Scheduling and General Pre-Examination Preparation
How is a radiology test/procedure scheduled and what information is needed?
What can you expect after you schedule an appointment?
What should you bring on the day of the procedure?
What can you do to help prepare your child for his/her visit to the hospital?
What should you do if your child is sick on the day of the test/procedure?
How is a radiology test/procedure scheduled and what information is needed?
Your child's physician may call the Radiology Department at 215-590-7000 and schedule the test for you or he/she may give you a prescription for the test (and a referral, depending on the type of insurance) so that you can make the appointment yourself.
The radiology scheduler will ask you several questions: child's name, address, home and cell phone numbers, diagnosis, name of test/procedure being ordered, name and phone number of the ordering physician, child's allergies, and type of insurance. Some tests can be done at the Pediatric Imaging Center at the King of Prussia Specialty Care Center, so you may be asked if it is more convenient for you to have your child's test done there.
Your child's prescription and referral may be faxed to 215-590-4543, or you can bring the paperwork with you on the day of your appointment.
What can you expect after you schedule an appointment?
Depending on the study, a member of the radiology staff will call you ahead of time with instructions and information. Please inform him/her if your child has any internal metal or implanted medical devices. Some of the tests that we perform require that we take special precautions to make sure that the metal/device is safe in the radiology area. We may ask you to bring written information regarding the type of metal or device, manufacturer, model number, and the location and date of placement, or you may fax the information to 215-590-4543.
What should you bring on the day of the procedure?
Bring all necessary paperwork. We will need your prescription, referral, insurance card, and, if applicable, your guardianship papers. If you are not the biological or adoptive parent, you must bring in a copy of your court signed guardianship papers. Your child's test/procedure will be delayed or rescheduled if we do not receive the required documents. It is helpful to bring the name and phone number of the department you are visiting and the name and phone number of the physician who ordered your child's test. Please bring your child's medications, favorite pacifier, blanket or comfort item, sippy cup or bottled formula, along with a change of clothes. A stroller is helpful for young children and a wheelchair will be provided, as needed, for older children.
Please bring a copy of any prior imaging studies your child has had performed at other facilities.
Have your child leave all valuables and jewelry at home. Please remove all of the child's nail polish and dress your child in comfortable, easy to remove clothing.
Please let us know if your child uses any monitoring or medical equipment at home. Our Radiology Phone Triage Nurse will be able to advise you on what to bring to the hospital so that you will have the necessary equipment available for a safe ride home when you are finished. Call 215-590-0694 Monday-Friday between 8 a.m. and 8:30 p.m. to reach the Phone Triage Nurse.
If sedation or general anesthesia is scheduled, it is best to make arrangements for care of your other children ahead of time and to have a second adult present to help assist you. We also recommend avoiding public transportation when a child has received sedation or anesthesia, so please try to make arrangements for car transportation if possible.
How can you to help prepare your child for the visit?
Hospitalization, doctor's appointments, and medical procedures can be very stressful for children of all ages. Preparing children ahead of time for the things they may experience in the hospital will reduce much of their anxiety and will help them cope and trust you and the people they meet in the hospital. The best way to prepare your child for this procedure is to be honest and speak in simple words that your child can understand.
The department's Child Life Specialists are available to answer any questions you may have about how to prepare and support your child during his/her procedure.
You can also check out these additional resources to help your child prepare:
- Resources for informed parents from Image Gently, the Alliance for Radiation Safety in Pediatric Imaging
- Kids Health Galaxy, our award-winning site just for kids, has information on some radiology tests and procedures.
- A Coping Guide specially developed for radiology by our Child Life Specialists.
- Age-appropriate coping strategies.
- The Starlight Children's Foundation's interactive Radiology Center
What if your child is sick the day of the test/procedure?
Procedures are best performed when your child is in his/her usual state of health. Please call the Radiology Schedulers at 215-590-7000 if you wish to reschedule the test.
If you need advice about bringing your child into the hospital or rescheduling the test, call the Radiology Phone Triage Nurse at 215-590-0694 Monday-Friday between 8 a.m. and 8:30 p.m. You may also call the test area directly and a Radiology/Sedation Nurse Practitioner will be contacted and will return your call.
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