Overview
Bringing together a comprehensive team of physicians, researchers and healthcare professionals with expert knowledge
in childhood obesity, the Be Well Kids Clinic works with children (ages 2-18) and their families to develop strategies and create plans for a healthy lifestyle change.
What We Treat
The Be Well Kids Clinic team is comprised of expert healthcare professionals dedicated to assisting children with childhood obesity and associated issues, including:
Programs
Childhood obesity and weight problems are increasing at alarming rates and it is no different in the Northeast Ohio area. The Be Well Kids Clinic uniquely targets children with excess weight and seeks to provide excellent care in managing the medical problems associated with being overweight, along with teaching families ways to improve quality of life and enhance wellness. Our family-centered approach strives to create life-long healthy weight.
Who is eligible?
The Be Well Kids Clinic accepts children who meet the following criteria:
- 2 to 18 years of age (ages may vary by location)
- Body mass index (BMI) greater than the 95th percentile (determine BMI percentile)
- Is motivated, along with their family, to make continuous lifestyle changes
Insurance coverage is different for everyone, so it is best to contact your insurance carrier to review your coverage. Billing for lab tests may be associated with the medical conditions identified at your visit. It is best to ask your insurance provider if they cover 99214 or 99215 medical visits and 97802 and 97803 nutrition visits.
What to expect
Before the initial visit each parent is asked to complete a questionnaire and a medical history. During the visit a medical provider will complete a physical exam, review health history, order lab work to identify health problems, and develop manageable goals with you and your child. You and your child will also meet with a dietitian to review healthy eating strategies.
During a group session, you will meet with members of the Be Well Kids Clinical team:
- A pediatrician, pediatric endocrinologist, or nurse practitioner – who will address your child’s medical needs.
- A registered dietitian - who can help you with healthy meal planning and portion control.
- A physical therapist - who will help your child find a safe, enjoyable physical activity, such as weight training.
- A pediatric psychologist or clinical social worker – to help your child build motivation and self-esteem, and address body image issues and bullying.
Follow-up visits are scheduled monthly to offer feedback and to support achieving a healthy weight goal. Frequency
will decrease once goals have been met and life-long healthy weight strategies will be identified in order to sustain
the positive changes which have been obtained.
Adolescent Bariatric Surgery
For some teenagers, a comprehensive lifestyle program is not enough. Teenagers with severely elevated body mass index, and serious medical complications, may qualify for weight loss surgery. This is a procedure that can have benefits but has risks a family needs to consider.
Staff
The team of healthcare professionals who make up the Be Well Kids Clinic are devoted to assisting children and their
families in the prevention of childhood obesity and treating comorbidities associated with obesity.
Main Campus Be Well Clinic
- Dietitians: Erin Leneghan, RD & Margherita Shook, RD
- Physical Therapy: Meredith Rodriguez, PT
- Behavioral Health: Taylor Stephens, PhD
Hillcrest Be Well Clinic
- Dietitian: Hanna Leikin, MS, RD, CSP, LD
- Physical Therapy: Meredith Rodriguez, PT
- Behavioral Health: Lianne Piorkowski, LPCC
Fairview Be Well Clinic
- Dietitians: Erin Leneghan, RD & Margherita Shook, RD
- Physical Therapy: Kathleen Finnan, PT
- Behavioral Health: Gina Rhodes, PhD, & Nikki Ratti, LPCC
Resources
Our team of experts has compiled a list of resources that may help your child and family as you journey down the path to weight loss together.
Lifestyle programs & resources
Recipes
Appointments
Be Well Kids Clinic Locations
R Building - Cleveland Clinic Children's Outpatient Center
8950 Euclid Ave.
Cleveland, Ohio 44106
Fairview Medical Office Building
18099 Lorain Ave.
Cleveland, Ohio 44111
Hillcrest Medical Office Building II
6801 Mayfield Rd., Second Floor
Mayfield Heights, Ohio 44124
