U.S. News World & Report: Children's of Alabama Among the Best in the Nation
Children’s of Alabama is the top children’s hospital in the Southeast, according to U.S. News & World Report, which recently released its 2022-23 Best Children’s Hospitals Survey. Children’s is part of a tie for No. 1 in the region.
 
U.S. News and World Report also rank pediatric specialty services, and Children’s is ranked in the top 50 nationally in all 10 services. These include:

  • Cancer
  • Cardiology and Heart Surgery
  • Diabetes and Endocrinology
  • Gastroenterology and Gastrointestinal Surgery
  • Neonatology
  • Nephrology
  • Neurology and Neurosurgery
  • Orthopedics
  • Pulmonology
  • Urology
Meet Dr. Courtney Baxley
Join us in giving Dr. Courtney Baxley a warm welcome. Earlier this year, she stepped into the role of Chief for Community Pediatrics on the Children's of Alabama Medical Staff.

Dr. Baxley is a pediatrician and has practiced at Over the Mountain Pediatrics for 11 years. As Chief for Community Pediatrics, she hopes to improve communication between primary care pediatricians and the subspecialty teams at Children's.

Each quarter in this newsletter, Dr. Baxley will share about a subspecialty at Children's by highlighting the clinic and answering questions submitted by referring physicians. Click the link below to learn more about and submit questions for next quarter's newsletter.
ICYMI: Inpatient Visitation Updates at Children's of Alabama
Updated visitation guidelines for inpatient units were instated effective Monday, June 6. Masks must continue to be worn in all hospital common areas.
 
Inpatient visitation has returned to four (4) people in patient rooms during the hours of 9 a.m. - 9 p.m., including parents, caregivers, siblings, extended family and others.
 
All visitors must check-in at the information desk and wear appropriate identification at all times.
 
Visitation guidelines may vary in the following areas: Behavioral Health, Outpatient Clinics, Primary Care Practices, One Day Surgery, the Heart Center and the Emergency Department.
Changes to X-Ray Shielding Guidelines
The American Association of Physicians in Medicine (AAPM), the American College of Radiology (ACR) and the National Council on Radiation Protection Measurements (NCRP) have made recent advancements in best practices for patient safety in X-ray imaging.

Due to advances in Radiology equipment, the change in practice will be to no longer provide lead shielding to patients receiving an X-Ray exam.

Below are resources that detail the changes.
Get Up-to-Date with Epic
In 238 days (and counting), Epic goes live at Children's of Alabama. This new electronic medical record (EMR) platform will help improve the care of our patients, their families experience and the day-to-day work operations of our employees and providers.

Want to learn more and follow along on this "Epic Journey" with us? Click the link below. It will bring you to the Epic Project Update portal, where you can read blog posts, get questions answered, watch demo videos about Epic and more.
Anesthesiology Recommendations for Scheduling Elective Procedures
Below are anesthesiology recommendations for scheduling elective procedures requiring general anesthesia, specifically for patients with recent illnesses.
Resources



Physician Link (Issues/Concerns) - 205-638-7479
Children's One Stop (Placement Center and Consultations) - 205-638-7200 or 844-232-5070

For questions or suggestions, please email Leslie.Edmondson@childrensal.org.