Endocrinology, Diabetes and Gender

You and your child will talk to the nurse, who will take your child’s measurements. An endocrinologist will then see your child. The endocrinologist may be assisted by a doctor-in-training, who will talk to you about your child’s health. They may then complete a physical assessment.

You can remain with your child or youth for the entire visit. However, young adults and parents can see clinic staff separately, if they wish. At the end of the assessment, the doctor will discuss whether we need further tests.

First appointments are approximately 90 minutes to two hours long.

Note: Your child may require blood work during their first visit. Clinic staff can apply anesthetic or pain relief cream or gel to your child’s skin before they receive any injections, to reduce their pain. Please ask the nurse about this when you first arrive. In some cases, we can refer your child for additional supports to reduce their anxiety or stress.

If your child has been in contact with any infectious diseases (such as chicken pox or measles) during the three weeks before their appointment, please let us know immediately. We may reschedule the appointment if it is safe to do so.

Please contact us as soon as possible if you need to cancel an appointment. At least 48 hours ahead of time if possible. Another patient may use your appointment time.

The endocrinology team offers social workers to support patients and families. If you wish to speak to one during your first visit, book support ahead of time. Youth, families or caregivers can call this team at: 604-875-2345, extension 7091.

It may take two to three weeks or longer for some test results to be available. We will inform you of any abnormal test results and discuss possible treatments.

We will send a detailed report of your child’s assessment to your referring doctor, and to other health professionals, at your request.

If you would like to request your child's health records, read about the authorization for release of health records requests. The Health Information Management Release of Information Office handles these requests.

Patients 16 years and older can access their lab results by creating their own account through MyCareCompass.

Endocrinology clinicians typically arrange a follow-up visit during a patient’s first appointment.

They book follow-up visits with most patients every three to twelve months, depending on their age, diagnosis and how far away they live from BC Children’s Hospital, among other factors.

Follow-up visits are shorter in duration. They are typically one to two hours long. This gives us time to assess patients fully, and to complete any laboratory testing required.