Frequently Asked Questions…

Are you board certified?

All of our physicians and nurse practitioners are board certified by their respective licensing boards in Pediatrics.

 

What are your hours? Do you offer evenings or weekends?

We are open Monday through Friday 8AM to 5PM with a break for lunch from 12-1:00pm.  We will accept same day appointments from 8am-4:30pm.

Do you offer same-day sick appointments?

We offer same-day sick appointments for anyone who calls that needs one or wants to be seen for an illness.  That service is very much appreciated by first time parents who sometimes just feel better having a doctor look at their child for various symptoms.

 

How far in advance do well appointments need to be scheduled?

Well visits should be scheduled at least 2-4 weeks in advance to make sure you get the provider, time, and date that you want.

What is your schedule for well baby checkups?

We follow a typical schedule for checkups, including visits at 48 hours, 2 weeks, 1 month and at 2, 4, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 24 30 and 36 months of age.  We then see your child once a year.

Will you discuss my child’s general growth and issues like discipline and social development? 

These topics are typically discussed at every checkup and as needed at other visits as well.

 

Do you take my insurance? Is there an extra charge for…Advice calls during the day? Advice calls after hours? Medication refills? Filling out forms?

We take most insurance plans including most forms of Medicaid.  We do recommend that you verify by calling your insurance or checking their website to be sure.   We typically do not charge for advice calls, medication refills, or filling out forms but can do so at our discretion if the process requires prolonged administrative time.

 

How often will we see our usual pediatrician, and how often will we see other members of the group?

For checkups, you can schedule with your usual doctor as long as you call far enough in advance.  If you need a checkup quickly, you may be asked to see another provider.  For sick visits, we will try to get you in with your usual pediatrician, but will also offer appointments with our other providers to get you in on the same day.

Do you respond to questions by e-mail? Do you accept calls for routine and non-emergency questions? If I leave a message, how long does it usually take you to return the call?

We prefer questions by phone in order to assure your privacy and confidentiality. We also have the patient portal where you can leave non-emergency messages for the provider or request appointments.  We try to return telephone calls the same day that they are received.

 

Do you have separate sick and well waiting rooms? 

Our waiting rooms are partly separated into sick and well areas.

What tests are handled in the office, and what is done elsewhere? Where? 

We can do rapid strep tests, RSV screenings, urine testing, and quick tests for flu.  Most other blood work or x-rays are performed by Memorial Hospital and Manor Labs.

 

Will you treat my adolescent child without me being present? Will you discuss everything they said when I call?

Adolescent patients over the age of 16 years can be seen alone as long as we have a signed authorization from the parent. Typically the adolescent conversation with the health care provider is confidential and is not revealed to the parent without the expressed approval of the child. If we feel there are issues that put the child at risk for harm to themselves or others, we will arrange a visit with the child and parent present to discuss the issue and management.

 

What if my baby gets sick when the office is closed? Who covers in an emergency if you aren’t on call?  

You can call the hospital number and be connected with an operator at Memorial Hospital and Manor.  If necessary, the operator will page the pediatrician on call.  The Pediatrician on call will be a member or our practice.

 

What services do you provide for newborns?

Our newborn medical service starts before your first visit to Memorial Pediatrics Clinic.  When your baby is born on of our pediatricians will visit you and your newborn at the Kirbo Women’s Center at Memorial Hospital. They will examine your baby and make sure that your baby is healthy. They will talk with you and answer any questions that you may have. Our pediatricians will see you on the day you leave the hospital. They will help you arrange follow-up visits at the Memorial Pediatrics and give you information on caring for your new baby.