About Our Services & Programs
Effectively navigating sickle cell disease management requires an individualized approach tailored to each patient’s unique needs and circumstances. At Montefiore Einstein, we recognize the multifaceted nature of this condition and strive to offer a comprehensive suite of services to address the needs of our patients. From outpatient and emergency care to comprehensive pain management and social services, we prioritize convenient, holistic approaches aimed at enhancing overall well-being and quality of life.
Our commitment to patient-centric care extends beyond medical interventions, encompassing a range of supportive services designed to empower individuals living with sickle cell disease. Through collaborative efforts between our multidisciplinary team of experts, patients receive personalized attention and guidance throughout their journey.
Our Sickle Cell Disease Services
Discover seamless and compassionate care for sickle cell disease, ensuring continuity and support as patients move through different stages of their healthcare journey.
Clinics for Outpatient Care
We provide daily clinic access Monday–Friday, staffed by our sickle cell specialists.
Emergency Consultations
Our hematologists and sickle cell specialists offer 24/7 emergency evaluations for any patient experiencing distress, whether in the emergency room or hospital, ensuring immediate care and support.
Telehealth Medication Renewals
Telehealth medication renewals can be done once patients are established in our clinics. Our telehealth services provide personalized and convenient care for monthly check-ups and medication renewal.
Outpatient Transfusions & Exchanges
We provide access to outpatient transfusions and exchange transfusions to protect and preserve organs.
Infusion Center for Medications
We offer outpatient infusion therapies for intravenous medications, including Crizanlizumab, Desferal and intravenous gamma globulin. We additionally have chairs for hydration and pain control in the infusion center.
Mental Health Telehealth Program
As part of our Care Management Organization, University Behavioral Associates (UBA) is a behavioral health management organization that delivers high-quality behavioral health and clinical services at all levels of mental health and substance abuse care.
Preparation for Surgery
Patients with sickle cell disease may experience surgical complications with various interventions. Our specialized team offers comprehensive care and support throughout the surgical process to avoid these complications.
Molecular Diagnostic Laboratories
Our Molecular Diagnostic Laboratories employ advanced testing to precisely determine the type and severity of sickle cell disease and ensure accurate identification of blood group antigens prior to transfusion.
Iron Overload Complications
Diagnostic imaging for iron overload/hemochromatosis plays a crucial role in assessing and managing iron overload due to blood transfusions.
Pain Management & Power Over Pain (POP) Clinic
Pain associated with sickle cell disease is both acute and chronic and requires different treatment regimens. We prioritize access to prescriptions and pain management to avoid pain crises or withdrawal. With our timely refill of prescriptions, Power Over Pain Clinic and Medical Cannabis Clinic, our dedicated team strives to alleviate chronic pain, improve quality of life and empower patients with effective strategies for managing pain associated with sickle cell disease.
Comprehensive Specialty Care
Our comprehensive sickle cell specialty care is seamlessly integrated with ongoing primary care and disease-oriented subspecialty care, utilizing a multidisciplinary approach to develop individualized care plans.
Individualized Social Service Support
Our on-site individualized social service support is dedicated to addressing various life challenges and offering personalized assistance and guidance for individuals navigating life with sickle cell disease.
Transition Care for Teens & Young Adults
Our Transition Clinic helps young adults smoothly transition from pediatric to adult hematology care by maintaining close partnership with our pediatric team at the Children’s Hospital at Montefiore Einstein (CHAM). We monitor patients diligently, ensuring they attend appointments, take medication as prescribed and maintain good organ health as they transition into adulthood. Learn more about our Transition Clinic here.
Pediatric Sickle Cell Disease Program
The Sickle Cell Program at the Children’s Hospital at Montefiore Einstein (CHAM) provides comprehensive, family-centered care to more than 700 children diagnosed with sickle cell disease. Our dedicated team of experts, including hematologists, pediatric specialists, advanced practice practitioners, pain specialists, nurses, social workers, psychologists and child life therapists, collaborates closely to provide innovative and compassionate care. This includes state-of-the-art blood group genotyping and novel MRI brain imaging techniques, as well as access to the latest evidence-based therapies, novel agents on clinical trials and curative bone marrow transplant and gene therapies. We also extensively advocate for sickle cell disease patients who are eligible for New York State Medicaid-funded Health Home care managers.
Community & Support Initiatives
We facilitate outreach to community resources in the Bronx and Westchester and collaborate with the Sickle Cell/Thalassemia Patients Network (SCTPN) and the New York State Sickle Cell Advocacy Network to provide comprehensive support and resources for individuals affected by sickle cell disease.
Medical Home Health Services
We’ve successfully collaborated with the New York State Department of Health to change its guidelines for Health Home enrollment, making sickle cell disease a single qualifying condition. For patients enrolled in Medicaid, our Medical Health Home Services offer convenient support for patients struggling with visit compliance or medication adherence. This service provides home-based assistance to ensure accessibility and convenience for patients.
Pain Management & Power Over Pain (POP) Clinic
Sickle cell pain is both acute and chronic and requires different treatment regimens. We prioritize access to prescriptions and pain management to avoid pain crises or withdrawal. With our Power Over Pain Clinic, Medical Cannabis Clinic and timely refill of prescriptions, our dedicated team strives to alleviate chronic pain, improve quality of life and empower patients with effective strategies for managing pain associated with sickle cell disease.
Gene Therapy Certified Treatment Center
We are one of the few gene therapy certified treatment centers for sickle cell disease in the country. Gene therapy is an FDA-approved treatment that has been shown to cure sickle cell disease by correcting or replacing the gene responsible for producing abnormal hemoglobin. For eligible patients affected by the condition, this innovative approach holds hope for providing a long-term cure and improving their quality of life.
Your Sickle Cell Disease Team
Ellen W. Friedman, MD
Amy Sharma, MD
Our experts are renowned for their unparalleled care of individuals affected by sickle cell disease. Managing the complexities of this condition demands a seamless integration of diagnostic precision, pioneering treatment alternatives and comprehensive psychological and social support. Our world-class sickle cell team is dedicated to navigating these challenges with excellence, ensuring a holistic and patient-centered approach to care.
