Below are some frequently asked questions. Feel free to contact us with any other questions or concerns you may have regarding our practice!
Please take a moment to read our most commonly asked questions. We're always available to answer your questions and encourage you to contact our office if you have a question that is not answered below.
Q: What is a Pediatrician?
A: A pediatrician is a medical doctor who specializes in the care of children. Pediatricians have undergone special training in the health and illnesses of infants, teens and young adults, and the majority of pediatricians are certified by the American Board of Pediatrics after passing a comprehensive exam. Pediatricians provide preventive health care for children in good health and medical care for children who are acutely or chronically ill. They also provide parents with support and advice with issues such as growth and development, safety and prevention, nutrition, and emotional wellness to foster a lifetime of good health.
Q: Which doctor will my child see?
A: We make every effort to schedule your child with the primary care physician of your choice. However, we will sometimes offer appointments with a different clinician or a different location due to availability or specialty. Our scheduling staff should always confirm the clinician, location, date and time with you when scheduling.
Q: Can I meet my pediatrician before my baby is born?
A: Yes, in fact we strongly encourage parents-to-be to visit our office for a prenatal appointment. This is a great way to get acquainted with our office and our doctors. During this visit, we will answer any questions that you have about our practice or your new child. Visit our expectant parent's page for more information.
Q: How often should my child see the pediatrician?
A: Your child should not only see the pediatrician for an illness. It is also important to schedule well-child-care exams regularly, beginning in infancy. Also called well-care visits or checkups, these routine examinations provide the best opportunity for the doctor to observe the progress of your child's physical and mental growth and development; to counsel and teach parents; to detect problems through screening tests; to provide immunizations, and to get to know one another. Well-care visits are strongly recommended as part of preventive pediatric care.
Well-child visits are also a good time for parents to raise questions and concerns about a child's development, behavior, nutrition, safety and overall well-being
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends this schedule for routine well-care visits:
- 3 to 5 days
- 1 month
- 2 months
- 4 months
- 6 months
- 9 months
- 12 months
- 15 months
- 18 months
- 24 months
- 30 months
- 3 years
- 4 years
And once every year thereafter for an annual health supervision visit that includes a physical exam as well as a developmental, behavioral, and learning assessment.
Q: What is the best way to schedule an appointment with your office?
A: You can schedule an appointment by calling our office during regular business hours, or by requesting an appointment online.
Q: Is your office accepting new patients?
A: Yes, we always welcome new patients. Contact our office for additional information or request an appointment.
Q: When does my child receive shots?
A: We follow the guidelines provided by the American Academy of Pediatrics in coordination with the Centers for Disease Control. Your child will receive shots based on availability and subject to your child's general health. Typically, a healthy child receives shots at 2, 4, 6, 12, 15, 18, and 24 months, 4-5 years and 11 years.
Q: What if my child misses a shot?
A: We will follow the CDC guidelines for catch up immunization schedule based on your child's health and situation.
Catch Up Immunization Schedule
Q: Why does my child need to receive vaccinations?
A: Immunizations are a series of shots given to children at different ages to help ward off serious, and potentially fatal, childhood diseases. Making sure your child receives immunizations when scheduled is the best way to help protect your child from potentially fatal diseases. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, vaccinations have reduced the number of infections from vaccine-preventable diseases by more than 90%. Our practice does not support non-vaccination for reasons other than documented immunocompromised children. If you're apprehensive about vaccinations, please do not hesitate to contact our office.
Q: How can I get a copy of my child's medical records?
A: You may utilize the Patient Portal to quickly view your child's previous appointments and medical summaries. If you wish to have a physical copy sent to another office, you will need to sign a medical records release authorization form. Fees may apply. Please allow ten days for us to send your child's records.
Q: I have to work. Can someone else bring my child to the office?
A: New patient appointments and behavioral health consults require a parent or legal guardian to be present. Established patients may be accompanied by an authorized adult. To authorize someone else to bring your child to an appointment, you must give that person your child's PIN number and insurance card. If you do not know your child's PIN number, please contact our office before your appointment.
Contact UsQ: I don't have my child's insurance card. Can we still be seen?
A: Yes, you can still be seen but you will be responsible for that day's charges.
Q: Can you bill me for my copay?
A: We do not bill for copays, they are due ate the time of service. We accept cash, check, Visa, MasterCard and Discover.