Starting sickle cell treatment at Penn Medicine
At Penn Medicine, we’re here to help you wherever you are on your journey with sickle cell disease. Whether you come to us after an emergency, a referral from your doctor, or transitioning from pediatric care, we provide personalized care that meets your unique needs.
When you join our program, you can expect:
- Dedicated nurse navigator: Our nurse navigator will reach out right away to discuss your health history, address any immediate concerns, and guide you through the process of sharing your medical records.
- First comprehensive visit: You’ll meet your doctor, nurses, social worker, and psychologist. We’ll also review your medical history, take blood samples, and begin crafting a care plan that’s right for you.
- Ongoing support: After your initial visit, you’ll return in 4-8 weeks to review blood work and further refine your care plan. For most, follow-up visits are scheduled every three months, but we’ll adjust based on your individual needs.
For those transitioning from pediatric to adult care, we partner closely with the Sickle Cell Center at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) to ensure a smooth, supportive transition. Our team helps teens and young adults feel empowered and ready to take control of their health as they move to adult care.
We offer a full range of treatments for sickle cell disease, including:
- Medications: We provide the latest drugs that help prevent painful vaso-occlusive episodes (VOEs) and tailor treatment plans to your needs.
- Gene therapy: With exciting advancements in gene therapy, Penn Medicine is at the forefront of offering new treatments that aim to produce healthy red blood cells, with the potential for a cure.
- Stem cell transplants: For those with severe complications, we offer stem cell transplants, primarily for children, with careful consideration and expertise.
We recognize that sickle cell disease affects every aspect of your life, from physical pain to mental and emotional well-being. Our compassionate team provides:
- Pain management: Customized pain relief plans, both at home and in the hospital, including access to our specialized infusion center for urgent care.
- Support for organ health: We help manage the complications of sickle cell disease, such as anemia and organ damage, with a variety of treatments and collaborations with specialists in cardiology, nephrology, and more.
- Social work support: Our social workers offer guidance on community resources, education, employment, and navigating healthcare challenges. They are always available during appointments or by phone to support your non-medical needs.
At Penn Medicine, we’re committed to providing compassionate, expert care to help you live a full and healthy life with sickle cell disease.