What to Expect

• Get records and test results. We need information related to your child’s condition. Otherwise, you may need to reschedule or come for an extra visit.
• Bring copies or ask your child’s primary care provider to fax to 206-985-3121.
• Examples include growth charts, lab results and imaging studies such as bone age scans.
• For Diabetes Clinic visits only: Download your child’s glucose meter or pump at home and bring the record of your child’s blood sugar levels with you.
• Learn more about what to do before your appointment.

• Attending Pediatric Endocrinologist – licensed doctor with specialty training in childhood problems with growth, puberty, diabetes, or other disorders related to the hormones and glands that make them. The doctor sees patients in clinic and oversees their care in the hospital.
• Fellow – licensed doctor who is getting extra training in childhood endocrinology. If your child sees a fellow, they also will see an attending physician.
• Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant – advanced practice provider (APP) who sees patients independently in clinic and has experience caring for children with endocrinology disorders.
• Nurse – partners with the doctor or APP to answer questions. Gives information about your child’s disease, medicines, tests and care. You may meet the nurse during the clinic visit or talk to them on the phone.
• Medical Assistant (MA) – checks temperatures, height, weight and blood pressure. Helps you get settled in an exam room and ready for the provider. Answers some questions by phone.
• Research Coordinator – Helps patients who want to take part in research studies. If your child meets the criteria for a study, a research coordinator will meet with you.
• Dietitian – provides nutrition evaluation and support. Works with you and your child to make a plan for nutritional health, growth and development.
• Social Worker – skilled counselor who provides emotional support and helps get the resources you need.

For diabetes care, see Why the Diabetes Team Visit? (Somali) (Spanish) (Ukrainian) (PDF).

This depends on the type of appointment and how many providers your child needs to see. Many visits take 30 to 45 minutes. If your child is meeting with their full diabetes team, it can last 3 hours.

For diabetes visits, see Welcome to the Diabetes Clinic (PDF) for details on what to bring.

For visits about other conditions, please bring:

• Copies of your child's growth chart and height and weight records. We will keep copies. You can ask your primary care provider to fax these to us at 206-985-3121.
• 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, like forms for school.
• Snacks for your child in case the appointment lasts longer than expected. Food is also available from the cafeteria at the Seattle hospital campus and coffee shop at the Bellevue Surgery Center.
• 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.

For what to expect at a visit for diabetes care, see Welcome to the Diabetes Clinic (PDF).

For other visits, here’s what you can expect:

• After check-in, a medical assistant (MA) will take you and your child to an exam room. The MA will check your child’s height, weight and vital signs.
• Next, your child’s healthcare provider will ask about your child’s health history and examine your child. Meet our Endocrinology and Diabetes team.
• Some children may need blood tests or other tests. Sometimes we refer children to other specialists at Seattle Children’s. It depends on your child’s condition.
• We will try to answer all your questions. Please ask if anything is not clear.

Our program has many research studies to increase our understanding of childhood endocrine disorders and improve diagnosis and treatment.

If your child meets the criteria for a study, we will ask if you are interested to learn more. If so, a research coordinator will talk with you and your child. Research is voluntary. Your child will get the same quality of care whether or not you take part. We welcome your questions about research.

• Sometimes we can talk about a treatment plan during your child’s first visit. But some children need follow-up clinic visits and more testing before doctors can decide the best treatment.

• Before you leave, we will give you information about what will happen next.
• 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.
• If you have questions between clinic visits, you can call 206-987-2640.
• If your child needs follow-up visits, you can schedule on your way out or call 206-987-2640 later.

• We will call you with test results or discuss them at your next clinic visit.
• If you use MySeattleChildren’s, you can check online for some results. If you would like to have an online account, tell us at your next visit. We will register you and send you email to set up an account.

Call 206-987-2640 as soon as possible.

See Diabetes Patient and Family Resources and Endocrinology Patient and Family Resources to learn about tests and procedures your child might have.

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.