What to Expect at Your First Appointment at the Immune Deficiencies and Dysregulation Program
By the time your child receives a referral to our program, you have likely already undergone several frightening conversations, and you want to find answers. We are here to help. We are used to seeing patients with rare immune disorders, and we know the right tests to perform and questions to ask.
Making an Appointment at the Immune Deficiencies and Dysregulation Program
We want it to be easy for you to get the care your child needs. You can call us to self-refer to our program, or your child’s pediatrician can refer you. Once we receive your child’s information, our team will review all medical notes and test results before your first clinic visit. This process will allow our care manager to schedule visits with the right specialists for your child.
Before Your Appointment
We will contact you before your child’s appointment to prepare for the upcoming visit. During this call, we will:
- Gather information about symptoms, health history and past treatments
- Collect past test results and medical records—we will provide instructions on how to share this information with us
- Provide pre-visit instructions
During this call, we can also answer questions you have before your child’s visit. Of course, you’re welcome to call any time before or after your child’s visit.
On the Day of Your Visit to the Immune Deficiencies and Dysregulation Program
Arriving At Your Appointment
The Immune Deficiencies and Dysregulation Program is located at the Burnet Campus of Cincinnati Children’s.
Please arrive about 30 minutes ahead of time. This allows you 15 minutes to park and walk from the parking garage to our clinic, and 15 minutes to check in at our front desk.
At Your Appointment
During your first appointment, we want to get the “lay of the land”—going over test results, asking questions about the care your child has previously received and introducing your family to the people who will be guiding you through this process. One of the most important people you will meet is your care manager, who is an experienced immunology nurse. Your care manager and doctors will guide you through your next steps, which may include additional tests at our Diagnostic Immunology Lab.
After Your Visit to the Immune Deficiencies and Dysregulation Program
You will receive an “After Visit Summary” at the end of your appointment. It will include important details about any upcoming appointments. It also will include contact information for your child’s care team.
