Becoming a Patient at the Fetal-Maternal Center
If you’ve recently learned that your baby may have a medical concern during pregnancy, you may be feeling uncertain or overwhelmed. At the Fetal-Maternal Center at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, we understand how stressful this time can be and we’re here to support you every step of the way.
Your journey at CHLA begins with a nurse care manager, who will be your dedicated point of contact throughout your care. This nurse will help gather the necessary information, guide you through what to expect, and coordinate your first appointment.
To get started, we’ll need:
- Basic details such as your due date, insurance information, and referring provider
- A completed Fetal-Maternal Center Intake Form (PDF)— this form should ideally be filled out by your doctor, but you may also submit it yourself if needed
- A summary of medical records, tests, or treatments your baby has received—these are typically submitted by your referring provider
Once we receive your referral and insurance details, your nurse care manager will work directly with your doctor to obtain insurance authorizations that may be required before scheduling your initial consultation.
If you are travelling to our center from outside the Los Angeles area, our team can also assist with travel and lodging resources to help ease your journey.
Contact us to get started and speak to a nurse care manager.
What to Expect at Your First Visit
Your first visit typically involves diagnostic testing and evaluation, including fetal imaging, to better understand your baby’s condition.
You may bring a friend or family member to support you during your visit. Please plan to arrive 15 minutes early to fill out new patient paperwork. Children under 18 years of age are not allowed at the appointment due to risk of infection for pregnant mothers.
Your care team includes:
- A nurse care manager (your ongoing point of contact)
- A perinatologist (a specialist in high-risk pregnancies)
- Additional subspecialty doctors, as needed
Understanding Your Care Options
After your evaluation, the care team will meet with you to discuss the results and the recommended treatment options. Depending on your baby’s condition and your preferences, care may involve one or more specialized doctor, such as a fetal surgeon or urologist.
If you choose to move forward with treatment, your nurse care manager will coordinate and schedule all follow-up appointments and continue to provide you with support.
Financial Information
We accept many insurance plans. Our financial counselor can answer questions about your insurance coverage and help you understand your financial obligations. If you need assistance making financial arrangements, our financial counselor can provide payment options.
To learn more, please call the Fetal-Maternal Center at 323-361-7042 and request to speak with a financial counselor.
Support Services and Resources
All patients in the Fetal-Maternal Center have access to a range of support services. We want you to have all the information you need to make informed care decisions.
Genetic counseling
If your baby has a genetic disorder, a genetic counselor can help identify whether other members of your family have the same risks. These counselors ask extensive questions about your family history. They analyze inheritance patterns and assess your personal risk.
The counselor is also there to answer your questions and offer support. These specialists connect you with the appropriate care and support resources, as needed. Learn more about prenatal genetic testing and genetic counseling.
Interpreting and translation
When there are language barriers, it can be difficult to understand your medical care. We offer on-site English-Spanish interpretation. Many of our staff members are also bilingual in English and Spanish.
We provide translation services for every language, including American Sign Language (ASL), through a combination of virtual and in-person translators. Learn more about Interpreting and Translation Services.
Therapy services
Patients at the Fetal-Maternal Center have access to free therapy services through the generosity of the Atlas Family Foundation. Our therapists are on-site two days a week to provide one-time or ongoing counseling sessions.
Through the Division of Psychology, we also offer a unique service called Child-Parent Psychotherapy (CPP). CPP emphasizes the strength of the child-caregiver relationship. This service may be particularly helpful when we know that your baby’s care plan will involve a stay in the Steven & Alexandra Cohen Foundation Newborn and Infant Critical Care Unit (NICCU). Infants who receive this type of therapy experience fewer long-term effects of trauma and better outcomes.
