What to Expect

• Send us records. Ask your child’s primary care provider to email or fax (206-985-3392) us records about your child’s overall health and growth.
• 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 imaging studies, lab results and other helpful information. Ask your doctor to send them or to give you a CD to bring with you.
• Email any photographs you have taken that show changes in your child's condition. Include your child’s name and date of birth so we can add the photos to their medical record. Read our tips on taking good-quality photos with your mobile phone (PDF).
• Learn more about what to do before your appointment.

Most likely, it will take a few appointments to fully assess your child. It depends on how many specialists they need to see and the imaging studies they need. We coordinate visits and imaging to limit repeat trips to our clinics.

• After check-in, a medical assistant will take you and your child to an exam room.
• The types of providers you will see depend on your child’s condition. Meet our Vascular Anomalies team.
• The provider will ask about your child’s health history and examine your child.
• We may need to get a sample of your child’s blood for genetic or other testing.
• We may take photos of your child or pictures of inside your child’s body (imaging studies). These help us track changes to their vascular anomaly.
• Some tests or visits with other specialists may need to be scheduled for another day.
• Please ask us all your questions. We will do our best to answer them and give you the information you need.

• The first visit takes about an hour If your child only sees 1 provider.
• It will be longer if your child sees other specialists or has imaging studies. How long depends on the number of specialists.

• A CD with imaging studies and test results related to your child’s condition, if your primary care provider has not sent them already.
• Any photographs that show changes in your child's condition, if you have not already sent them by email.
• 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. 

• 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 the clinic nurse at 206-987-4606, option 4.
• If your child needs follow-up visits, you can schedule on your way out or call 206-987-4606, option 1, later. If you are scheduling or rescheduling more than 3 things, including imaging, use option 8 for the VAN complex scheduler.

• If tests are done after your clinic visit, we will call you with test results or review them with you at a clinic visit the day the tests are done.

If you have a MyChart account, your results will be automatically added to your child’s medical record. You can view it by logging in.

Call 206-987-4606 as soon as possible. 

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

• What to Expect at Your Blood Draw at Seattle Children’s Seattle Lab
• What to Expect at Your Blood Draw at Seattle Children’s Bellevue Lab
• CT Scan (PDF) (Spanish)
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) (PDF) (Spanish)
• Getting an MRI While Awake (Video 4:17)
• Getting an MRI With Anesthesia (Video 4:04)
• X-rays (PDF)
• Ultrasound (PDF)

Learn more about preparing your child for a clinic visit.

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