What to Expect

Ask your child’s primary care provider to fax us records about your child’s overall health and growth. Our fax number is 206-985-3370.

Provide any test results related to your child’s condition, including CT (computed tomography) scans and X-rays. Bring copies from your child’s doctor or ask the doctor to fax them or to upload digital images here. This avoids repeating tests.

Learn more about what to do before your appointment.

• At the first visit, a craniofacial pediatrician will examine your child. Often a careful exam by members of our specialized team is all we need to make a diagnosis. Sometimes, more testing may be needed
• The provider will explain your child’s diagnosis and plan their overall care. If your child is old enough to understand, the provider will also make sure to talk to your child about it.
• At most visits, we will take your child’s weight and measurements.  
• A medical photographer will ask to take photos for your child’s medical record. This helps show how your child changes with time and after surgeries.
• You will visit with your craniofacial nurse to start learning about your child’s care. The nurse also coordinates your child’s appointments.
• You will meet with a social worker, who can help your family with the challenges that may come up because of your child’s condition. The social worker connects you to support services and helps plan for a hospital stay.
• You may meet with a surgeon during your first visit if information from your child’s primary care provider has let us know your child’s diagnosis.
• Your child may see other specialists during their visit, depending on their age and needs. Learn more about the Craniofacial Center team.
• To confirm the diagnosis for some children, we may recommend testing their blood or spit to look for changes in genes. Learn more about our Craniofacial Genetics Clinic.
• Our team does research to learn more about the best ways to care for children with craniofacial conditions. We may offer you the option to meet with a research team member and talk about studies that may be right for your child. Read about our research.
• During your visit we try to answer all of your questions. Please ask if anything is not clear.
• Each provider who sees your child will record a clinic note that will be part of your child’s chart. We will send a copy to your primary care provider.

• We schedule your child’s appointments so they can see as many specialists in 1 day as possible.
• Most children have 3 appointments, and their visit lasts about 90 minutes. But your child may have only 1 appointment or as many as 7. Our goal is to provide personal, coordinated care from the specialists your child needs.
• You will have some waiting time throughout the day. You may want to bring a snack or visit the nearby hospital cafeteria. It’s also helpful to bring things to keep your child occupied, like books, toys or games.

• Test results related to your child’s condition, if your child's primary care provider has not sent them already. This includes CT scans and X-rays.
• In some cases, it may be helpful to have photos of your child’s head at different ages so we can see how the shape has changed over time. Please bring those with you if you have them, or we may work with you to get some photos taken. It also helps to see photos of any other family members with a head shape similar to your child’s.
• Medicines or a list of them. Include nonprescription items like vitamins or supplements. If you are bringing a list, include the name, dose and instructions.
• Forms you need to have signed by providers, like any school forms.
• Snacks for your child in case the appointment lasts longer than expected.

We will make sure you leave the appointment with detailed instructions about what to expect next.

You can reach our nurses between clinic visits at 206-987-2208 Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (We also have providers on call after hours for urgent concerns.)

Once we have information from all the providers who saw your child at their first visit, we will contact you to make the next appointment.

To schedule a yearly check-up, call 206-987-2208, option 1, or email [email protected].

We will call you with test results. If you have a Seattle Children's MyChart account, you can log in to your account and see some of your results.

• If you won’t be able to attend an appointment, please let us know as soon as possible. That way we can offer the appointment to another child.
• Call 206-987-2208, option 1.

Knowing what to expect can help your child have an easier time at a clinic visit.

We have tips for preparing your child for a clinic visit.

Get maps and directions to Seattle Children’s hospital campus.

Arrive 15 minutes before your appointment to allow time for registration.

For more information on visiting Seattle Children’s clinics, please see Your Child’s Clinic Visit.

Questions? Call 206-987-2208.