Q: How does care provided in Erie connect to UPMC Children’ s Hospital of Pittsburgh?
Dr. Dale King: We operate within the same system. When I’ m in clinic in Erie, I can see the same notes and communicate with the same teams I would work with in Pittsburgh. I participate in division conferences virtually and can reach colleagues quickly by phone, email, or messaging. In many ways, it feels like I’ m in the same building, just in a different location.
Dr. Robert Burns: Coordination is one of the biggest improvements. If we need to transfer a patient to Pittsburgh, we can share what has already happened and help the receiving team understand the child’ s needs. We also have regular discussions with specialists in Pittsburgh so we can stay current on standards of care and continue improving what we provide locally.
Q: What types of conditions can be treated locally in Erie, and when might a child need to travel to Pittsburgh?
Dr. Dale King: Many follow-up visits with pediatric specialists can happen in Erie. A few tests may still need to happen in Pittsburgh while we continue to obtain more equipment here, and most surgical services are still done in Pittsburgh. But the foundation of specialty clinic care is increasingly available in Erie.
Q: How does having more care available close to home change the experience for families?
Dr. Dale King: Having care close to home can make a tremendous difference. Traveling to Pittsburgh for testing poses a major burden for many families. Now that we can do more procedures in Erie, families can avoid some of those logistical challenges. As services continue to expand locally, the experience becomes easier for children and their families.
Q: Why is it important for families to stay within one connected pediatric system?
Dr. Robert Burns: When families stay within the same system, communication among providers improves. We can review past notes, tests, immunizations, and treatment plans. Being within that connected system helps providers coordinate, stay on the same page, and understand what is happening in a child’ s care.
Looking for a pediatrician? Find a UPMC Children’ s Community Pediatrics location near you and schedule an appointment at childrenspeds. com.
Need specialty care? Learn more about pediatric specialty care services in Erie at chp. edu / EriePediatrics.