As you and your child undergo the diagnosis and treatment of CPP, you’ll meet and work with many different people and medical professionals who are all a part of your child’s care team. While this article is designed to give a comprehensive list of all the people who may be a part of that team, medical practices come in all sizes. Different offices may have other staff or alternate job titles; it’s also not uncommon for support staff to wear multiple hats. Regardless of the size of your staff, they are all committed to giving your child the best care possible. Let’s meet your care team!
Pediatrician
You likely already know that your pediatrician is a medical doctor who specializes in the care of children. A pediatrician is your child’s first step towards being diagnosed and receiving treatment. Because they see your child through many milestones and developmental stages, they may be the first to notice symptoms of CPP. Or, they might be the first medical professional you bring your concerns to when you start to see possible symptoms. They will refer you to a pediatric endocrinologist.
Pediatric Endocrinologist
A pediatric endocrinologist is a doctor that specializes in pediatric hormonal disorders that relate to growth and development, like CPP. After they rule out possible underlying causes, your pediatric endocrinologist will be the one to officially diagnose your child’s CPP. This doctor will also provide treatment recommendations and check-ups so that they can closely monitor your little one’s growth.
Pediatric Endocrinology Nurse
You will likely see them more often than your pediatric endocrinologist (and that’s normal!). Your pediatric endocrinology nurse will work with you and your doctor to develop an effective treatment plan to manage your child’s CPP. In addition, they will administer medication, handle lab testing and interpretation, and be a source of information, including explaining treatment options.
Nurse NavigatorA nurse navigator (sometimes called a patient navigator or patient advocate) acts as the bridge between a patient and the clinical care team. They help you navigate the complexities of the healthcare system and work behind the scenes to help facilitate your child’s care by helping you set up appointments for doctor visits and testing, finding financial and social support, and working with insurance providers. Office AdministratorAn office administrator works at a medical practice as a part of the administrative support staff. In addition to organizing, filing, and other admin work, they will greet clients when they arrive at the office, answer phone calls, and respond to voicemails and emails. Office ManagerThe office manager is a part of the practice’s leadership and manages the office administrative team. They keep the office running smoothly so the doctors and nurses can focus on giving your child the necessary care. Depending on your practice, they may be responsible for many of the same tasks as the nurse navigator.
Caregiver
That’s you! As always, you’ll be the one to guide your little one, provide emotional support, and preserve childhood in partnership with your medical professionals. Parenting can take a village, and luckily you have an amazing care team here to help you through every step of the journey.
You’ve got this.
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