The first appointment

Here is some general information to help you prepare for your child's first appointment, as well as some general tips from other parents
on how to best prepare for a hospital visit.

Before your visit:

• Need a first-time appointment? Request online or call 1.800.KIDS DOC (1.800.543.7362). 

• Already have your apointment? Register online using a secure form, or by calling 1.800.KIDS DOC (1.800.543.7362, press 3, then 1). 

• Need to cancel or reschedule your appointment? Please call us at 773.880.8150 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.

• Gather all the necessary documents to bring, including:

  • Any notes and/or test results from any other doctors or hospitals who have seen your child.
  • Your child's medical record, sending to us at least seven days before your schedule appointment. Please fax to 773.880.4014 or mail to:
    Children’s Memorial Hospital
    Division of Pulmonary Medicine
    2300 Children’s Plaza, Box 43 
    Chicago, IL 60614-3363
    ATTN: COA

• Bring any previously prescribed medication for your child.  

During your visit

• If your child is at least 5 years old, a pulmonary function test (PFT) may be ordered. Taking between 15 and 60 minutes, this test evaluates how much air your child can hold, how quickly your child can move air in and out of the lungs, and how well your child’s lungs add oxygen to the blood and remove carbon dioxide from the blood. Nearly all new and returning patients receive PFT’s before their pulmonary exams.
• Your child may be seen by a certified nurse assistant who will complete vital signs, and a registered nurse who may complete a brief medical history before our pediatric specialist.
• Be prepared to spend between one to three hours at your first appointment. Return visits are generally shorter, but may take as long as two hours.

After your visit

• You may receive a patient satisfaction survey in the mail. We encourage you to take the time to share your thoughts with us.