Radiology
Preparing for Your Radiology Visit

How do I make an appointment?

You can make a radiology appointment at Texas Children’s Hospital in 2 ways:

1. Your doctor can call us to request your child’s test. Then our scheduling department will call you to make an appointment and give you more information. Call 832-TC4-XRAY (832-824-9729) if our scheduling team doesn’t contact you within 48 hours after your doctor orders your child’s test.

2. You can obtain an order from your doctor and call to schedule an appointment. Call 832-TC4-XRAY (832-824-9729) to make an appointment.

How should I prepare for the test?

Your child may need to follow special rules to prepare for their test. A nurse will call you several days before your appointment to review your child’s medical history, explain any dietary restrictions, if needed.

Write down and follow any directions you’re given when you set up the appointment. If you forget or if you have questions, call us at 832-824-9729.

We’ve found that children are less nervous if they know what will happen during imaging tests; consider explain what your child can expect:

Explain the reason for the test in simple language your child can understand.
Let your child know you’ll be there during the test.
Describe what your child will see, hear and feel during the test.
Answer any questions your child has.

We have resources available.

What should I do the day of the test?

The day of the test:

Follow any instructions about what your child can eat or drink.
Dress your child in loose, comfortable clothes.
Leave your child’s jewelry at home.
Let your child bring a favorite item, like a blanket or stuffed animal, to help them relax.

Bring with you:

A list of medicines your child takes
Your insurance card
If you’re a legal guardian and not a parent, bring proof of legal guardianship
A credit card, check or cash in case co-payment is necessary
Copies of previous imaging tests from other hospitals
Games, books or other quiet activities to entertain your child while you’re waiting
Juice and a snack or a bottle in case your child is hungry after the test

It’s best to leave other children at home. If you need to bring other children with you, bring someone to take care of them while you are with the child having the test. If your child is going to have sedation but has a cold or respiratory tract infection, call 832-824-9729, as the test may need to be rescheduled.

Do you have parking?

These location guides will help you navigate to your child’s next radiology appointment:

Community locations: Find a location convenient to your home.
Hospital locations: Find driving directions and parking information. All three of our main campus buildings can be accessed from the bridge on level 3.
Texas Medical Center: See parking and shuttle information for the Texas Medical Center.

When should I arrive?

Please arrive at least 15 minutes before your child’s appointment. If your child is receiving sedation or contrast medicine, you may need to arrive sooner.

When it’s time for your child’s appointment, a technologist will escort you and your child to the testing room. For most tests, your child will be asked to put on a hospital gown and remove jewelry, eyeglasses, etc.

Although we try our best to stay on schedule, unexpected events sometimes put us behind schedule. If this happens, your child’s appointment may be delayed and take longer than originally planned.