Preparing for your child's first appointment

Thank you for choosing Children's Memorial Hospital for your child's health care needs. We look forward to meeting and working with you. Here are a few guidelines to help make the most of your first appointment with us, as well as some tips from other parents on how to best prepare.

Before your appointment:

• Request a first-time appointment then register online. Or, call 1.800.KIDS DOC  (1.800.543.7362) from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
• Stop (five days before) only medications containing antihistamines that your child takes. Do not stop any other medications. Please see the table at the bottom of this page for a list of antihistamines. Be sure to ask your doctor or pharmacist if you are unsure.
• Complete this Allergy Questionnaire, and bring it with you to your first appointment
• Need to cancel or reschedule your appointment? Please contact us at least 24 hours in advance. It helps us, and it helps other families receive timely care.
• Plan to arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment time.

On the day of your appointment, please:

• Make sure a parent/legal guardian accompanies your child.
• Allow up to three hours for your child's first visit.
• Bring your completed Allergy Questionnaire (see above) with you to your child's first appointment.
• Bring copies of your child's past allergy test results.
• Bring all necessary documents, including proof of insurance and your referral form.
• Know any co-payments are collected on the day of service.
• Be aware that in most cases, your child will initially be seen by a medical student, resident, or fellow and then by an attending physician. If your appointment is with an advanced practice nurse (APN), your child will be seen by the APN and the attending physician.

Cancellations

• If you need to cancel your appointment due to illness (especially chicken pox) or emergency, please contact us as soon as possible.
• If you are more than 30 minutes late, you may need to reschedule.