The STEP Clinic uses a multidisciplinary approach dedicated to addressing muscle tone issues in children.                       

Our team consists of a developmental pediatrician, pediatric physical and occupational therapists, and the clinic nurse. The purpose of the clinic is to determine whether or not a patient would benefit from treatment to address their muscle tone issues.  The most common treatment interventions include oral medications, intramuscular Botox® injections, selective dorsal rhizotomy, intrathecal baclofen pump, deep brain stimulator, and serial casting or other therapies. Surgical referrals for intrathecal baclofen pump placement, selective dorsal rhizotomy, deep brain stimulator, or orthopedic surgery are made when necessary.  Our team works together to create the most optimal treatment plan possible for each child.

Clinicians
Robert. Steven Couch M.D.
Jennie Bowers, R.N., M.S.N., C.P.N.P.,
Amber Yampolsky P.T.
Suzanne Satterfield O.T.

The Clinic Process

Evaluation
The clinic for new patients is every Wednesday afternoon from 1-5 p.m. Patients are evaluated by each team member. Based on the evaluation findings, the team decides on a treatment recommendation. Since all of the areas are equally important to determining the treatment plan and its success, it is necessary to be as comprehensive as possible. It is important that you bring any braces, splints, walkers, and wheelchair to this evaluation.

Due to the time spent performing evaluations and discussing their recommendations, you can expect to be in the clinic for at least one to two hours. Before you leave clinic, Dr. Couch and his team will discuss with you the possible treatment options and follow-up plan for your child. The clinic coordinator will assist with any questions you have before and after the appointment.

Appointments
You can make an appointment to be seen in the STEP Clinic by having your pediatrician, neurologist or orthopedic doctor send a referral to our office and contacting our appointment line at (615) 936-KIDS. If you have questions, please contact our clinic coordinator, at (615) 343-6433.