Special Needs Patients

If you’re looking for a compassionate family medicine provider who caters to special needs patients, turn to Tel-A-YaYa, a telehealth family practice based in New Jersey. Doctorate-prepard board-certified family nurse practitioner Susan Rufolo, DNP, APN, FNP-BC, CEN, and her staff offer virtual primary care services for patients of all ages, including those with special needs. Schedule a virtual evaluation by calling the office or using the online booking feature today.

What are special needs patients?

Special needs patients are people who might require specialized care for physical, emotional, or mental disabilities. They may have a medical condition that limits their physical capabilities or a mental disability that affects cognitive function. 

Susan is kind, compassionate, and caring, making special needs patients of all ages feel comfortable. She takes a holistic, personal, collaborative approach to primary care. 

Which conditions might special needs patients have?

Special needs encompasses various conditions, such as but not limited to:

• Multiple sclerosis (MS)
• Missing limbs
• Blindness
• Deafness 
• Autism spectrum disorders
• Cerebral palsy
• Down syndrome
• Dyslexia
• Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• Paraplegia
• Quadriplegia
• Emotional disturbances
• Speech or language disorders
• Learning disabilities
• Intellectual disabilities

Some disabilities are immediately obvious, while others have symptoms that are mild or not noticeable to other people.

What complications can special needs patients face?

A disability might make having a job, forming relationships, or even maintaining proper self-care challenging. It can affect your mental health, increasing the risk of anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and substance misuse. Disabilities can also cause pain, frustration, or physical health problems when not addressed. 

What are the advantages of special needs patient care?

The advantages of choosing special needs care at Tel-A-YaYa experts include:

• Convenient telehealth services
• Unbiased, compassionate support
• Holistic approaches to treatments
• Personalized treatment plans
• Virtual special needs accommodations
• Community support referrals
• Medication management
• Virtual sick visits

You don’t have to worry about leaving the comfort of your home to see a highly qualified primary care specialist, which can save you time, money, and stress.

What happens during appointments with special needs patients?

During your scheduled appointment, Susan contacts you via your phone, tablet, or another electronic device. She discusses your symptoms, medical history, disability, lifestyle, medications, and more.

She completes a virtual health exam and psychiatric evaluation if needed and may order blood testing or other lab services.

Tel-A-YaYa offers personalized treatment plans for special needs patients that may include medication prescriptions, referrals for physical or occupational therapy, and counseling for autism or other mental health conditions. 

She can help you obtain a walker, hearing aids, or other assistive devices from which you or a loved one may benefit. Susan follows up to ensure optimal physical and mental health outcomes. 

Schedule a virtual special needs patient evaluation at Tel-A-YaYa by phone or request one online today.