Quality and Outcomes Reports - Orthopedics

U.S. Referrals

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

What this means - Many patients and families from outside Wisconsin are choosing our care. As the reputation of Children's Hospital of Wisconsin has grown nationally, families from outside our region are seeking our expertise for their child's care.

About the data - The shaded states on the map show where our patients came from in 2012.

Related dimensions of care:

What we're doing to provide the best care:

  • We have one of the few electromagnetic pediatric gait labs used clinically in the region. Gait lab tests are compared before and after surgery to measure and assess function following surgical correction of the back or legs.
  • We are one of the few pediatric centers in the country that uses a 3-D measurement of the spine, a system that does not use radiation (X-rays).
  • Our goal is to manage scoliosis without surgery, however, when surgery is needed, orthopedic surgeons at Children's Hospital perform the most advanced techniques of scoliosis surgery, including a fairly new procedure that dramatically reduces recovery time from months to days.
  • We have a pediatric orthopedic nurse clinician who coordinates inpatient stays, discharge planning and follow-up clinic visits.  
  • Orthopedic staff is involved in basic science and clinical research including:
    • Improving ways of mapping the spine to monitor scoliosis without using X-rays.
    • Growth modulation devices to correct scoliosis without fusion.
  • We provide a nurse call line where patients and families can leave their questions or concerns. While messages can be left anytime, an orthopedic nurse will respond within 60 minutes to messages left during the following hours: Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. To reach our Nurse Line, call (414) 266-2411.
  • We offer the Family Accommodations Program to help make travel arrangements and coordinate appointments for families traveling to our center from a long distance.

Patients and families:

  • If you cannot keep a scheduled appointment, please call Central Scheduling at (877) 607-5280 or (414) 607-5280 as soon as possible to reschedule so another child can be seen.
  • Arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment so we can gather needed information from you before you see the doctor.
  • Check with your insurance provider before your visit to see if a referral is needed to see a specialist at Children's Hospital.
  • 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.

Referring physicians:

  • Referring physicians can access our specialists for consultation or transport 24 hours a day. Call our physician referral line at (800) 266-0366.
  • Forward any needed patient documentation, including test results, to the specialty doctor's office prior to the patient's visit.
  • 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
  • Pocket Directory

If you have questions about these data or information, e-mail us or call (414) 266-6556.