Sickle cell care

Managing sickle cell disease is more than treating symptoms. It’s about helping you stay healthier, reducing complications, and improving your quality of life. Penn Medicine’s Comprehensive Sickle Cell Program at the Perelman Center for Advanced Medicine is home to leaders in blood disorder care, offering the latest treatments for this complex condition. We offer multidisciplinary comprehensive care and the most advanced sickle cell treatment options, including transformative gene therapy approaches. And as an academic medical center, our researchers are always working on new therapies through clinical trials.

Because this condition can affect many areas of your life, we consider your overall health, daily challenges, and personal goals when creating a sickle cell disease care plan. We’re also committed to supporting you throughout your health journey, including the transition from childhood to adulthood. Through our partnership with Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), we help provide continuity of care across every stage of life.

Moving from pediatric to adult care is an important step. Our team works closely with the Sickle Cell Center at CHOP to ensure a smooth, supportive transition. Together, we help teens and young adults feel empowered and ready to take control of their health as they move to adult care.

Every person’s journey with sickle cell disease is different, and we prioritize care that is tailored to your life and goals. At Penn Medicine, our approach ensures you receive the medical attention and support necessary for your physical and emotional well-being. When you choose our program, you can rely on:

• Dedicated nurse navigators: A nurse navigator will reach out to discuss your health history, address any immediate concerns, and guide you through the process of sharing your medical records.
• Expert, dedicated team: Our hematologists deliver exceptional sickle cell disease care, working alongside specialized nurses and other providers. Your health care team will conduct a comprehensive evaluation on your first visit and start creating a sickle cell disease care plan that’s right for you. We respond promptly to your pain and other symptoms, and we give you guidance on when to seek urgent care.
• Comprehensive, multidisciplinary care: Sickle cell disease can affect more than your blood health. We monitor you for complications, connect you with specialists when needed, and provide support including pain management plans and genetic counseling for sickle cell disease. Our social workers, psychologists, and private support groups also provide emotional and social support.
• Innovation and advanced treatments: You’ll have access to the latest therapies in sickle cell disease care, including clinical trials when available.
• Ongoing support for lifelong success: Most people have follow-up visits every three months, but your schedule can be adjusted based on your needs. These visits give us time to further adjust your treatment and help ensure your condition is managed as well as possible.

You deserve compassionate care from experts who listen and take your symptoms seriously. We’re committed to providing you with the support you need to live your life to the fullest.