What to Expect At Your Visit
Who should come to the visit?
The caregiver who is authorized to sign consent for general medical care should accompany the child to the Hub visit. Caregivers or family members with knowledge of the child’s health status and/or abuse history are encouraged to come also.
**During the Covid-19 pandemic, only a single Parent/Guardian bringing a minor(s) under the age of 18, to an outpatient visit will be allowed. ** Visitation during COVID 19
You may be at the Hub for 2 hours or more. If you are bringing more than one child, we recommend bringing another adult to assist in watching the children and healthy snacks for the children.
Please arrive 30 minutes prior to your appointment.
For walk-in visits, please expect that the wait time can be between 1-2 hours.
What to bring:
- Your (caregiver’s/foster care parent’s/legal guardian’s) I.D.
- Child’s immunization card, if available
- Child’s health insurance card, if available. Children will not be turned away if they have no insurance at the first visit.
- For detained children, please bring the Authorization for Medical Care form, DCFS 4158, signed by the CSW
- For detained children, please bring the child’s Health Education Passport (HEP) if available
- Child’s Individualized Education Plan (not required; bring if they were evaluated)
Length of Visit:
- Initial medical examinations take approximately 1.5 hours.
- Forensic appointments take approximately 1-2 hours.
What will the initial medical exam be like?
An Initial Medical Exam will be like the routine medical checkups your child has had in the past.
The nursing staff will measure height, weight, temperature, blood pressure. They will also screen hearing and vision as indicated by age.
The doctor or Nurse Practitioner will ask about past and present medical problems, medications, growth and development. You will be asked about the home environment, about school, and about any mental health issues. A developmental screen will be done on children under 5 years of age.
The child will be given a hospital gown and a complete physical exam will be performed by the doctor or Nurse Practitioner.
After the Exam
- Vaccinations will be given as needed.
- The medical provider will discuss their findings with you. The medical provider will discuss any needed referrals or follow up with you.
- The provider will fill out the DCFS Medical Examination form (561a) and give you a copy. The form will also be sent electronically to DCFS.
- If lab tests have been ordered, you will be given instructions to the laboratory.
- You will be given your paper work and appointment notices prior to discharge.
