Your visit to the Hospital will go more smoothly with some advance preparation. You can use the following checklist to help you get ready.

Please contact us if you have further questions or concerns.

What to Bring

	Appointment information
	Doctor's name
	Department building name/location
	Name and telephone number of your referring physician
	Name and telephone number of family physician (if different from above)
	Insurance cards
	Insurance referral immunization record
	Medical or personal records (X-rays, lab tests). If you are unsure of what to bring, please call the outpatient office you are scheduled to visit.
	A list of questions you may have for the physician. If your child is old enough, help him or her to add to the list too.
	Social security number of the patient and both parents (for insurance purposes)
	Child's birth certificate (if name has been legally changed)
	Another adult to assist you if you must bring other children
	Books, games, snacks, formula, diapers, change of baby clothes or other necessities. (Please do not bring food if your child must fast for testing.)

Preparing Your Child for the Visit
If you would like advice on preparing your child, a list of helpful books or a meeting with someone who can help you discuss the visit with your child, please call the Child Life and Education Department at 215-590-2001.

Here are some useful tips:

• Explain the reason for the visit, using word's your child can understand. Answer questions simply and honestly.
  
  
• Let your child know you'll be there throughout the entire appointment.
  
  
• Infants: bring a familiar object - a toy, blanket or pacifier - to help make your baby feel more secure. If babies are due to be fed, come prepared with a bottle or food.
  
  
• Toddlers: use simple words and phrases to discuss the visit with your child. Explain exactly what will take place right before the visit. Let your child bring a book or favorite toy. Bring juice or water if your visit is likely to last longer than one hour.
  
  
• Preschoolers: answer questions truthfully, using words your child understands. Tell your child the doctor's name. Encourage your child to ask the doctors and nurses questions about what will happen. A snack or juice may help a hungry or thirsty preschooler during your wait.
  
  
• School-age children: give honest and accurate information. Tell him or her about the appointment a couple of days in advance. Emphasize that an outpatient visit is not a hospital admission and does not mean an overnight stay. Have your child bring a special toy or game.
  
  
• Teenagers: inform your teenager about the appointment when you make it. Encourage him or her to ask questions and express feelings. Answer questions honestly. Also, assure your teen that it is OK to ask questions of the doctors and nurses.

Preregistration
Before your appointment, you may be contacted by mail or phone to obtain basic information designed to shorten waiting time during your visit. If you receive a preregistration form by mail, please complete and return this form as soon as possible, using the envelope provided.

Insurance and Referrals
Please arrive with insurance cards and any referral forms required by your carrier. If your insurance company requires you to present an authorizing letter, please bring this with you as well. If you are unsure of exactly what will be required, please call your insurance company before your appointment.

Our Hospital is required by law to provide a certain level of free and below-cost care to person's unable to affort Hospital services. Children's Hospital uses Federal Poverty Guidelines, which are established annually by the Department of Health and Human Services, to determine eligibility for uncompensated services. All Hospital services are covered by the Hill-Burton Program. Hill-Burton forms are available at all outpatient registration areas. For more information about program eligibility, please call the Business Office at 215-590-2555, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Scheduling Diagnostic and Testing Services
For your convenience, Children's Hospital provides a full range of services, such as X-ray, blood work and other testing services. Please check with your insurance plan to make sure that you are permitted to have testing performed here.

If your insurance company approves testing at Children's Hospital, and your doctor requests testing before your visit, please call our main number (1-800-TRY CHOP or 1-800-879-2467) to make your appointment.

Note: In some cases, a referral form from your insurance company and/or a consultation with a Children's Hospial physician may be necessary.