Asthma is the second most common chronic medical condition among children and youth. It is often misdiagnosed and under-treated. Asthma is a leading cause of hospitalization, missed school days and a common cause of parents missing work. In QFC’s pediatric clinic population of 7,100, it is likely that almost 800 have asthma.

Asthma has no cure, but can be controlled with proper prevention and treatment measures.

Staff pediatrician, Dr. Robert Vinetz is the medical director and physician champion for a new program in the clinics – the Pediatric Asthma Disease Management (PADM) Program. He is now hiring a project director and other key personnel, and preparing to begin operations by the end of this year. The program will be implemented first at the Hollywood and Bresee clinics, then expanded to all clinics over the next 2 years. Over 1500 children are expected to be screened, with about 170 diagnosed with asthma and enrolled in the program in its initial phase.

The program offers a full range of asthma care including primary care; patient and family education and support; and specialist, emergency and hospital care.

Dr. Vinetz said that he and others are very enthusiastic about the program. “We are hopeful that this program will positively impact the health of those children and families participating in the program, by helping them control their disease and live healthier, active lives.”

PADM is another collaborative program established by QFC as part of its ongoing expansion of the chronic disease management efforts. The PADM collaborative, spearheaded by QFC, is expected to involve the LAC+USC Breathmobile Program, the Los Angeles Unified School District, and the Children Hospital Los Angeles Clinical Immunology and Allergy Division.