What to Expect

• Fax us records. Ask your child’s primary care provider to fax us records about your child’s overall health and growth. Our fax number is 206-985-3398.
• Provide test results related to your child’s condition. Most of the time, the doctor who refers you to Seattle Children’s will send copies of lab results, imaging studies, pathology slides and other helpful information. Ask your doctor to send them or bring copies.
• For new bladder health patients, review the Uroflow Tests (PDF) handout and bring the completed Voiding Log (PDF) and Bladder Health Questionnaire (PDF) to your visit.
• Learn more about what to do before your appointment.

On your first visit, you and your child will meet with several different members of the healthcare team. Here is what you can expect: 

• Lab appointment. If your child needs a blood test, a nurse will draw your child’s blood or place a thin tube into their vein. This is called an intravenous (IV) line. It takes about 20 minutes. Blood test results take about 1 hour.
• Meet with your urology doctor for an exam. This takes 20 to 60 minutes. Learn more about the Urology team.
• Other tests. Your child may need other tests such as X-rays or tests of their blood or spit to look for changes in genes. Some procedures require anesthesia so your child stays still and does not feel pain.
• Meet other specialists or a social worker. Your family may meet with other specialists who help care for your child, such as an endocrinologist, gynecologist or geneticist. You may also meet with a social worker, who helps your family deal with the challenges of your child’s condition. Throughout your child’s care, a social worker will connect you to support services and help plan for a hospital stay, if needed.
• Get answers to your questions. We will try to answer all of your questions. Please ask if anything is not clear.
• We will inform your primary care provider. Each provider who sees your child will write notes for your child’s medical chart. We will send a copy to your child’s primary care provider.

Sometimes the team will be able to talk with you about a likely diagnosis for your child’s condition at the first visit. But often the diagnosis is not made until after we review all test results. After that, the team will explain your child’s diagnosis and suggest a treatment plan.

• Test results related to your child’s condition, if your primary care provider has not sent them already. This includes results of lab tests and imaging studies.
• Medicines or a list of them. Include nonprescription items like vitamins. Include the name, dose (amount) and instructions.
• Forms you need to have signed by our providers. For example, any school forms.
• Snacks for your child in case the appointment lasts longer than expected. If your visit is at the hospital campus, you may prefer to visit the hospital cafeteria.
• Books, small toys or tablets for your child to play with during their visit. The first clinic appointment may be a longer visit, depending on your child’s needs.

• Before you leave, we will give you information about what will happen next.
• Between clinic visits you can call 206-987-2509 if you have questions.
• If your child needs follow-up visits or surgery, we will schedule those after your child’s clinic visit.

• If tests are done after your clinic visit, we will call you with test results.
• If you are a MySeattleChildren’s member, you can check online for some of your results.

Call 206-987-2509 as soon as possible.

If your child is having a test, these materials can help you prepare them: 

• Lasix Renal Scan (PDF)
• Nuclear Voiding Cystogram (PDF)
• Ultrasound (PDF)
• Urodynamics Study: Preparing Your Child for a Bladder Test (PDF) (Russian) (Spanish).
• Uroflow Tests (PDF) (Spanish)
• What to Expect When You Get a VCUG (PDF) 

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.

More information

For more information on visiting Seattle Children’s clinics, please see Your Child’s Clinic Visit.