Preparing For a Heart Center Visit

Whether this is your first visit to our Heart Center or you're preparing your child for a medical test or procedure, there are some things you can do ahead of time to help make your visit more comfortable. The following information is provided to help reduce anxiety and unnecessary stress for both you and your child.

Before your visit

Prior to your visit, you will want to contact your managed care provider with questions about your insurance coverage, co-payments or deductibles. You may also be contacted by a patient registration representative with benefit information for your service. Depending on your situation, you may want to meet with someone from our social services department for assistance with financial issues and, if you are coming from out of town, information on transportation and accommodations.

What you'll need to bring

Bring the following information to your child's appointment:

Your photo identification and insurance card(s)
Paperwork for referrals, authorizations and physician's orders
Please check-in at Patient Registration (map) on the day of your appointment to complete the registration process and receive directions to your appointment location
You will be asked to pay any deductibles, co-payments or unmet out-of-pocket expenses that apply. For your convenience, most major credit cards are accepted

Helpful links:

Helpful hints: Your child's heart surgery - To help make your child's stay as easy and comfortable as possible, we have prepared this guide to cardiothoracic surgery. If you have further questions, please ask your child's doctor or nurse. Spanish version.
Health Care Notebook – Parents of cardiology patients have lots things to keep up with, appointments, treatments, medications, home care; our Health Care Notebook can help you keep track of everything, and for older children and teens, provides a way for them to take an active part in their care. The planner is FREE and is available online. Download your notebook now.
Your first consultation – Get information on what to bring and what to expect for your first appointment by clicking here.
Understanding your tests – Once all testing is complete, the doctor will talk to you about all of the treatment options.
Preparing for surgery – Many families find it difficult to talk with their child about his/her upcoming surgery. Here you'll find helpful information for parents, families and patients who have surgeries scheduled.
Insurance and financial information – Everything you need to understand your bill, answer insurance questions, information on financial assistance, and more.
Locations and contact information – Cook Children's Heart Center is located in the Dodson Clinics on our main campus in Fort Worth. We also see patients in our outpatient clinics located across north Texas. Find our contact and location information here.

We're here to help.

If your child has been diagnosed, you probably have lots of questions. We can help. If you would like to schedule an appointment, refer a patient or speak to our staff, please call our offices at 682-885-2140.