Coordinating Referral and Medical Care Resources

People with disabilities often face complex medical and rehabilitation hurdles. Care needs can be difficult to determine and often change over time. At the Disabled Community Health Clinic (DCHC), we understand these complex needs, assess and coordinate medical care resources, and provide medical treatment to help our patients regain their health and independence.

Founded in 1973 by Berkeley’s Center for Independent Living, Herrick Hospital, and community members, DCHC offers people recovering from brain or spinal cord injuries, Cerebral Palsy, Multiple Sclerosis, or Post-Polio and other chronic conditions a place to go to get their unique needs met.

In conjunction with the patient’s primary care physician, we make referrals to occupational, physical, and speech/language therapists; neuropsychologists; health clinics; and community programs. We also provide a variety of support groups for our patients.

Our broad spectrum of services include:

• Bowel and Bladder
  
• Incontinence Management
  
• Self-Catheterization Training
  
• Treatment of Urinary Tract Infections
  
• Referrals for Medical Supplies
  
• Wound Care Management
  
• Skin Breakdown Prevention
  
• Pressure Mapping
  
• Seating Clinic
  
• Spasticity Management
  
• Intrathecal Baclofen Pump
  
• Botox Injections
  
• Medication Management
  
• Medical Device Evaluations
  
• Physical, Occupational, Speech Therapy Referrals
  
• Community Services Referrals

Directing the clinic are:

• a physiatrist (a board-certified physician in physical medicine and rehabilitation)
  
• a rehabilitation-certified nurse practitioner
  
• a licensed social worker

These specially trained practitioners, with extensive experience in helping patients with disabilities, thoroughly assess each patient’s condition to set appropriate goals and design
an individualized treatment program.

Our exam tables are accessible and we have trained staff to assist with transfers as needed. Working closely with our team of therapists, we easily coordinate referrals to physical, occupational, and speech therapy. Staff and treatment areas are just down the hall. We stress patient and family training and education and provide referrals to community resources, maximizing a patient’s potential for independence.

With the help of the Disabled Community Health Clinic, people with disabilities can reach their goal to live independently. Please call to learn more about our program.