Medical Record and videotape review

What to Expect From the Review

The doctors  will initially review the medical records both in the native language as well as the translated record. We will determine if there are any concerning medical or genetic conditions. From the video, we will be able to assess the child’s growth and development, as well as any facial or genetic features which may be of concern. After the evaluation is performed, the physician will prepare a detailed report of their findings and impressions. Since the Physician working on your case is able to read the language, they can act as the interpreter of medical language. The doctors will be able to tell you which diagnoses are standard for a particular country and which ones maybe reason for concern. The doctors will not be able to tell you to adopt or not adopt a particular child. They also will not be able to predict to  predict the long-term outcomes for these high risk children.

Growth parameters are used to access the child's growth velocity. Three different measurements are needed to be plotted on standard growth charts. Useful measurements are birth, recent measurements and one or two in between. 

The medical records will also  have any  blood work, and vaccinations given to the child, as well as their medical history during their stay at the orphanage.

The video and photographs are useful to assess development of a child, based on their demonstrated abilities for their age with delays based on time spent in the orphanage. Close up photos of the child’s face are used to determine if there are any facial features of Fetal alcohol syndrome or any types of genetic syndromes.

The report is prepared in easy to read format using as little medical jargon as possible. After the parents receive and review the medical report, a follow-up telephone consultation with the parents will be provided in order to go over the report and answer any questions that they may have. We prefer that the parent first read the report and prepare a list of questions. This method seems to streamline the consultation and the parent is never left with the feeling that they forgot to ask something because of pressure of speaking to a Doctor..

The physicians will not be able to tell you whether or not to adopt a child, that will be left up to the parent. The doctors will put the referral in a risk category: average, mild, moderate, and extreme, depending on the number of medical issues that have been appreciated. 

Average risk: the child has no medical diagnoses that are of concern but it does not mean that there are no medical problems. It has been demonstrated that children who are living in orphanages have many health issues and emotional issues that may not be apparent in the pre-adoption record. 

Mild risk is if the child has one medical issue, 

Moderate risk is 2 medical issues.

Extreme risk is 3 or more.

Parents should be prepared to ask the adoption agency for updated measurements and/or clarification of medical diagnoses and blood work upon the doctors request.

Request an Unbiased Pre-adoption medical evaluation