The Referral Process

Referrals to the institute are made directly by hospital staff when children are born with cleft lip or cleft palate. Other children and adults may be referred by various professionals, agencies or concerned individuals in the community.

Medical Referrals:

• Fax 814-877-3433 recent physical report and specify "Consultation: Cleft Palate Clinic".

• Indicate any immediate medical/feeding concerns.

• Provide complete identifying information: e.g., names, addresses, telephone numbers for patient and family.

• Send all emails concerning referrals to our Clinic Staff.
  

Family and/or Other Referrals:

• Telephone (814-877-3230) , Fax (814-877-3433) or email by clicking on the link below and request "Consultation: Cleft Palate Clinic".

• Provide medical history and specify any immediate concerns.

• Identify your family physician and provide name, address, telephone number.

• Provide complete patient and family identifying information: e.g. names, addresses, telephone numbers.

• Provide medical insurance specifics.

• Send all emails concerning referrals to our Clinic Staff.
  

When to Make a Referral for a Clinic Visit:

Upon birth of a newborn with a cleft lip and/or palate/alveolus:

• If family has not yet had contact with a plastic surgeon at the hospital.

• If child has extensive feeding or medical concerns-an immediate referral after birth is indicated.
  

Within three months following birth for an infant with cleft palate only:

• If infant is feeding well and family has been provided with accurate information about management of the cleft.
  

Refer after the lip repair for an infant with cleft lip only, unless infant is having feeding problems or family has need for information.

Any toddler/child with questionable submucous cleft or velopharyngeal incompetence (demonstrates observed or reported hypernasal speech or nasal substitution errors).