Knowing what to expect at your child’s neuromuscular appointment can ease concerns and help your visit go more smoothly. Please call us if you have any questions after reading the following information.

Your child’s evaluation

Your child will be evaluated by several members of our multidisciplinary team within the Neuromuscular Program. In most cases, your child’s first visit will include a consultation and examination by a neurologist and physical therapist.

In addition, consultations with an occupational therapist, genetic counselor, dietician and/or social worker may also be included in your child’s initial evaluation. Depending on your child’s condition, additional consultations with experts from orthopedics, pulmonary or cardiac may also be requested.

Your child’s initial visit often takes two hours. We suggest you bring snacks, toys and books to help occupy your child.

Before your child’s visit

Before your child’s visit, please complete an Enrollment Form (PDF) and fax or mail to:

Neuromuscular Program Coordinator
Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
Wood Center, 6th Floor
3401 Civic Center Blvd.
Philadelphia, PA 19104
Fax: 215-590-2223

If you require a referral or authorization to be seen at CHOP, please contact your primary care physician at least one week in advance of your appointment and request consultation authorization with neurology, physical therapy and occupation therapy.

The day of your child’s appointment

Please bring:

• Referral (if needed)
• Pre-authorization from your child’s insurance (if needed)
• Insurance card
• A copy of any testing your child has had performed at other facilities (i.e. MRI, muscle biopsy slides, EMG reports, lab test results, physical and occupational therapy reports)
• Your child's medications
• Small toys or electronic games
• Snacks
• A stroller is helpful for young children and a wheelchair will be provided, as needed, for older children.

Find parking information and floor maps for CHOP's Main Campus.