Sickle Cell Program: What to Expect

Scheduling an appointment

For your first visit to the Sickle Cell clinic, you’ll need a referral from your child’s primary care provider. Many of our families come to us by referral from their primary care provider based on their state newborn screen test results. However, if you’re transferring to Children’s Mercy from another Sickle Cell clinic, please bring your insurance information and the contact information of your child’s previous provider, along with any available copies of past medical records, to your first appointment with us.
 

Returning families can schedule a follow-up appointment from 8:00 a.m.–5 p.m. on weekdays by calling (816) 234-3460.
 

What can I expect at a clinic visit?

Sickle Cell Clinics are held at the Children's Mercy Adele Hall Campus. When you arrive at the clinic, please check in at one of the computer monitors or with an access representative in the waiting room area. 

From there, a care assistant will greet you, check your child’s vital signs, height and weight, and escort you to an exam room. Next, a clinic nurse will visit with you and record your child’s recent medical history. Then, one of the team physicians or nurses will meet with you and perform a physical exam of your child. 

Learning about sickle cell disease

If this is your first appointment since receiving a sickle cell diagnosis, your health care team will also take time to explain and teach you more about sickle cell disease in a way that makes sense to you. They will help you understand the range of symptoms of the disease, important signs to watch for, and what treatment options are available. They’ll also provide you with comprehensive educational materials.

We encourage you to ask questions and make notes, as there is a lot of information to absorb. We are always happy to answer your questions. We will also provide ongoing education at each clinic visit.

The Sickle Cell Team social worker will also visit with you to offer support, complete an assessment, connect you to community resources if needed and go over our New Patient Packet, which has helpful information. We may also connect you with team members from Developmental & Behavioral Medicine, Nutrition Services, and Genetics if your doctor feels your family might benefit from these additional services.