How to prepare for your child’s visit or procedure
The following information will help you get the most out of your appointment and come prepared for your child’s procedure.
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Obtain medical records
Ask your child’s primary care provider to send chart notes, X-rays and any lab results regarding your child’s condition to the clinic. If X-rays, CT scans or MRIs were performed outside MultiCare or Mary Bridge Children’s, please bring these images with you on a disc.
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Discuss the upcoming clinic visit if your child is developmentally ready
Often a first appointment consists of a medical history and a physical exam. However, sometimes procedures such as cast placement are necessary, so it’s important to prepare your child for that possibility. For more information about what happens during an appointment, visit what to expect.
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Arrange care for siblings
If you’re unable to arrange care, please ensure other children can engage in a quiet activity so you can focus on the visit with the orthopedic specialist.
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Bring a list of prescription drugs
Include all medications, vitamins and supplements your child is taking.
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Wear appropriate clothing
Bring shorts with an elastic waistband for your child to wear if we are assessing problems with the hips, knees, ankles or feet. For visits about shoulder problems, please bring a tank top. If your child is having surgery, dress them in sweatpants, T-shirts or shirts that button up the front.
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Bring items to entertain and comfort your child
Suggestions include a favorite stuffed animal or blanket, books and videos (with headphones).
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Arrive 15 minutes early
Being early ensures adequate time for checking in and obtaining new images, should they be necessary. If you are more than 15 minutes late, we will have to reschedule your appointment.
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Turn off cell phones
It’s easier for both you and the orthopedic specialist to focus on your child when communication devices are switched off. This also helps maintain a calm, quiet environment for all our patients.
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Contact us if your child is sick
We may need to reschedule the procedure if your child has cold or flu symptoms.
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Review handout for more information
If your child is having surgery, review the handout you were given that includes detailed guidelines on preparing for your child’s surgery.
Questions?
Contact the clinic at 253-403-1507. Our staff members are available Monday–Friday, 8am to 4:30pm, to answer your questions. On evenings, weekends and holidays, phone calls are transferred to the MultiCare Consulting Nurse Service.
If you need to change or cancel an appointment, or if you are a post-surgical patient in need of a refill, please call during normal business hours. While we understand that illnesses and emergencies happen, we respectfully request that you provide 24 hours’ notice when canceling an appointment.