March 2024 Pediatric Newsletter
May your troubles be less, and your blessing be more,
and nothing but happiness, come through your door.
Referrals: We require the following from a referring physician:
☘️ A SIGNED order requesting a “Modified Barium Swallow Study” or a “Swallow Function Study.” The physicians can write their own or find one on our website under the ‘Pediatrics’ tab.
☘️ Demographic sheet with insurance information
☘️ Their latest clinical notes to provide a thorough history
☘️ These documents can be faxed to 888-920-1201 or emailed to info@diagnostex.us
Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions regarding this process.
TSHA Recap
It was so nice to meet new colleagues and see some old friends at TSHA. I hope to continue building relationships throughout the years. A few takeaways from the convention:
- Dallas Children’s has a Tube Weaning Clinic that I was not aware of, and I was thrilled to learn of it.
- I became re-inspired to create S.M.A.R.T. goals - not only aimed towards my career but also aimed towards my personal/family life . If you are not familiar with them, I encourage you to research the rationale and effectiveness of them.
- Most of you have probably not heard of a company called Pureese. The owner of the company is a trained chef & has created a variety of pureed foods that look and taste like the ‘real deal.’ I briefly spoke to the owner about creating meals for kids, too. Hopefully there is more to come! In the meantime, take a look at her food and company: www.pureesemealco.com.
Let’s talk Medications
*After speaking to your child’s physician to ensure there are not contraindications, consider these recommendations.*
If a patient requires their liquids to be thickened, it is important to remember those precautions apply to all oral liquid medication as well. I do not necessarily recommend thickening just the medication alone. Rather, mix it with a small amount (1/2oz-1oz) of thickened liquid the child normally drinks (i.e. water, milk, formula, etc.). After thickening the medication with the preferred liquid, perform the IDDSI flow test to ensure the drink remains the proper viscosity. Adjust the viscosity, if needed, and re-test using the IDDSI flow test.
Ampcare
Have you heard about AmpCare and want to become a certified user? They offer In-person certification courses, as well as a hybrid option. They have the following dates available for certification:
- Live, In-Person in Ft Worth: March 15th from 8am-5pm.
- Hybrid & Zoom: March 21st & 22nd from 11:30am-1:30pm. Must attend both days.
Visit swallowtherapy.com for more information!
Are you a pediatric Ampcare certified user and looking for support? I know a few therapists that are happy to discuss cases (HIPAA compliant) and offer any guidance or support. Please let me know and I am happy to pass along your contact information to them.
In-Services
Do you have a team of therapists that would like to learn more about Modified Barium Swallow Studies? I would love to prepare a presentation for your team, complete with videos, to educate them on deficits and how that applies to the therapy they are implementing each week. Please reach out if that is something you are interested in.
Spring Break
Looking for some fun, free things to do over Spring Break with your kids or to suggest to your families? Here are some ideas:
- Klyde Warren Park
- Mineral Wells Fossil Park
- Dream Park
- Trinity River Audubon Center
- Watch airplanes at DFW Founder’s Plaza
- Grapevine Botanical Gardens
- Dallas Museum of Art
- Visit your local library
- Walk/Bike ride around Trinity River, White Rock Lake or Grapevine Lake
- Watch the Cattle Drive in the stockyards daily at 11:30 or 4
Contribution
Do you have an interesting topic that you would like to share in a newsletter, whether it be a research article you have read or a patient you have treated? Email me if you are interested!
I, and the rest of the DiagnosTEX staff, look forward to helping you serve your patients and ensure a safe diet for ALL children.
Ashley Stone, M.S. CCC-SLP
Pediatric Program Manager
ashley@diagnostex.us
817.514.6271