seen. Most patients meet with multiple providers during the first visit. If Vanderbilt is out of your insurance network, you will need an out-of-network referral.

Your child’s appointment with the Down Syndrome Clinic may be covered, depending on your insurance plan. It is important for us to receive the necessary referrals from your primary care doctor and authorizations from your insurance prior to your appointment. We can help you with this process at the time your appointment is made.

Plan to be at the clinic for at least four hours if you are scheduled to meet with all the professionals available (pediatrician, cardiologist, genetic counselor, and therapists.).