Rehabilitation Medicine: What to Expect

• If your child is receiving therapy outside of Seattle Children’s, ask the therapist to fax your child’s therapy notes to us at 206-985-3395, or get copies to bring with you.
• Plan to arrive 15 minutes early to get your photo name badge and check in for your appointment.
• Write down questions about your child’s condition or treatment and bring them with you.
• Learn more about what to do before your appointment.

We see children with a wide range of conditions that affect their function, including conditions they were born with and illnesses or injuries that happened later.

At your first visit, your child will see an attending doctor who specializes in rehabilitation medicine. In some of our clinics, your child may see doctors from other specialties, too.

Your child may also see other members of the healthcare team, such as a fellow, resident, nurse practitioner, nurse, medical assistant, dietitian or social worker.

You will see a rehabilitation medicine doctor, who will ask about your child’s health and medical history and examine your child. The doctor may want your child to have blood tests and X-rays during your visit.

Visits are 30 to 60 minutes.

Have your child wear loose clothing or shorts that end above the knee so it is easy for your child to move and easy for us to see their legs as they walk.

You are welcome to bring your therapist from the community if you would like to.

Also bring: 

• Therapy notes related to the reason for your visit
• Your child’s medical equipment, such as any splints, braces, orthotics, wheelchair, gait trainer or equipment to help your child walk
• Your child’s medicines or a list. Include nonprescription items like vitamins. Include name, dose and instructions.
• Forms that might need to be signed by our providers – for example, school forms
• Actual X-rays or X-rays on a CD and reports of blood work and other tests that relate to the reason for your visit
• Snacks for your child if your appointment runs longer than planned or if you will be seeing several providers
• Quiet activities that will keep your child busy during times when you might be waiting

You will leave with a summary of what we recommend for your child and prescriptions for therapy, bracing or equipment your child needs.

We will make sure you have detailed instructions about what is to happen next and try to answer all of your questions. We will provide you with phone numbers to call us if you have questions after you leave.

Your child’s primary care doctor will also receive a summary of your child’s evaluation.

If your child had blood tests or X-rays during the visit, we will call you with the results.

If the doctor recommended a follow-up appointment, make an appointment for your child.

Call the clinic you are scheduled to visit.

• Learn more about preparing your child for a clinic visit.

• Find your location in our map and directions section.
• Arrive 15 minutes before your appointment to allow time for registration.