Registration
The instructions you received in your child's appointment letter may request that you report to a registration area upon your arrival. If you must register and/or update insurance information, you should bring all insurance identification cards. If your insurance company or health maintenance organization (HMO) requires preauthorization of your child's visit, be sure you have this authorization (from your child's doctor, HMO, or insurance company) before arriving at Stead Family Children’s Hospital.
Our clinic is near elevator H on the first level. The clinic entrance will be to the left of the elevators. When you arrive at the clinic, check in at the reception desk so the clinic staff is aware that you are in the waiting area.
Upon your arrival in the Neurosurgery Clinic the receptionist will verify your address and other pertinent information needed to communicate with you or to schedule future appointments.
The receptionist will also request information concerning your local doctor. This information is important because the neurosurgeon will send a report to your referring doctor informing him or her of the results of your visit. Your referring physician may also need to be notified of any tests results indicating a change in medication or treatment provided to you locally.
Seeing your child's doctor and nurse
After you have checked in with the receptionist, your child will be called to an exam room by a nurse. The nurse will take vital signs, ask about any allergies or medications, and inform you of your child's day's schedule.
The examination will be directed by a staff physician. The staff physician in charge of your child's care may be assisted by residents (physicians receiving specialty training), medical students, physician associates (PA), or a nurse practitioner (ARNP). The physicians will conduct a medical history, physical and neurological exam. They will then discuss with you the need for any further medical testing or consultations with other physicians in the hospital.
During your child's first visit
You may receive information about
- Testing plans
- Testing results (if available)
- Diagnosis
- Treatment plans
Keeping in touch with us
- Receive clinic telephone numbers
After your child's first visit
- A staff neurosurgeon will send a letter regarding the results of your child's visit to your referring physician.
- If it is necessary to return on another day for tests, visit the receptionist
Scheduling tests
During the clinic visit, your physician may order laboratory, radiology, electrophysiology, or other procedures. These tests will be scheduled at the end of your child's visit by the clinic receptionist.
Some tests may be arranged the same day. However, if another day is required, the receptionist will make every effort to meet your needs. If you have any questions about the tests, please ask to speak with a nurse or physician.
During the return visit for tests, please check with the receptionist who will direct you to the test site. After your child's visit for tests, a letter will be sent to you and your child's referring physician
Scheduling return appointments
If a return or follow-up appointment is indicated, the neurosurgeon will make the proper arrangements in the Scheduling Center.
Approximately one month prior to your child's scheduled return appointment, you will receive a reminder notice. If you wish to cancel or reschedule this appointment, please contact the Scheduling Center at 1-319-356-2237 or send a letter requesting the change to:
UI Health Care Stead Family Children’s Hospital
Department of Neurosurgery
Clinic Scheduling
200 Hawkins Drive, 1800 JPP
Iowa City, Iowa 52242
Filling prescriptions
Prescriptions may be filled at a local pharmacy or at the hospital pharmacy on the first floor. The hospital pharmacy will give you a 30-day supply and return your child's prescription to you if refills are indicated. These refills may be obtained at your local pharmacy.
For your convenience, we encourage you to obtain renewals of your prescriptions from your local physician.