Quality and Outcomes Reports - Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition Center

US Referrals

Why we measure it - Research shows that physicians and hospitals that treat a large number of patients tend to provide a higher level of care and have better outcomes for treatments and procedures.

What this means - In addition to providing general pediatric gastroenterology care, the Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition Center has many sub-specialty programs and is one of the largest pediatric gastroenterology programs in the country. A majority of patients come from outside the metro-Milwaukee area.

About the data - The map shows the states our patients came from in 2012.

Related dimensions of care:

What we're doing to provide the best care:

• Our physicians hold major leadership roles in national organizations; highlighted by B Li, MD, who serves as president of North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition.
• Our Gastroenterology Center was selected as the 16th best pediatric gastroenterology programs in the nation by U.S.News & World Report in 2011.
• Many of the center's gastroenterologists are listed in the 2009-2010 Best Doctors in America^® database. The list represents the top 5 percent of the nation's practicing board-certified physicians.
• The Gastroenterology Center is interdisciplinary and made up of many pediatric professionals, including gastroenterologists, nurse clinicians, nurse practitioners, dietitians, speech and language pathologists, psychologists, physical therapists, a family practice physician and research professionals.
• Currently there are about 52 open research studies across the GI Center, including industry-sponsored clinical trials, which provide treatment opportunities for patients.
• Families traveling from long distances are encouraged to use our Family Accommodations Program to make travel arrangements and coordinate appointments. Children's Hospital has partnered with non-profit organizations like Ronald McDonald House and Kathy's House to offer comfortable, "home away from home" accommodations. Local hotel chains on our referral list also offer discounts for patient families.
• The Gastroenterology Center trains future pediatric gastroenterologists and child psychologists through its accredited fellowship programs.
• Since pediatric Gastroenterology problems are so diverse, the Gastroenterology Center has assembled several world-renowned pediatric experts to create the following subspecialty programs: 
  • Motility and Functional Bowel Disorders Program
  • Wal-Mart/Sam's Club Feeding, Swallowing and Nutrition Center
  • Inflammatory Bowel Disease Program
  • NEW (Nutrition, Exercise and Weight Management) Kids^TM Program
  • CARE (Constipation and Reflux Evaluation) Program
  • Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome Program
  • Bonnie Lynn Mechanic Celiac Disease Clinic
  • Liver Disease and Liver Transplant Programs
  • Eosinophilic Esophagitis Clinic
  • Nutrition Support Program
  • Hirshprungs and Imperforated Anus Clinic

Patients and families:

• Contact Central Scheduling to start your child's visit arrangements. Have the name, address, and phone and fax numbers of your primary care and/or referring doctor available when you call.
• Work with your child's referring physician and insurance company to determine if a referral or authorization is required for the visit.
• Arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment so we can gather needed information from you before you see the doctor.
• Come prepared with any questions or concerns you may have. We find this helps ensure the visit meets your needs.
• Bring a full list of the medications your child is taking including over-the-counter medicines such as vitamins and supplements.
• Bring a couple of your child's favorite toys or books to help make him or her more comfortable during the visit.
• To meet the requirements of your insurance, co-payments are collected at the time of the visit.

Referring physicians:

• Referring physicians can access our specialists for consultation or transport 24 hours a day by calling our physician referral line at (800) 266-0366.
• As appointments are scheduled, the Gastroenterology Center will contact you to arrange transfer of any pertinent patient documentation, including test results and growth charts. 
• Please contact Deb Wallner, Gastroenterology nurse manager or Pamela Fraser, Gastroenterology program director with any questions or concerns about the GI Service. They may be reached at (414) 266-2971.
• Health care providers from outside of our southeastern Wisconsin service area are encouraged to use our web-based
  e-Consult service. This service is available for non-urgent patient cases only and gives providers access to our specialists to review patient cases, obtain medical advice or second opinions, and receive care recommendations for rare symptoms and illnesses.
  e-Consult is not to be used by the general public, parents/guardians or families.
• Care guidelines for medical professionals
• Educational materials
  • Pediatric Rounds
  • Webcasts
• Pocket Directory

If you have questions about this information, email us or call (414) 266-6556.