Define the unresolved question
The center needs to know whether the main problem is diagnosis, treatment failure, a rare genetic/metabolic condition, surgical planning or a second opinion on an established diagnosis.
Multidisciplinary pediatric care can be essential
Freiburg’s Center for Pediatrics describes access to pediatric cardiology, surgery, neurosurgery, urology, orthopedics, medical genetics, nutrition, psychology and specialized rare-disease expertise. The relevant disciplines should be selected according to the clinical problem rather than ordering every possible test.
Genetic and metabolic testing should be interpreted in context
A long list of variants or abnormal laboratory values is not a diagnosis by itself. Send the original laboratory/genetic report together with phenotype, family history and previous specialist interpretation so the receiving team can decide whether further testing is meaningful.
What to include in an international pediatric referral
A concise package reduces delay and duplicated testing.
- One-page chronological medical summary
- Growth and developmental history
- Current symptoms and functional limitations
- Relevant imaging and laboratory results
- Genetic and metabolic reports
- Previous hospital discharge summaries and operative reports
- Medication and treatment history
- Family history when relevant
- A specific question for the receiving team
Official sources
Sources last checked 2026-08-29. Pediatric pathways can change and must be individualized; confirm current requirements directly with the treating pediatric center.