Multiple Sclerosis Care Center Program

Patient Care:

University of Louisville’s MS Care Center Program provides comprehensive, multidisciplinary care for each patient – with access to the full range of medical expertise and coordination of their care across medical specialties, without the inconvenience of multiple appointments and referrals.

The MS Care Center Program provides a broad spectrum of services including:

  • Diagnostic evaluation and testing, including MRI, neurological examinations and laboratory testing.
  • Rehabilitative assessment and services such as physical therapy, occupational therapy to help patients regain mobility and independence and speech therapy to overcome speech or swallowing problems.
  • Evaluation and treatment of cognitive (thinking) problems and emotional problems by a specially-trained neuropsychologist.
  • Case management by involved social workers.

This patient-centered approach to MS primary care is designed to address each individual’s unique needs.

Clinical Research:

Patients have the opportunity to participate in clinical studies examining new treatments for MS. The program also provides medication to improve symptoms and reduce the occurrence and severity of attacks, including newer drugs that have been shown to reduce progression or long-term disability in MS patients.

Education:

The MS Care Center Program incorporates educational courses such as the Newly Diagnosed and Healthy Steps Programs for patients.

The Program also offers a MS fellowship for one or two years for a board certified neurologist to gain expertise in the care of MS patients. The fellowship has a clinical component with a research component available depending on the interests of the applicant.

A research scholar position is available through the Program each summer for first and second year medical students interested in exposure to clinical research in Multiple Sclerosis.

An ongoing fellowship opportunity exists for neurology residents who wish added exposure to MS during their residency. Monthly and yearly commitments are available through the MS Care Center Program.

Program Members:

Stephen S. Kirzinger, MD is the Medical Director of the Multiple Sclerosis Program. Our MS specialists are an interdisciplinary group of highly skilled and trained team members with access to state-of-the-art technology, and up-to-the-minute research and drug therapies based on the MS Care Center Program’s participation in clinical trials.

The assessment, evaluation and treatment of MS patients begins with a highly-skilled team:

  • MS Neurologists – lead the patient care team in creating and following an individualized plan of action.
  • MS Certified Nurse – provides education and addresses concerns specific to MS patients and their families.
  • MS Nurse Practitioner –offers continuing care and re-evaluation for patients.
  • Infusion Nurse – provides the specialized expertise to assist patients with infusions used to manage MS and treat acute attacks (exacerbations).
  • Neuropsychologist – helps address issues of cognitive (thinking) function and depression that may be part of MS.
  • Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapists – provide individualized rehabilitation treatment.
  • Social Workers – offer support and referrals to appropriate community resources.
  • Certified Clinical Research Coordinator – works with patients and physicians involved in research studies.
  • Medical Assistants – coordinate care and medication support.
  • Durable Medical Equipment – referrals can be made to obtain devices or equipment for home treatment.
  • Specialist referrals – referrals to specialists, such as urologists to evaluate and manage MS-related urinary problems or neuro-ophthalmologists to provide specialized assessment of MS-related vision and eye problems.

Our Affiliations:

The MS Care Center Program is affiliated with the Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers.

The Baptist Hospital East MS Center is an approved center of the Kentucky-Southeast Indiana chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
Patient & Public Information:

MS Treatment should be as individual as you are. The MS Care Center Program sees patients at three different locations, giving you flexibility to choose the office that works best.

Baptist Hospital East
4000 Kresge Way
Louisville, KY 40207
(502) 896-7695

University Neurologists, P.S.C.
601 South Floyd Street, Suite 500
Louisville, KY 40202
(502) 589-0802

Gateway Rehabilitation Hospital
315 East Broadway
Louisville, KY 40202
(502) 315-8300

Consultation/Referral:

Please contact one of our clinic sites.