Caring People Dedicated to Enhancing the Quality of Life for Children in South Carolina
With the support of federal, state, and other funding, CRS operates a statewide network of children's medical services. By coordinating the efforts of local, regional, and state resources, CRS assures that the best possible medical services are available across the state for these special children. The CRS System of Care provides nursing intervention, social work services, nutrition services, parent-to-parent support, in and out-patient hospitalizations, braces, hearing aids, specialized medical equipment, physical, occupational and speech therapies, and genetic services. Community based care is provided in 8 Regional Public Health Office sites around the state.
Eligibility
To participate in the CRS program, a child must be a legal resident of the United States, live in South Carolina, be under 21 years old, be diagnosed with a covered medical condition, and the family must meet certain income guidelines. Financial eligibility (pdf) for program services is based on family size, income, and federal guidelines that are updated annually.
Covered Conditions and Diagnoses
CRS offers treatment and services for many disabilities, some of which are listed below:
- Bone and joint diseases;
- Hearing disorders and ear disease;
- Cleft lip and palate and other craniofacial anomalies;
- Spina Bifida and other congenital anomalies;
- Epilepsy (seizures), cerebral palsy and other central nervous system disorders;
- Rheumatic fever;
- Problems from accidents, burns, and poisoning;
- Endocrine disorders;
- Hemophilia (children and adults);
- Sickle cell disorders (children and adults);
- Developmental delays such as speech/language, motor and growth abnormalities; and
- Kidney diseases.
Covered Services
- Nursing
- Pharmacy
- Durable Medical Equipment
- Physician Services
- Social Work
- Nutrition
- Genetics
- Transition
- Parent-to-Parent Support
Services Not Covered
- Routine visits to your family doctor or pediatrician;
- Routine dental care;
- Emergency room treatment;
- Transportation, including ambulance;
- Medical services not related to the CRS covered health problem.
CRS Providers
Team effort is the cornerstone of CRS. Family members, along with doctors, nurses, social workers, nutritionists, parent resource specialists, and other health care professionals, work as an interdisciplinary team. This team identifies a system of care which is unique to the child and the family's needs. Together, mutual care goals are worked out. The family is given a copy of this plan so that they are able to actively participate in carrying out the plan.
A main focus of CRS has been to develop partnerships with regional hospitals. Among these partnerships are the Medical University of South Carolina, the University of South Carolina Department of Pediatrics, Greenville Children's Hospital, McLeod Regional Medical Center, and the Shriner's Hospital. These partnerships assure access to a system of specialized pediatric care. A CRS nurse is stationed in each of these partnerships. These nurses bridge the gap in services between the regional center and the local community.