The PATH Clinic at The Reach Center
Post-NICU Assessment and Tracking for High-Risk Infants
At The Reach Center, we understand that the journey doesn’t end when your baby leaves the NICU. The PATH Clinic—short for Post-NICU Assessment and Tracking for High-Risk Infants—is designed for families during the critical first months after NICU discharge.
We provide specialized follow-up evaluation for infants at risk for developmental delays or neurological conditions like cerebral palsy, helping families access early support and intervention when it matters most.
Who Is the PATH Clinic For?
The PATH Clinic serves infants who have been discharged from the NICU and are considered at higher risk for cerebral palsy or may have neurological symptoms due to:
- Premature birth
- Complications during delivery
- Prolonged need for medical support
- Brain injuries or bleeds
- Genetic or metabolic conditions
If your baby was identified as high-risk during their NICU stay, the PATH Clinic offers monitoring and early developmental evaluation tailored to their needs.
What Evaluations Are Done?
Dr. Pham uses evidence-based tools that are designed specifically for early detection of movement and developmental challenges:
- HINE (Hammersmith Infant Neurological Examination): A standardized neurological exam for infants 2–24 months old to assess tone, posture, and movement.
- The Capute Scales: Tools that assess early cognitive and language development to identify areas needing support.
- GMA (General Movements Assessment): A video-based assessment of spontaneous movement in infants that helps predict cerebral palsy risk in babies under 5 months.
These evaluations are non-invasive, developmentally appropriate, and delivered in a warm, family-centered environment. They help identify children who may benefit from early intervention, which can significantly improve long-term outcomes. In combination with physical exam, and imaging, these evaluations are key components for early diagnosis.
What Families Can Expect
Your PATH visit is about more than a checklist—it’s about partnership.
- A full developmental check-in using the tools above.
- Supportive conversation about how your baby is growing.
- Ongoing follow-up at key developmental milestones.
- Next steps tailored to your baby’s needs, whether that means early therapy, additional testing, or continued monitoring.
We’re here to empower you with information, connect you with resources, and celebrate your baby’s progress.
For Referring Providers
The PATH Clinic is a trusted partner in the continuum of care for high-risk infants. Referrals are welcome from:
- NICUs and neonatal follow-up programs
- Pediatricians and family medicine providers
- Neurologists, geneticists, and therapists
We offer clear communication, evidence-based reporting, and prompt feedback to ensure your patients receive timely, coordinated care. Our assessments follow current guidelines for early cerebral palsy detection and are delivered by specialists with expertise in pediatric physical medicine and rehabilitation.
How to Schedule
If you're a parent or provider interested in the PATH Clinic and wanting to know more:
Call us at (571) 310-2502.
Let’s take the next steps—together.