Progressive Evaluation & Referral Center (PERC)

The Progressive Evaluation & Referral Center (PERC) provides specialized primary care for adults with complex medical conditions. Located at UPMC Montefiore Hospital, 9 South in Pittsburgh’s Oakland neighborhood, PERC serves more than 200 patients from across southwest Pennsylvania. Our team cares for individuals with lifelong or rare conditions such as autism spectrum disorder, cerebral palsy, and genetic or developmental disorders.

PERC physicians are dually trained in internal medicine and pediatrics, allowing them to care for patients who are transitioning from pediatric to adult medicine. For patients who live outside the Pittsburgh area (more than two hours away), our physicians can also serve as consultants to local primary care providers.

Who Can Be Seen at PERC?

Patients are typically referred by another provider, but caregivers or patients may also initiate the process by calling 412-692-4888 and asking for “a PERC intake.” Established patients should select "Firm 2" for Dr. McCague or “Firm 3” for Drs. Ehrenberger, Gonzaga, or Van Deusen.

PERC is best suited for adults (usually ages 18 to 26) who meet two or more of the following:

• Have had multiple complex medical conditions since childhood.
• Require technology-dependent medical care (such as ventilators, feeding tubes, or wheelchairs).
• Have an intellectual or developmental disability.

Individuals over age 30 may be accepted on a case-by-case basis.

Patients with conditions such as sickle cell disease, Down syndrome (Trisomy 21), or cystic fibrosis may be referred to specialized programs for those conditions.

Why Choose PERC?

PERC patients benefit from:

• Physicians trained in both adult and pediatric medicine.
• Longer, individualized appointments designed to meet complex needs.
• A wheelchair-accessible clinic and on-site laboratory for convenience.
• A collaborative care approach that coordinates with specialists, therapists, and community partners.

Our Story

PERC was founded in 2006 by Alda Maria Gonzaga, MD, to meet the growing need for adult primary care for patients with lifelong medical conditions who were transitioning out of pediatric care. Since then, the program has expanded under the leadership of Reed Van Deusen, MD, Anna Binney McCague, MD, and Kristen Ann Ehrenberger, MD, PhD, who became director in 2020. Together, the PERC team continues to advance care for adults with complex needs through compassion, expertise, and innovation.