Rheumatology
Information for Patients
Office Location
We see scheduled patients at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh in the Oakland section of Pittsburgh, DeSoto Wing, Floor 4B, Room 385, Monday through Friday. Get directions to Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh.
Appointments
To schedule an appointment, call 412-692-5081 Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.—4 p.m.
The patient must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian who is familiar with the child’s medical history.
The time required for the initial visit varies, but please allow up to three hours. Follow-up visits can take up to two hours. It may be helpful to bring a quiet activity (such as games, books, toys and a light snack).
Please arrive at least 20 minutes prior to your child’s scheduled appointment time to allow adequate time for registration. Please be sure to bring all pertinent X-rays and records, including a list of your child’s medications, with dosage and frequency. If you are unable to keep your child’s appointment, please call the scheduling office at least 48 hours in advance to cancel and/or reschedule.
Although medical emergencies may occasionally cause delays in the office, we make every effort to see all patients in a timely fashion. Therefore, if you arrive late for your appointment, we may ask you to reschedule.
Transition to Adult Care
Some time after the age of 18, Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh patients transition to adult caregivers. Individuals older than 21 are not hospitalized at Children’s Hospital. Our staff will work with you to find a qualified adult rheumatologist who can meet your child’s specific needs.
Important Phone Numbers
- Division of Pediatric Rheumatology 412-692-5081
- Fax 412-692-5054
- Appointments 412-692-5081
- Emergency 412-692-5325
- Physical and Occupational Therapy 412-692-5480
Phone Calls
Pediatric nurse practitioners or nurses answer the majority of phone calls under the supervision of or in collaboration with physicians.
- Calls received by 2 p.m. usually are answered the same day. Depending on the problem, we may give advice, prescribe medication or suggest that you see your child’s primary care provider.
- Most management issues should be discussed with the nurse practitioner or nurse.
- If you have a non-urgent issue that you want to discuss directly with your regular rheumatologist instead of the nurse practitioner or nurse, you may leave a message for that physician. He or she will return your call as soon as possible.
- If you have an emergency when the Rheumatology office is closed, contact your primary care provider or local EMS. You also may call Children’s Hospital at 412-692-5325 and ask to speak to the rheumatologist on call.
- Prescription refills may be authorized by your primary care provider. For medications we prescribe, refills will be called in within two business days, provided the child has been seen in the Division of Pediatric Rheumatology in the last six months.
- If you are calling for laboratory or X-ray results, please identify the specific test for which you are requesting results and a telephone number where you can be reached.
- School excuses will be provided to patients after they are evaluated by the rheumatologist and a course of treatment has been determined.
- Authorizations and paperwork issues usually take longer than one business day, depending on the responsiveness of insurance companies.
