Arizona Families Face Uncertainty as Children’s Rehabilitation Clinic Closes

News Summary

The Children’s Rehabilitation Services Clinic in Phoenix is set to close this summer, impacting families who relied on its diverse medical services for children with disabilities. The decision, made due to financial challenges exacerbated by a drop in patients since the COVID-19 pandemic, leaves many parent scrambling for new care providers. The clinic, which served around 8,000 families, will officially close on July 18, 2023. While efforts are being made to assist families in transitioning to new care options, the emotional toll of this closure is significant.

Major Disruption for Arizona Families as Children’s Rehabilitation Services Clinic in Phoenix Announces Closure

In a surprising turn of events, the Children’s Rehabilitation Services (CRS) Clinic in Phoenix has announced that it will be closing its doors this summer, a move that has left many families feeling distressed and uncertain about their children’s medical needs. The decision, made by chief executive Dr. Kote Chundu, stems primarily from the financial unsustainability brought on by a significant drop in patient numbers. Once serving around 8,000 families, the clinic is now down to approximately 4,800, leading to a tough decision for management.

The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic

The decline in patients at the CRS Clinic began around the time of the COVID-19 pandemic. As families adapted to changing circumstances, many turned to alternative providers for care, leading to a substantial loss of patients. To add to this, changes in insurance policies for Arizona’s Medicaid program have made it easier for families to access care closer to home, further contributing to the clinic’s woes. With fewer patients, the clinic has struggled to maintain a comprehensive spectrum of care that it once offered.

A Lifeline for Many Families

Since opening in 2012, the CRS Clinic has served as an essential resource for children and adults with severe disabilities, offering a variety of medical services spread across approximately 22 disciplines. For families such as the Pais family from Scottsdale, this clinic was a lifeline. Dependable and compassionate care was just a visit away for their daughter, Ashley, who has relied on the specialized services the clinic provides. The news of the closure has hit them hard, describing the clinic as a “Godsend.”

Concerns About Finding New Care

For others like Bryce, a 31-year-old patient with cerebral palsy, the CRS Clinic has been a significant part of life since he was just two months old. His family shares the same worries as the Pais family about finding care that is not only comparable but also matches their child’s unique and complex needs. Unfortunately, the reality is that finding new providers who understand these special medical requirements can be a daunting challenge.

Transitioning to New Providers

As the closing date approaches, the clinic has committed to helping families transition to other providers. They are actively providing assistance, including reaching out to patients’ insurance providers to explore alternative care options. Families are encouraged to get in touch with the clinic for support during this difficult time. The official last day for patient appointments will be June 27, and the clinic will formally close on July 18.

A Tough Choice for Clinic Leaders

Dr. Chundu has expressed how challenging it was to make this decision, especially with the efforts made over the past two years to keep the clinic open. Despite their best attempts, the clinic ultimately found itself unable to remain operational in a climate of dwindling resources and patient numbers.

Emotional Toll on Families

The emotional toll on families affected by this closure cannot be overlooked. Many are grappling with how to navigate this significant change, and the uncertainty around finding new specialized providers is causing considerable distress. While the clinic has been a beacon of hope for numerous families, its closing marks the end of an era for those who have come to rely on its services.

As Phoenix prepares for this transition, families are left hoping for smoother paths in their quest for healthcare options that will continue to meet their children’s needs.

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Additional Resources

• 12 News: Phoenix Clinic Cares for Disabled Arizonans Closing This Summer
• Wikipedia: COVID-19 Pandemic
• ABC15: Phoenix Clinic for Kids with Specialized Needs to Close
• Google Search: Children’s Rehabilitation Services Phoenix
• AZ Central: Phoenix Veterans Affairs Hospital Library Closure
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Healthcare Services
• Fox10: St. Luke’s Behavior Health Center Approved to Reopen
• Google News: Healthcare Providers in Phoenix