Innovative technology helps pediatricians flag mental health issues in children
THORNTON, Colo. (KDVR) — Innovative technology is helping pediatricians flag mental health issues in children during annual exams.
Dr. Laura Luziette is executive director and pediatrician with Every Child Pediatrics in Thornton, a primary care clinic that offers services to all kids regardless of their ability to pay. Luziette said screening for developmental delays and behavioral health issues at an early age can offer immediate care and intervention.
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She said the clinic serves more than 24,000 kids across Colorado.
“Preventing mental health problems really begins at birth with supporting the parent-child relationship,” Luziette said. “Screening for developmental delays, screening for behavioral health disorders has really allowed us to bring up conversations that families don’t necessarily know we are interested in or that we have the ability to help with.”
Through a partnership with Yosi Health, a cloud-based mobile patient intake and registration system, the clinic’s patients can complete their registration ahead of their appointment, which includes a personal health and development screener.
Yosi Health co-founder and CEO Hari Prasad said the software streamlines the check-in process, allowing for more time between patients and providers.
“The idea behind this is really to find out how soon can we find out about the young adult’s needs,” Prasad said. “This way, we can inform their pediatrician in advance and make sure they are able to provide the best possible care for that child.”
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For parents like Haley Kelly, the staff at Every Child Pediatrics has not only impacted her child but helped Kelly grow in more ways than she could ever imagine.
“My daughter loves going to her doctor’s visits,” Kelly said. “They listen, so when you address your concerns, they don’t just brush it off. They look into it with you and that is all that all any parent ever asks for.”
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