Quality and Outcomes Reports - Sports Medicine
Sports Medicine - Concussion Visit Volume
Why we measure it - Research shows that doctors and hospitals that treat a large number of patients tend to provide better care and have better outcomes for treatments and procedures. It is important to diagnose and treat concussions accurately which reduces the risk of repeat injury and long-term problems.
What this means - Parents, athletes and coaches understand that a concussion is a serious injury. The above graph shows a substantial increase in the number of patients seen for concussions in 2011. Our specialists provide outstanding care that helps patients return to their active lives. We help young people safely return to school, social activities and sports after a concussion.
About the data - The graph reflects the number of visits to our Sports Medicine or Concussion Clinic since 2008-2011.
Related dimensions of care:
What we're doing to provide the best care:
- Our pediatric and adolescent Sports Medicine Program opened the Concussion Clinic in late 2008. It is Wisconsin's only concussion clinic that is focused entirely on caring for young athletes.
- We are currently using two computer-based baseline tests, the Axon Sports Computerized Cognitive Assessment Tool (CCAT) and the ImPACTTM test to gather pre-injury information on athletes at risk for concussions. The Axon Sports test takes approximately 8-10 minutes and the ImPACTTM test takes about 20-30 minutes. Each test helps the doctors understand how severe a concussion is by comparing before and after injury testing. Written testing also is done to learn more about a patient's memory and thinking abilities.
- Kevin Walter, MD is the program director of pediatric and adolescent sports medicine. He is a national expert in the care of patients after a concussion. He co-wrote "Sports-Related Concussion in Children and Adolescents," a September 2010 article in Pediatrics, the journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics. He also partnered with neuropsychologist, Jennifer Apps, Ph.D., to edit a new book, "Pediatric and Adolescent Concussion: Diagnosis, Management and Outcomes." The book was published in the fall of 2011.
Patients and families:
- Talk to an expert by calling our Sports Line at (414) 604-7512. Licensed athletic trainers and nurses answer our Sports Line from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Messages can be left at any time and we will return your call promptly.
- To schedule or reschedule an appointment with our sports medicine specialists, call Central Scheduling at (877) 607-5280 or (414) 607-5280.
- Take a virtual tour of the hospital before scheduling a first appointment.
- Call your insurance company before your visit. You may need a referral to see our specialists.
- Come 15 minutes before your child's appointment so we can gather necessary information from you before your child sees the doctor.
- Bring a list of questions to your child's appointment. We are happy to answer any questions or concerns you have during the visit.
- Bring a full list of your child's medicines. Be sure to include over-the-counter medicines like 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 test results or X-rays to the specialty physician's office before 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 this Web page, email us or call (414) 266-6556.