The IBD Wellness Program at Lurie Children's provides comprehensive, family-centered care for children and adolescents living with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Living with IBD affects more than your health. Our program supports patients and their families through the medical, emotional, nutritional, and social challenges of life with a chronic condition.
Every patient in our IBD Program has one dedicated wellness visit each year — a 75-minute appointment that replaces your regular visit, so no extra trips are needed. You'll meet with a team of IBD specialists who work together on your care.
These visits are scheduled when IBD is stable, so the team can focus on health maintenance, education, and long-term wellness and not just immediate symptoms.
Who We Care For
Our IBD Wellness Program serves children and adolescents of all ages who have been diagnosed with IBD, including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. We tailor care to each patient's age and stage of life, from young children all the way through the transition to adult care.
The program is particularly valuable for:
- Newly diagnosed patients and families looking to learn more about staying well with IBD
- Children and teens with stable IBD who want to discuss ongoing health maintenance
- Adolescents and young adults preparing for transition to adult gastroenterology care
- Families seeking comprehensive support beyond medical management
Why Choose Lurie Children's?
Lurie Children's is recognized as a leader in pediatric IBD care, offering a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach that sets us apart:
- Expert team: Gastroenterologists, advanced practice providers, psychologists, dietitians, and social workers, all specializing in pediatric IBD, work together on your child's care.
- Whole-patient focus: We address the medical, emotional, nutritional, and social sides of IBD, not just the disease itself.
- Smooth transition to adult care: We start preparing adolescents for independence around age 11, so the move to adult care feels manageable.
- One visit, complete care: The annual wellness visit replaces your regular appointment — less time away from school and work.
What to Expect
During your annual 75-minute IBD Wellness visit, you'll meet with multiple members of our multidisciplinary care team. Here's what each specialist provides:
Advance Practice Provider
- Complete medical history and physical examination
- Order and review labs and other diagnostic tests
- Review and place referrals/orders for immunizations, DXA scans, ophthalmology, and dermatology
- Refill medications and adjust doses as needed
- Provide ongoing education about diagnosis, treatment, and tests
- Support transition readiness and coordinate transfer to adult care when appropriate
Psychologist
- Screen for depression, anxiety and other mental health symptoms
- Support positive coping and adjustment to life with IBD
- Assist with challenges including trouble swallowing pills, medication adherence, and fear of needles
- Encourage health ownership and independence for teens
- Assess for high-risk behaviors and develop risk reduction strategies
- Refer to community providers when needed
Dietitian
- Support patients in achieving a healthy weight
- Review diet and nutrition labs
- Discuss diet options for treatment of IBD
- Evaluate supplements being used or considered
Social Worker
- Assist with school accommodations
- Complete forms for school and work (504 Plan, FMLA)
- Assist with insurance and financial needs
- Identify barriers to care and help find solutions
Transition Readiness
Starting around age 11, our team works with patients on age-appropriate skills to build independence and prepare for the transition to adult healthcare. Each annual visit focuses on specific themes and milestones:
Visit #1: Knowledge of IBD
Patient Goals:
- Help check into clinic/lab
- Complete health forms
Visit #2: Knowledge of Medications, Vitamins, & Supplements
Patient Goals:
- Download MyChart and send messages to providers
- Bring pill bottles to clinic at every visit
Visit #3: High Risk Behaviors & IBD
Patient Goals:
- Put pharmacy number in phone/download app
- Start calling pharmacy for refills
- Call or MyChart message directly with questions
Visit #4: Monitoring in IBD: From Pokes to Scopes
Patient Goals:
- Ask and answer most questions independently
- Update team independently
- Manage and take medications on own
Visit #5: Tracking Health History & Communication with Team
May also merge with our College Clinic at this time if applicable
Patient Goals:
- Attend part or entire visit alone
- Ask and answer all questions from providers
- Participate in medical decision making
Visit #6: Stepping Stones: Transfer of Care/Intro to Insurance
Patient Goals:
- Manage all medical and logistical tasks
- Research adult providers and establish first appointment
- Track healthcare information
- Follow up on test results and referrals
Make an Appointment
Call to make an appointment with the IBD Wellness Program.