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For more information about research, please call our main office at 412-692-6438.
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Preparing a child or teen for a hospital experience is essential. It will help to reduce their fear of the unknown, as well as promote important coping skills. In addition, it will support long term adjustment in the event of future hospital experiences.
If your child is toddler age, it is best to wait until the morning of to discuss the test or procedure. Give brief but honest explanations using simple, carefully chosen words. Words such as “fix” and “make it better” are less threatening than “cut,” “incision” and “take out.” Reassure your child that the procedure is not a punishment. Do not threaten your child with a medical procedure or with doctors or nurses.
If your child is of preschool age, it is best to prepare them a few days in advance. You can read books with your child about going to the hospital or engage in pretend play with a doctor’s kit. This allows your child to become familiar with medical items and ask questions. It is encouraged to be honest and use simple, concrete language.
Many of the guidelines for younger children apply to children of this age; however, you should discuss the upcoming medical experience at least a week in advance. Give a matter-of-fact explanation of the procedure and why it needs to be done. Allow your child to ask questions and discuss his or her fears with you.
Reassure your teenager that his or her privacy will be respected as much as possible, and that all information is kept in confidence. Give detailed answers to questions and encourage your teenager to ask questions of the doctor and nurse. Allow as much independence as possible.
UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh Main Campus, Child Life Specialists offer preparation tours for children, adolescents and their families.
To check for availability and register for a tour, call the tour line at 412-692-6366.
Same Day Surgery Preparation Book (PDF)
Same Day Surgery Preparation Book: Children’s North (PDF)
Outpatient EEG Preparation Book (PDF)
Outpatient MRI Preparation Book (PDF)
The Child Life Specialists in Same Day Surgery offer preparation tours for children, adolescents and their families upon request.
To register for a tour, call the tour line at 412-692-6366.
Download the Surgery Preparation Tour Brochure (PDF).
Preparation Resources for Your Child-Coming Soon!
Children's Hospital's main campus is located in the Lawrenceville neighborhood. Our main hospital address is:
UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh One Children’s Hospital Way 4401 Penn Ave. Pittsburgh, PA 15224
In addition to the main hospital, Children's has many convenient locations in other neighborhoods throughout the greater Pittsburgh region.
With MyCHP, you can request appointments, review test results, and more.
For questions about a hospital bill call:
To pay your bill online, please visit UPMC's online bill payment system.
Interested in giving to Children's Hospital? Support the hospital by making a donation online, joining our Heroes in Healing monthly donor program, or visiting our site to learn about the other ways you can give back.