Referring physicians can play an instrumental role in helping patients' families prepare for appointments at Cincinnati Children's. Here are some helpful hints for physicians when helping patients. The well-prepared family will bring to the appointment:

• A summary from the referring physician
• Laboratory or other test results
• X-rays
• Growth records
• Immunization records
• A list of questions for the Cincinnati Children's physician
• Required insurance referrals
• Pre-authorization from the insurance company
• Insurance cards
• The child's and parent's social security numbers
• Legal documentation of guardianship
• Enough diapers, bottles and other supplies to last a few hours, if the patient is a youngster
• A stroller if needed
• Snacks and drinks if needed
• Overnight supplies if the family is traveling from out of town 

To meet the special needs of patients referred to Cincinnati Children's, we can, upon request:

• Check to see if the patient's insurance plan will cover the visit (call 513-636-2273)
• Assist the family in locating overnight accommodations (call 1-800-344-2462, ext. 6-5009)
• Arrange for an interpreter / translator (call 1-800-344-2462, ext. 6-5009) during regular business hours. For urgent needs after hours when you need an interpreter to talk with a family and connect them with an on call specialist, please call 1-800-344-2462 and ask to be patched through to Pacific, our contracted telephone interpreter service.

Learn more about our neighborhood locations, including:

• Clinic schedules
• Maps and directions
• Specialty services and clinics