About Us
Who We Serve
- children & youth who have special health care needs
- birth through age 21
- live in Iowa
- have a chronic condition (physical, developmental,
behavioral, or emotional) or have increased risk for a chronic condition - have a need for special services.
Our Mission
The Child Health Specialty Clinics (CHSC) mission is to improve the health, development, and well-being of children and youth with special health care needs in partnership with families, service providers, communities, and policymakers.
We Support Families
The family is the most constant and important part of the child's environment. We believe in helping families care for their children with special health care needs. To do this, a statewide team of experienced parent consultants is available to help other parents with problem-solving and emotional support.
We Coordinate Care
Children and youth with complicated health problems often need services from many different agencies. Our staff are experts in helping families arrange for the services they need as conveniently and effectively as possible.
We Promote Public Health
Some of our care is provided directly to the child and family, but we also work to improve the health care system. For example, we work to assure that all children with special health care needs have a medical home. We also advocate for family-friendly policies, monitor the quality of statewide services, and survey families about their needs.
We Provide Direct Services
We hold clinics for children and youth who have chronic physical or behavioral problems. These clinics are held in areas where there are needs for pediatric medical specialty services. Nurse practitioners and clinical nurses are the on-site examiners. If needed, consultations can be set up with physicians or nutritionists via telehealth. Recommendations, including referral to community resources, are always shared with the child’s family.
What We Cost
When a child is seen at one of our clinics, fees may be adjusted by using a sliding scale that takes into account the family size and income. We don't charge for helping the family organize the services that a child needs or for providing family support.
How Many We Serve
On average, CHSC annually provides direct clinical or care coordination services for over 6,500 individual Iowa children. Because most of these children have complex conditions, many are seen more than once per year resulting in over 10,000 total visits per year to CHSC service providers. Through our public health, policy, and advocacy efforts, CHSC works to improve the lives of all estimated 95,094 Iowa children, 0-18, who have special health care needs (National Survey of Children with Special Health Care Needs, 2005-6).