Hypermobility Clinic - Changes to Referral Eligibility

What is changing? The Hypermobility Clinic is no longer able to see patients under the age of 12.

What is causing this change? We cannot give a formal diagnosis of hEDS or HSD until the patient reaches skeletal maturity. (Older adolescent males and females 2 years after menarche.) Demand has surpassed our current clinic capacity. We are making this change to focus our expertise on patients with a defined diagnosis.

Does this impact patients under 12 years old who have already been seen in the Hypermobility Clinic? Children under 12 years old who have been seen in the Hypermobility Clinic should continue OT/PT and see subspecialists that they already see. They may return to the Hypermobility Clinic once they are 12 years old.

Can a child who is 11 years and 11 months be seen in the clinic? The child must be 12 years old at the time of the appointment.

Where should patients under the age of 12 be referred for care if no “red flags” are present? Providers should send a referral to OT/PT and indicate concerns for hypermobility.

What is the referral path for patients under 12 who are exhibiting “red flags”? See excerpt below from the Community Practice Support Tool. Please note the CPST has been updated to reflect the new age requirement.