Young Child Visit
You and your child visited your doctor and he or she referred your child to be further evaluated by one our pediatric cadriologists at The Children's Heart Clinic. Common reasons for referrals include:
- heart murmurs
- syncope (fainting)
- electrocardiogram (EKG) or echocardiogram (echo) results requiring further analysis/investigation
- clearance for participation in a sport
What to bring:
- 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 (child's and parents')
- emergency contact name and number
- patient information and patient consent form (see below)
We require all first-time patients to complete a patient information and patient consent form. These can be mailed to you by the scheduling receptionist, or you can print them off under Patient Forms.
About the Tests:
Electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG)
This five-minute test provides a graphical recording of the patient's heartbeat. Your child can sit on your lap, if desired. The nurse will apply blue gelly-like stickers to the patient's arms, legs and chest, and then clips will be attached. Please do not apply lotion on the day of the appointment, as the stickers may slide off. A print-out of the recording will be reviewed by the physician.
X-ray
X-ray machines take a picture of the chest by using a special camera. Your child will either sit on a chair or stand up for the X-ray. This test only takes about five minutes. You can wait in the exam room while your child is in X-ray.
Echocardiogram (echo)
An echo makes a detailed, streaming video of the heart. Your child can pick out a video or DVD (or bring one from home) to watch while this test is performed. The child will lie down on a bed for this test. The echo sonographer will put warm gel on the child's chest and make a "movie" of the heart. The room will be dark like a movie theater, and parents are welcome in the room during the entire process.
After the requested tests are performed, the doctor will come back to the room to examine the child and discuss the results, as well as answer any questions you may have.
After the appointment is finished, a letter will be sent to the primary doctor summarizing the details and results of the visit.