Children's Hospital of Philadelphia offers outpatient services in the Specialty Care Center and hospital on our King of Prussia Campus. To help you prepare, we’ve gathered the following information.

You can also call our King of Prussia patient concierge line for help or more information: 215-590-2779.

What to bring with you?

• Appointment information: Doctor's name, department and building name/location
• Your State ID or identification to assist with the visitor badging process.
• Name and telephone number of your child’s referring physician
• Name and telephone number of your family physician (if different from above)
• Insurance cards
• Insurance referral and authorizations (please call your insurance company before your appointment if you're unsure exactly what you’ll need)
• Your child’s immunization records
• Medical or personal records for your child (including X-rays and lab tests) requested by the outpatient office your child is scheduled to visit
• A list of questions you may have for the physician, and if your child is old enough, a list of their questions
• Social security number of the patient and both parents/legal guardians (for insurance purposes)
• If your child's name has been legally changed, please bring their birth certificate
• Another adult to assist if you need to bring other children or siblings with you
• Books, games, snacks, formula, diapers, change of clothes or other necessities (please do not bring food if your child must fast for testing)
• The King of Prussia Campus has a full-service cafeteria on campus, where you can purchase meals or snacks, as well as a coffee shop and vending machines. Learn more about food options on our King of Prussia Campus.

When you arrive

Whether your child’s appointment is at the King of Prussia Specialty Care Center or the Middleman Family Pavilion, you will enter through the main entrance at the front of the building. Ample free parking is available in our front parking lot. The front entrance is easy to spot — it’s a multi-story glass enclosure that serves as a “beacon” for visitors.

Once inside, you’ll spot the Welcome Desk where you will be greeted by friendly and helpful staff and undergo a health screening. Adult visitors will need to have a state ID for badging and know the patient’s information to help with directions to their appointment. After getting your visitor’s badge, you will be directed to your destination. Please let the Welcome Desk staff know if you need an escort or any other resources to make your visit more comfortable.

Most outpatient appointments will be held in the Specialty Care Center, while imaging and surgeries will take place in the hospital.

Preparing your child

Visiting a doctor's office or hospital for any reason can be stressful for children of all ages. These tips can help you prepare your child for their visit, so they feel more comfortable about their upcoming outpatient appointment. 

• Very young children don’t understand the concept of time. If your child is younger than 5, start the conversation just one or two days before your visit. Older children may need more prep time; plan to tell them about one to two weeks before the appointment, depending on your child’s age.
• When describing the reason for your child’s appointment, use simple words that your child will understand.
• You may be tempted to tell your child things that aren't true. If something may be uncomfortable, say so. Being honest with your child will help them trust you and the people they will meet at the doctor's office or hospital.
• If you do not know the answer to your child's question, tell your child that you don't know, but that you will find out. Then, find out and get back to your child with an answer.
• Encourage your child to discuss their feelings and to ask questions. You may find they are worrying about something that will not happen.
• Be careful not to force a discussion if your child does not seem ready.