Concussion Clinic

Expert Concussion Care

ChildServe‘s Concussion Clinic evaluates and treats children and young adults who have experienced a concussion or concussion-like symptoms. Our pediatric specialists provide individualized therapy and recommendations to help children successfully return to school and play after a concussion. Our concussion experts use a series of tests, therapy exercises, and drills to make sure each child or teen recovers to the fullest extent possible.

Why choose ChildServe?

Board-Certified

ChildServe has one of the only two board-certified pediatric rehab doctors in Iowa, Fred Klingbeil, MD, who treats children in the inpatient and outpatient programs.

Pediatric Experts
ChildServe’s pediatric experts include our Certified Brain Injury Specialists, and the only clinicians in Iowa who are certified as ImPACT Pediatric Care Providers.
CARF-Accredited
We hold CARF accreditationsBeing “CARF-accredited” means that the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities recognizes ChildServe as an organization that meets rigorous guidelines for service and quality and conforms to nationally and internationally recognized standards.
in pediatrics, inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation, with a specialization in brain injury.

Technology and Assessments

ChildServe offers cutting-edge facilities and specialized technology and standardized assessment tools such as SCATSCAT stands for Sport Concussion Assessment Tool. SCAT is a standardized tool used to evaluate injured athletes for concussion.
, and ImPACTImPACT stands for Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing. ImPACT is a computerized concussion management tool used to assess the brain after an injury.
, and vestibular-ocular equipment such as the Bioness Integrated Therapy System (BITS)BITS technology helps ChildServe specialists develop individual rehabilitation plans for each child or young adult.  and DynavisionDynavision is a leading technology used in the assessment and rehabilitation of concussions. The program helps ChildServe specialists develop individual rehabilitation plans for each child or young adult..

Teen using the Dynavision reflex test

Who We Serve

Our Concussion Clinic serves children and teens (aged birth through 21 years old) who have, or are suspected of having, a mild traumatic brain injury, or concussion.

Our Approach

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Leading Technology & Assessments

ChildServe’s Concussion Clinic uses industry-leading technology to assess and care for children and young adults recovering from concussions. 

  • ImPACT® (Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing) was developed by clinical experts who pioneered the field. ImPACT is the most-widely used and most scientifically validated computerized concussion evaluation system. ImPACT provides trained clinicians at ChildServe with neurocognitive assessment tools and services that have been medically accepted as state-of-the-art best practices.
  • The Sport Concussion Assessment Tool (SCAT)  helps evaluate balance, coordination, cognition, symptoms, and neurological damage.
  • Both BITS and Dynavision are used for vestibular-ocular testing and rehabilitation. These technologies are used to measure the body’s vision and balance function and how they impact decision-making and concentration under stress. ​
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Concussion Rehabilitation

ChildServe’s Outpatient Clinic provides comprehensive physical medicine and rehabilitation exams including serial assessments, medical monitoring of symptoms, and the ability to provide medical clearance for return-to-play. Our physical, occupational, and speech therapists and Certified Brain Injury Specialists create individual, physician-approved recovery plans for each child. Plans may include physical, occupational, or speech therapy. The individualized programs incorporate functional and sport-specific skills to safely return children and young adults to school, sport, and daily activities.

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Expert Pediatric Team

ChildServe’s Concussion Clinic includes a variety of brain injury recovery specialists and is part of a comprehensive program led by one of the only two board-certified pediatric physiatrists in Iowa, Fred Klingbeil, MD. Our interdisciplinary approach to medical evaluation and rehabilitation following a concussion uses evidenced-based return-to-learn and return-to-play protocols.

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Baseline Testing

ChildServe also offers baseline concussion screenings. These tests measure skills prior to an injury, which provide valuable information to create a plan for return-to-learn and return-to-play decisions in the event of a concussion. Returning to school or physical activity too soon following a concussion can lead to a longer recovery, increased symptoms, and even serious brain injury or death.

Our Team of Pediatric Concussion Specialists

ChildServe’s Concussion Clinic team includes the following positions:
Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine Physician
Pediatrician
Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
Certified Rehabilitation Nurse
Certified Brain Injury Specialist
Occupational Therapist
Physical Therapist
Speech Language Pathologist
Medical Social Worker

Shae’s Story

From busy nights cheering on her team to scoring the winning goal on the soccer field, Shae is used to going full speed in pursuit of her passions. However, approaching her senior year, Shae was stopped in her tracks after experiencing a serious concussion. Shae began therapy in ChildServe’s Concussion Clinic to help her recover.

Frequently Asked Questions

How are referrals made?

To schedule your initial visit or to refer a child, contact our Concussion Clinic in your area:

  • Ames: 515-232-7220
  • Johnston: 515-251-5555
  • Iowa City: 319-351-5437
Who can make referrals?

Referrals can be made by the child’s parent/guardian, physicians, case managers, therapists, or other members of the child’s care team.

How are services authorized and funded?
Program costs are authorized and funded through commercial insurance and Medicaid. Specific fees will be discussed during the intake/admission process. Baseline testing is available by private pay.
Where are services provided?

ChildServe‘s Concussion Clinic is offered at our locations in Ames, Johnston, and Iowa City. For Concussion Clinic appointments at ChildServe in Johnston, enter through Welcome Center A.

When are services provided?

The Concussion Clinic’s hours of operation are as follows: 

  • Monday-Thursday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
  • Fridays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
How long will my first visit last?

The initial evaluation is multi-disciplinary and lasts up to 2.5 hours based on the testing that could be recommended.

View our Annual Outcomes

Learn about ChildServe’s goals and accomplishments, as well as the feedback we have received from the families we have served.

Contact Us!

ChildServe – Ames
1915 Philadelphia Street, Ames, IA 50010
515-232-7220
ChildServe – Johnston
5406 Merle Hay Road, Johnston, IA 50131
515-727-8750
ChildServe – Iowa City
2350 Oakdale Blvd., Coralville, IA 52241
319-351-5437

ChildServe Center - Johnston

ChildServe Center - Ames

ChildServe Center - Iowa City

About

ChildServe improves the health and well-being of nearly 5,800 children each year through specialized clinical, home, and community-based programs and services. We serve children with developmental delays, disabilities, injuries, and other special healthcare needs.

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