Craniofacial Anomalies & Cleft Palate Clinic : Your First Visit
You most likely have many questions about MUSC’s Craniofacial Anomalies and Cleft Palate Center and how to prepare your child for their first clinic visit.
What happens during a clinic visit?
After check-in, a nurse will take you and your child to an triage exam room. You will then be moved to an exam room and members of the Craniofacial Team of providers will see your child.
How long will I be at the clinic for my appointment?
Your child's appointments are scheduled to allow your child to see as many specialists in one day as possible. Although this can make for a long day, for many families this is much easier and faster than having to go to separate doctor's offices on different days.
The clinic meets on the third Tuesday of each month 12:30 PM- 5:00 PM and the first Friday of every other month 12:30 PM – 5:00 PM. About 20-25 children are seen at every clinic. Each child has one to seven appointments, with the average being three.
This is a busy clinic, but the goal is to provide personal, coordinated multidisciplinary care. You can expect to have some waiting time throughout the day.
Where do I go for my appointment?
Directions to MUSC’s Rutledge Tower will be mailed with your 1st appointment reminder notice. They are also available on our maps page. When you get here, use the Ashley Avenue/Rutledge Avenue Parking Garage. There are entrances and exits located on both streets. The parking garage is located right next door to Rutledge Tower. Register at the 4th floor Reception Desk.
Who will I see during my appointment?
At the first clinic visit, a geneticist will examine your child, explain the diagnosis and discuss the plan for overall care. You will also have a visit with the plastic surgeon, speech pathologist, ENT, pediatric dentist, and a parent liaison.
Other specialty providers will be scheduled for another day based on your childs age and medical needs. At most visits, your child will be weighed and measured. The clinical coordinator will ask to take photos for the medical record in order to provide visual documentation of how your child changes with time and after surgeries.
Each provider who sees your child will dictate a clinic note that will be part of your child's chart, and a copy will be sent to you and your primary care provider.
When do I make return appointments?
Return appointments are made after the clinic visit, once we have input from all the providers.
Always feel free to call your child's craniofacial clinic if you are waiting for the next appointment or if you believe it is time to return to clinic: 843-792-3251.
