Massie Family Clinic
Clinics and Programs
Baby Steps Clinic
The Baby Steps Clinic, also known as the High Risk Infant Follow-up Clinic (HRIF), is a program at the UC Davis MIND Institute that checks how babies are developing from birth until they are 3 years old. The HRIF clinic gives extra care to babies who may have a higher chance of having delays in their development. This includes babies who were born prematurely, babies with low birth weight, and babies with certain neurological or heart conditions.
The main purpose of this clinic is to find out if there are any delays in how babies are reaching their milestones. We understand that finding these challenges early on can help children do better in the long run.
The HRIF clinic aims to assist families in recognizing potential challenges early on and offer recommendations or referrals to support the growth and development of NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) graduates. A team consisting of psychologists, social workers, developmental pediatricians, and neonatologists is available to provide guidance and support to families. They work together to identify the strengths and needs of each child, ensuring they receive appropriate care and assistance.
Our team will partner with you to:
- Schedule developmental assessments at 9 months, 18 months, and 30 months
- Monitor social, motor, physical, cognitive, and language development
- Learn new activities to help your child grow and learn
- Schedule developmental assessments at 9 months, 18 months, and 30 months
- Identify additional resources and supports for your family
Referral process
- The discharging NICU/Hospital will refer eligible infants to the HRIF Program at the time of discharge. The NICU will create a transfer record in CPQCC-HRIF database.
- NICU/PCP should submit a Service Authorization Request (SAR) to the appropriate county California Children's Services office. If the infant has commercial insurance, California Children's Services application should be given to the caregiver to complete and return to their local California Children's Services County office.
- Submit an electronic referral for the MIND Institute in the UC Davis Physician Referral Center, including a copy of the NICU discharge summary.
Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Infants under 3 years that meet California Children’s Services (CCS) California's High Risk Infant Follow-up (HRIF) medical eligibility criteria. Medical criteria can be found here.
The discharging NICU/Hospital will refer eligible infants to the High Risk Infant Follow-up Program at the time of discharge to home. Primary Care Providers can also refer if the infant meets the medical eligibility criteria by completing the referral process.
Yes. Once CCS is in place, they will be the payor of last resort, preventing the family from incurring in out-of-pocket expenses for the visit. There is no income eligibility requirement for High Risk Infant Follow-up Program, children qualify based on the medical guidelines established for High Risk Infant Follow-up Program.
The Baby Steps Clinic is located at the UC Davis MIND Institute, 2825 50th St., Sacramento, Calif. 95817.
Patients are scheduled for their visits based on their adjusted age, up until 3 years of age. Visits are scheduled at approximately 9, 18 and 30 months of age.
HRIF is voluntary and separate from the therapies received from local Early Intervention programs. The visits do not replace regular pediatrician visits.
The visit consists of a play-based developmental evaluation and/or caregiver developmental history and a medical exam. The length of visit varies depending on the needs of the child and family, usually 1.5-2hrs.
Make sure your child is well-fed and well-rested before their appointment. This may mean adjusting meal and nap times the day of the appointment. There will be no medical procedures at this visit. Since these appointments can be long, it is helpful to bring preferred snacks and beverages. All toys and objects needed for the developmental testing will be provided.
No. The Baby Steps Clinic provides medical consultation but does not provide direct medical care. The Baby Steps Clinic does not offer vaccinations, lab testing, or prescribe medications. Baby Steps providers can make recommendations to your child's pediatrician for additional referrals or treatments if needed.
Your After-Visit Summary will contain the results of the testing and related recommendations. You will be given a copy at the end of your visit. If you are connected to MyUCDavisHealth, you will be able to see the After Visit Summary there as well.
We have limited virtual appointments for this clinic. Due to the unique needs of Baby Steps patients, not all children are eligible for virtual appointments. Please let us know your preference at the time of scheduling and we will try to accommodate.