When your family comes to the Neuroendocrine Center at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) for a consultation, your child will receive a comprehensive assessment of their hypothalamus. We look to see how well their hypothalamus is working with their endocrine and nervous systems. We work to consolidate multiple specialist appointments or diagnostic testing so they happen on the same day.

If your child needs multiple services, your consultation will take place at our Philadelphia Campus. If endocrine is the focus, your child may be seen at one of the CHOP Specialty Care Centers in Chalfont (Bucks County), King of Prussia or Abington, depending on which CHOP pediatric endocrinologist sees patients there.

Most often, your child will have hormonal testing and MRI imaging as part of the initial assessment of their hypothalamic and pituitary region. If your child has undergone these tests at another institution, we will ask for the imaging and testing results. We may request some of the tests be repeated.

Our priority is to ensure that your family has a complete understanding of your child’s condition and the next steps for diagnosis and treatment.

Tailored treatments and therapies

The therapy or combination of therapies we recommend following diagnosis will be specific to your child’s condition. Treatment may include hormonal replacement, genetic testing and referrals to other pediatric specialists.

In some cases, we may discuss opportunities for your child to participate in research studies that expand their treatment options.

We welcome and encourage families seeking additional opinions on their child’s care, to ensure they are following the best possible treatment plan, whether at CHOP or their home institution.