The NF Clinic at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC is staffed with Dr. Jenn Gaesser, Pediatric Neurology and Dr. Kathy Gardner, Neurology as Co-Coordinators. An experienced nurse practitioner, Robyn Neft , CRNP, is also on staff. NF social worker Nicole Zimmerman is available for individual, family, or group support.
Individuals and families may be evaluated by NF Clinic health care professionals. Appointments may be made by calling (412) 692-5520, and inquiring about the NF Clinic.
The NF Clinic is located at the new Children’s Hospital, 45th & Penn Ave, Pittsburgh, PA, 15202 on the 2nd floor (use the grape elevators). NF patients are evaluated on the 4th Thursday of every month. An estimated 20-25 patient are seen per clinic. Parking is available in the hospital lots and starts at $4.00 for first 3 hours, then $7.00 in the 4th hour.
A second clinic location has been added on the second Wednesday of each month at the Oakland Medical Building located at 3420 Fifth Ave. Pittsburgh, PA 15213. Parking is available under the building from Euclid Way.
Adult patients (age 18+) only are seen by Dr. Kathy Gardner, neurologist at the UPMC Kaufmann Building in Oakland, Fifth Ave. Pittsburgh, PA 15213 on the 8th floor neurology offices. Appointments can be made at 412-692-4920.
The clinic is part of the Neurofibromatosis Clinic Network (NFCN) of the Children’s Tumor Foundation (CTF). Please contact Nichole Zimmerman NF Social Worker at 412-692-3062 with any questions.
For more information on the NF Clinic, please follow this link: CLICK HERE
For information pertaining to Gamma Knife Surgery at UPMC
Gene Testing for NF
In the past, testing to determine whether an individual has the changed gene that causes either type of NF has required that at least two family members with NF and multiple family members without NF provide blood samples. This type of testing is called linkage analysis.
Recently direct gene testing has become available. Direct gene testing means an individual can be tested without blood samples from other relatives. However, direct gene testing is not 100% accurate. Further research is necessary to make the testing for both NF1 and NF2 more accurate. Individuals who want more information about direct gene testing should consult a geneticist.