March 11, 2020
Hundreds gathered at the 10th annual Darling Dash in support of the education and awareness of sickle cell disease in our community.
UT Physicians provides primary and specialty care for patients of all ages. We have over 2,000 health care providers with expertise in more than 80 specialties and subspecialties. From routine visits to advanced services, our physicians practice at more than 100 locations across the Greater Houston area. Find the care you need and schedule an appointment with us today.
If you are a patient of UT Physicians, the information below outlines our process and facilities to facilitate a relaxed and successful experience.
With more than 2,000 clinicians certified in more than 80 medical specialties and subspecialties, UT Physicians provides multi-specialty care for the entire family.
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UT Physicians Comprehensive Sickle Cell Center offers outpatient services including an infusion center, transcranial doppler ultrasonography, pulmonary services and accepts urgent walk-ins.
For people living with sickle cell disease, chronic pain becomes an all too familiar part of everyday life. The UT Physicians Comprehensive Sickle Cell Center is working to help change that.
UT Physicians has expanded the Sickle Cell Center to accommodate the growing number of patients. Subspecialists, social services and behavioral health services have all been added to the center for a holistic approach to patient care.
The unique facility, located at 1200 Binz Street, Suite 850, is the only family comprehensive sickle cell center in Houston.
Sickle cell disease is an inherited group of blood disorders that causes red blood cells to become misshapen or sickle-shaped. A red blood cell’s normal shape makes it flexible and allows it to easily move through blood vessels to deliver oxygen. When cells are sickle-shaped, they stick to vessel walls preventing blood and oxygen flow, which ultimately causes severe pain. These episodes of pain, known as “pain crises” can last a week.
What makes the Comprehensive Sickle Cell Center unique is that it provides lifelong care for patients. The center focuses on providing a wide range of care and resources for its patients.
Modupe Idowu, M.D., assistant professor of hematology at McGovern Medical School, is the clinic’s medical director. Harinder S. Juneja, M.D., professor and division director of hematology at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth, serves as the lead project physician at the Comprehensive Sickle Cell Center.
“Having the facility and care available at one place is key,” said Juneja. “Sickle cell patients need a multidisciplinary team that can care for their unique needs and prevent visits to the emergency room.”
Thanks to the medical professionals at the center, not only do patients have access to quality care, but there are also resources available to assist them in managing the pain. Infusion rooms are designed to help keep patients comfortable and relaxed. The rooms come equipped with televisions, treatment recliners, privacy curtains, pillows, heated blankets, and IV therapy used to keep patients hydrated while doctors monitor their pain.
“It is quiet and they get the attention they need there,” Juneja said. “We can’t take your pain away, but we can help get it to a controlled state.”
Please fill out the necessary forms in advance of your appointment to help save time during your visit to the clinic.
New Patient Adult Health History Comprehensive Sickle Cell
All new behavioral health patients should fill out the New Patient Health History Behavioral Health Form.
Please do not email these forms. Print and fill out prior to your appointment.