FSU HEALTH PRECISION PEDIATRICS AT IPRD
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is Precision Pediatrics, and who will my child see at the clinic?
FSU Health Precision Pediatrics at IPRD is a multidisciplinary clinic that provides personalized care for children with complex medical, developmental, behavioral, or genetic concerns. Based on your child’s needs, they may be seen by one or more members of our team, including a genetic counselor, pediatrician, pediatric neuropsychologist, and social worker. Our specialists work together to better understand your child’s unique needs, coordinate testing and referrals, and develop individualized care recommendations.
How do I make an appointment?
Appointments can be scheduled by calling the Precision Pediatrics Clinic at 850-644-IPRD (4773).
Healthcare providers may refer patients by faxing a referral and relevant medical records to 833-764-5682.
If you are unsure whether a referral is needed or if the clinic is the right fit for your child, please contact our team and we will be happy to assist you.
What conditions can be evaluated in the Precision Pediatrics Clinic?
The Precision Pediatrics Clinic evaluates children and adolescents with complex medical, developmental, and neurological conditions that may have an underlying genetic cause. We care for patients with developmental delays, autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disability, learning differences, seizures, congenital anomalies (birth differences), growth concerns, and other neurodevelopmental disorders. We also see children with multiple medical concerns affecting different body systems, unexplained symptoms, or a family history that suggests a genetic condition.
Our team uses a personalized approach to better understand the possible genetic factors contributing to a child’s health and development. This information can help guide medical management, connect families with appropriate resources, and provide information about potential risks for other family members.
What is genetic counseling?
Genetic counseling is a service that helps individuals and families understand genetic conditions, genetic risk factors, and genetic testing. A genetic counselor is a certified healthcare professional who reviews personal and family medical history, explains testing options, answers questions, and helps patients make informed decisions about their care. Genetic counselors also help families understand test results and discuss what those results may mean for the patient and other family members. Our goal is to provide clear information, support, and guidance every step of the way.
What is genetic testing?
Genetic testing looks at a person’s DNA (genes) to see if there are changes that could explain a medical condition, developmental differences, or a family history of certain health concerns. Genetic testing may be offered to children when there is a concern that a genetic condition could be contributing to their symptoms or diagnosis. Identifying an underlying genetic cause can help guide medical care, treatment decisions, and access to appropriate resources and support. At our Precision Pediatrics Clinic, genetic testing is usually performed using a simple buccal (cheek) swab. This painless process involves gently rubbing the inside of the cheek to collect cells that can be analyzed in a laboratory.
Is genetic testing expensive?
Genetic testing has become more widely available and a routine part of care. Many genetic tests are covered by health insurance when they are medically indicated, but coverage and out-of-pocket costs differ between insurance plans and on the type of test that is recommended. Before testing is ordered, our team works with the testing laboratory to review insurance benefits and identify any potential costs. In many cases, laboratories also offer financial assistance programs or self-pay options to help make testing more affordable. Our goal is to make sure you understand any expected costs before moving forward with testing.
How long will I wait for the results from genetic testing?
The time it takes to receive genetic test results depends on the type of test being ordered. Some results may be available in a few weeks, while more complex testing can take several months. Most genetic test results are received within 4 to 12 weeks, but your healthcare team can provide a more specific estimate based on the test being performed. If there are any unexpected delays, we will keep you informed.
Who is a neuropsychologist?
Neuropsychologists are professionals with doctoral degrees in psychology who have expertise in psychological assessment and treatment, along with specialized training in the functioning of the brain and the impact of brain dysfunction on the broad range of human skills, emotions and behaviors. The practice of clinical neuropsychology is rooted in the study of psychological or behavioral manifestations of neurological, neuropathological, pathophysiological, or neurochemical changes in brain disease and the full range of abnormalities in the central nervous system that may arise during development.
Who should be referred for specialty assessment by a neuropsychologist?
Children who have known or suspected brain abnormality or dysfunction should generally be referred for a neuropsychological rather than psychological evaluation. The child might have been born with a problem in terms of the way the brain formed and grew, might have a medical condition involving the brain (e.g., epilepsy, brain tumor, stroke) or a medical illness with a direct or indirect effect on the brain. Sometimes the child might have sustained a head injury or other trauma, have a genetic condition, or psychiatric disturbance reflecting brain dysfunction. In general, children seen for neuropsychological evaluation have some underlying medical diagnosis and are typically referred by their physician.
Neuropsychological evaluation is not considered to be medically necessary when used primarily for: educational evaluation of possible learning disabilities or as part of vocational assessment to help plan job training; baseline assessment of function or screening purposes in individuals without medical conditions known to affect the brain; initial diagnosis/documentation of neurodevelopmental conditions such as Autism, ADHD, Learning Disorders, or Intellectual Disability for insurance or therapy services.
What is included in a neuropsychological evaluation?
Neuropsychological evaluation usually includes an interview with the child and their parents or caregivers, observation of the child’s behavior and in-person testing.Testing may involve hands-on activities, answering questions, computerized tasks, and paper-and-pencil tests. The neuropsychologist may also ask caregivers and teachers to complete standardized questionnaires about the child’s development, emotional functioning and behavior. Testing is usually completed in one day.
Once testing is done, the neuropsychologist summarizes the evaluation findings and recommendations in a feedback discussion with the family and in a written report. Depending on the child’s age, the findings, impressions, diagnoses and recommendations may be shared directly with the child. The report will be shared with the child’s referring medical provider and will be available to others also involved in delivering care, such as the child’s specialists and primary care pediatrician. With the family’s permission, information can also be shared with schools or outside services or agencies to facilitate further treatment and support for the child.