Diagnostics
Blank Children's Diagnostics, a hospital outpatient department of UnityPoint Health – Des Moines – Iowa Methodist Medical Center, is a group of diagnostic pediatricians that assess challenging or unusual pediatric patients. As background knowledge and medical history is essential to diagnosis, the diagnostic team works closely with your primary care physician to determine a clinical diagnosis and formulate a treatment plan.
We review all previous and new laboratory results, x-rays, medical history and physical information to make a diagnosis. We may contact other sub-specialties within Blank Children's Hospital and throughout the country to discuss your child's case. It is our expectation that after a diagnosis has been made, your child's care will return to their primary care physician.
Our Providers
About Our Providers
Blank Children's Diagnostics is led by Stephen Elliott, DO, PhD, FAAP. Dr. Elliott has been at Blank Children's Hospital since 1977 as a pediatric hematology/oncology specialist and also serving patients in general pediatrics and infectious diseases. During that time he has also been involved with a variety of community organizations. He is founder of the Central Iowa Pediatrics Club, and is a member of the Iowa Oncology Research Association and the North Central Cancer Treatment Group.
Carissa has worked side-by-side with Dr. Elliott for many years. As a nurse practitioner, she has experience in general pediatrics and pediatric nephrology in addition to the diagnostics.
Becoming a Patient
Patients are accepted by referrals. Physicians can either call in and speak with Dr. Elliott directly regarding their patient or they may refer their patient to the clinic.
Your Child's First Visit
Your child's first visit to Blank Children's Diagnostics will probably be the longest. Please plan to be at the clinic for one hour. We ask that you arrive 15 to 20 minutes ahead of your child's appointment to complete medical history and insurance information forms.
We will do a complete physical exam on your child. We will review all past medical history, laboratory work and x-rays sent to us by your physician. After examining your child and all past medical history, we will discuss your child's diagnosis and treatment plan with you and your primary care physician.
In order to avoid duplicating tests, you will need to bring the following information along to your child's first appointment (unless our office has already received it):
- Referral information from your child's primary provider such as office visit notes, diagnostic x-ray films and lab tests.
- Results of any previous evaluations, including x-ray films (not just reports).
- Any information pertaining to prior pediatric surgery evaluations including lab tests, procedures, procedure notes, biopsy results, etc.
Insurance
Prior approvals from your child's primary provider and insurance plan may be necessary before each visit.