#United States #Los Angeles #Children's Hospital #Allergy Treatment #Food Allergy Care

Latitude Food Allergy Care Expands Services in Southern California

In a significant move for families affected by food allergies, Latitude Food Allergy Care has partnered with Children's Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA) to bring vital food allergy treatments to Southern California. This collaboration marks a turning point in the accessibility of specialized healthcare designed for those living with food allergies, as Latitude opens its inaugural clinic in Westwood, Los Angeles.

New Clinics to Address Rising Demand for Food Allergy Care

The new clinic is part of Latitude's broader initiative to open four facilities throughout Southern California within the year. As food allergies increasingly impact the population—with an estimated 32 million Americans affected, including 5.6 million children—this move is crucial as residents of Los Angeles face limited access to specialized treatments. Indeed, many families struggle with long waiting lists and scarce options for crucial interventions such as oral immunotherapy (OIT) and Xolair, which can significantly improve the quality of life for those with severe allergies.

Matthew Keefer, M.D., the CEO of Children's Hospital Los Angeles Medical Group, emphasized how this partnership will facilitate enhanced care: “This affiliation enables Children's Hospital Los Angeles to not only expand its reach within food allergy care but also enhance the accessibility of services for local patients experiencing these challenges.”

Focused Treatment Options and Comprehensive Care

Families visiting Latitude's Westwood clinic will benefit from immediate access to comprehensive food allergy evaluations and interdisciplinary care. Under the agreement, CHLA can refer patients directly to Latitude for specialized treatments, dramatically reducing the wait times that many families face today. Patients will enjoy a multi-faceted approach to their treatment, with allergists from Latitude and pediatricians from CHLA working collaboratively on patient care.

In addition to immediate patient access, this affiliation enables both organizations to leverage their combined expertise to improve food allergy treatment standards across the region. The collaboration might also include potential research initiatives, mirroring Latitude's successful partnerships like the one with Weill Cornell Medicine in New York, aimed at advancing the clinical understanding of food allergies and improving treatment outcomes.

Innovative Treatment Approaches and High Success Rates

Latitude is well-regarded for its innovative, evidence-based approaches to allergy treatment. More than 90% of patients who undergo OIT at Latitude successfully reach a maintenance level of care where they can tolerate previously allergenic foods. This success rate improves even further for children under four, with a remarkable 97% success rate in young patients.

Bringing Dr. Akansha Ganju on board to lead the Westwood clinic will further enhance the quality of care available. A board-certified allergist and immunologist with extensive experience in food allergies, Dr. Ganju is returning to Los Angeles after completing her fellowship at UCLA, where she honed her skills in critical areas of food allergy treatment.

Timely Support for Families with Food Allergies

The opening of the new clinic is particularly timely as the back-to-school season approaches, a time that can exacerbate concerns for children with food allergies. The increased social interactions and shared spaces in educational settings can heighten anxiety for both parents and children. With improved access to allergy specialists through CHLA, families in the Los Angeles area can now ensure that their children receive the necessary support as they navigate school environments with food allergies.

Latitude Food Allergy Care is committed to making appointments accessible, accepting most PPO insurance plans. Families can reach out through email at [email protected] or via phone at (888) 528-1592 for more information or to schedule a visit. For additional details, interested individuals are encouraged to visit latitudefoodallergycare.com.

As the premier network of food allergy clinics nationwide, Latitude continues to redefine care through advanced diagnostics and personalized treatment strategies, setting a new standard for food allergy management across the United States.