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When to Arrive for Your Appointment

Arrival time = when you are in the clinic

We want to make your visit to Children's Mercy as easy as possible. One way we can help is by making sure you know when and where to arrive for your child’s appointment. You may notice that appointment reminders look a little different and include an arrival time or “arrive by” time. This is the time when your family should be in the clinic after signing in on a blue screen.

The blue sign-in screen where you begin your Children's Mercy visit. The screen reads "Hello, Welcome."
Use the blue sign-in screen to let our team know you've arrived.

Signing in on a blue screen lets our team know you've physically arrived in the clinic and helps us complete any steps needed before your child's care team can begin the visit.

Depending on the type of appointment, our team may need to complete some steps before the visit begins, including:

  • Signing up for Children’s Mercy MyChart, our new patient portal.
  • Registration or check-in.
  • Updating insurance or contact information.
  • Completing paperwork.
  • Checking your child's blood pressure, temperature or other health information.
  • Imaging or testing.
  • Other preparation needed before the visit.

Some appointments require more preparation than others, which is why your arrival time may be earlier than the time of your visit with the care team. Following the arrival time in your reminder helps your appointment start as smoothly as possible.

What does arrival time mean?


Your arrival time is the time when your family should be in the clinic after signing in on a blue screen. Signing in on a blue screen lets our team know you've physically arrived in the clinic and helps us complete any steps needed before your child's care team can begin the visit.

A screenshot showing a MyChart appointment reminder message. Look for "Arrive by" language to know when to be signed in and in the clinic. Call the clinic phone number if you're running late.
Review your appointment reminder message for your arrival time. Call the clinic phone number to let us know if you're running late.

What if I am running late?


We know getting to an appointment on time can be challenging, even with the best planning. If you're running late, please call your clinic as soon as possible so we know you're on your way. We'll do our best to help and review your options.

If you arrive more than 20 minutes after your arrival time, we may not be able to keep your appointment as originally scheduled. Depending on clinic availability and your child's care needs, we may be able to:

  • Offer a later appointment time.
  • Help your child see another available provider.
  • Help you reschedule your visit.

Thank you for letting us know if you're delayed. Calling ahead helps us care for your child and other families waiting for appointments.

What if I need to cancel or reschedule?


Sometimes plans change, and that’s OK. If you know you won't be able to make your appointment, please let us know as soon as possible. When appointments are canceled in advance, we may be able to offer that time to another child or family waiting for care. Our team can also help you find a new appointment time that works for your family.

Frequently asked questions about arrival time and late arrival

Your arrival time is the time when your family should be in the clinic after signing in on a blue screen.

Signing in on a blue screen lets our team know you've physically arrived in the clinic and helps us complete any steps needed before your child's care team can begin the visit.

Depending on the type of appointment, our team may need to complete some steps before the visit begins, including:

  • Signing up for Children’s Mercy MyChart, our new patient portal.
  • Registration or check-in.
  • Updating insurance or contact information.
  • Completing paperwork.
  • Checking your child's blood pressure, temperature or other health information.
  • Imaging or testing.
  • Other preparation needed before the visit.

Some appointments require more preparation than others, which is why your arrival time may be earlier than the time of your visit with the care team. Following the arrival time in your reminder helps your appointment start as smoothly as possible.

Please sign in on the blue screens as soon as you arrive in the clinic. Your arrival time means your family is in the clinic and signed in, so the care team knows you are here and can complete any steps needed before the visit begins.

Some appointments require more preparation than others, which is why your arrival time may be earlier than the time of your visit with the care team. Arrival time is like boarding time for a flight: it is when you need to be in place and ready. Appointment time is like departure time: it is when the visit is scheduled to begin.

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