Lehigh Valley Reilly Children’s Hospital Offers Pediatric Diabetes Care

Lehigh Valley Reilly Children’s Hospital pediatric endocrinology is a pediatric diabetes program that takes a multidisciplinary approach. A team of doctors, nurses, social workers and diabetes educators offer comprehensive care to children affected by endocrine disorders, such as type 1 and type 2 diabetes, as well as those with prediabetes. Their services include diabetes education, nutrition counseling, insulin pump and pen training, and continuous glucose monitoring setup.

According to Kailin Rumfield, CRNP, who has been part of the team for 15 years, the program is known for its excellent access to doctors and clinicians. New patients at Lehigh Valley Reilly Children’s Hospital have prompt access to physicians, whether they are admitted to the hospital or seeking an office visit. Children also have readily available access to the practice’s diabetes educator. The program offers regional satellite outreach offices, bringing care closer to home for many. The pediatric endocrinology team consistently uses the latest technology to improve patient care. 

“It’s difficult to get direct communication [from doctors and clinicians] at larger institutions,” Rumfield says. “Our patients and parents know we have knowledgeable staff to provide the care they’re looking for. We’re one of the few specialty offices that has a telehealth service they can call at all hours, any day of the year.”

The pediatric diabetes program is also known for its personalized care. “We know the patients who are calling, the parents who are calling and anything unique that might come up with them,” Rumfield explains.

The fact that many of the program staff have diabetes lends itself to such personalized attention. “That’s not a requirement, but it makes us special. Patients can ask really specific questions. Having that personal insight is helpful,” says Rumfield, who has had type 1 diabetes herself for more than 30 years.

In addition, the program has a strong community outreach and education program, working with school nurses, teachers and bus drivers to make sure they are informed about the latest technology and care practices for students with diabetes. Having pediatric educators working so closely with the community makes this group unique. These educators also make sure their content is tailored for each child as their needs change with age.

The pediatric diabetes program is also using the latest technology – and with great impact. Advanced software solutions centralize data via Bluetooth so that patients and their caregivers have everything they need on their smartphones. This has made sharing blood sugar levels much easier, leading to better diabetes control.

“The shareability of blood sugar data has had a profound effect on our ability to get levels down,” Rumfield says. “It’s important to know what blood sugars are at all times.”

The department has locations in Allentown, Easton and Pennsburg, and treats about 700 children per year.