Baby's First Visit
Our littlest patients are sent here by their pediatrician or family practice doctor because he or she listened to the baby's chest and heard "a noise," otherwise known as a murmur. While most heart murmurs turn out to be innocent, some may indicate a heart problem. Therefore, it is a good idea to have your child further evaluated by a pediatric cardiologist.
What to bring to the appointment:
- insurance card
- primary/referring physician's name, address and phone number
- any tests or information regarding the reason for referral from your primary care provider
- social security numbers (patient's and parents')
- emergency contact name and number
- patient information and patient consent form (see below)
All initial visits require a patient information and patient consent form to be completed. The scheduling receptionist can mail these forms to you, or you can print them under Patient Forms.
After completing the patient forms, a nurse will bring you and your baby to a room where your baby will be weighed and measured. Your baby will be undressed completely (diaper included) for their weight. After the measurements are taken, you will go to an exam room where the doctor will talk with you about your baby and listen to your baby's heart .
The doctor may order some tests during the visit. These tests include:
- Electrocardiogram (EKG, or ECG): This type of test checks the electrical impulses of the baby's heart. This does not hurt and you may hold your child during the exam. Stickers are placed on the arms, legs and chest and then attached to clips. Please do not put lotion or oil on the baby the day of the appointment, as the stickers will slide off. To help keep your baby calm and quiet, you may want to give him a pacifier or feed him a bottle. Additionally, we often use books, bubbles or wind chimes to help calm your little one.
- X-ray: This type of test creates a picture of your baby's heart. Our registered X-ray technician and nurse will take your baby to the X-ray room and place him or her in a specially-designed seat. Your baby will be away from you for approximately five minutes. Parents are not allowed in the radiology exam area for safety reasons. After the X-ray, your baby will be brought back to you to cuddle and soothe.
- Echocardiogram (echo): This test converts sound waves from the heart into digital images - much like the ultrasound a mother has during her pregnancy. This test typically lasts 20 to 30 minutes. To ensure the clearest image your baby must be very still during the test. Our doctors may have the nurse give your child some medicine to help him or her fall asleep, if needed.
After the tests are completed, the doctor will return to examine your baby, discuss the results, and answer any questions or concerns you may have. After the appointment, a letter summarizing the results of the visit will be sent to your primary/referring doctor.