Patients seen in clinic may have one of the following conditions:

• Spina Bifida
• Spinal cord injury
• Cerebral palsy
• Other physical disabilities that started in childhood or adolescence

The multidisciplinary clinic combines the expertise of pediatric and adult care specialists in urology, physical medicine and rehabilitation, gynecology and social work to address the following for people living with physical disabilities:

• Complex urological issues
• Rehabilitation needs (Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech-Language Therapy)
• Reproductive health education and care
• Development of self-management skills
• Maximizing independence
• Insurance, legal and other considerations of becoming an adult

Most patients are 16 years or older, although on occasion younger patients who are motivated may choose to be seen in the clinic earlier.

Clinics are offered monthly in the Urology Clinic at Taubman Center or virtually. A patient’s first visit to the clinic is often held virtually to allow providers the opportunity to get to know you by discussing transition planning needs, medical concerns and what testing may be needed prior to or as part of the first in-person clinic visit. This may include ultrasounds, x-rays, CT scans or MRIs. Urodynamic (bladder pressure tests) and cystoscopy (looking into the bladder with a scope) may be performed in the clinic if necessary. In those cases, the appointment may be expected to last several hours.

At your first in-person visit, patients will see a pediatric transitional care urologist and an adult transitional care physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist. You will also meet the adult urologist. The adult urologist will gradually become more involved in your care as you progress through the transition process. A social worker will meet with you virtually before or after the clinic appointment. Once a quarter, a gynecologist who specializes in caring for females with disabilities also sees patients in the clinic. She provides counseling and offers exams for females who are interested.

Families often attend the clinic and are involved in care. However, we encourage you to take charge of your visits as able and offer time to speak with the providers alone. Our goal is for you to eventually run the visits or attend visits alone.

Transition Consultations

For patients that primarily receive their medical care at another center, we offer transition consultations. This is for adolescents who are interested in working on self-management skills and transition-related concerns. The visits are typically held virtually.

Transitioning into Adult Care

Once you maximize your independence in self-care, you may choose to continue to be seen in the Physical Disabilities Transitional Care and Adult Clinic if you prefer a multidisciplinary clinic setting, or you may choose to follow up with your providers in separate clinics. Adults of any age who prefer a multidisciplinary approach to care may be followed in the clinic.

To schedule, please call 734-936-7030 and ask to be scheduled in the Physical Disabilities Transitional Care & Adult Clinic. Please specify if you would like to attend a clinic where the gynecologist will be present.