Frequently Asked Questions
Select a Question from
General Questions
Question:
Can I schedule a visit before my child is born?
Answer:
We offer pre-natal visits with our nurse practitioner on a weekly basis. Call the office to schedule a visit.
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Question:
Can my 16-year old come in to be seen by him or herself?
Answer:
We are permitted to see children over the age of 16 who come by themselves. We must have written or phone consent from parent or guardian for immunizations until age 18. We do encourage parents to join their children for office visits so that there are no communication issues.
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Question:
Do I need to have my child checked for illness before I travel?
Answer:
Generally, no. You may wish to consult with your practitioner if your child has a chronic medical condition such as asthma, or if you are traveling overseas to a country where sanitation is a problem. Certain immunizations may be indicated.
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Question:
Do you take walk-ins?
Answer:
We specifically request that all patients be seen by appointment. Walks-ins are disruptive to our schedule and may result in a long wait or seeing a care provider with whom you or your child are not comfortable. We will do our best to accommodate all urgent requests for appointments.
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Question:
How long must I wait for an appointment for a sick child?
Answer:
We see sick children the same day that you call. We are open evenings and weekends.
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Question:
Is there a doctor available 24 hours?
Answer:
There is a doctor available at all times. Your after-hours call will frequently be triaged by a nurse who may be able to answer your questions and address your concerns. Please restrict after-hours call to those that are truly urgent.
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Question:
What age children does your practice see?
Answer:
We see children from birth until they graduate from college.
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Question:
What happens if I arrive late for my appointment?
Answer:
If you arrive 30 minutes late or more for a well-child visit, you may need to reschedule your appointment. We will do our best to work you in if possible. If you are late for a sick-child appointment, we will still see your child, but you may need to wait for those that have appointments and have arrived on time. Please call if you are running late so that we can try to fit you into the schedule faster.
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Question:
What is a nurse practitioner? How does the nurse work with the physician?
Answer:
Nurse practitioners are registered nurses who have completed advanced training in well care and routine childhood illnesses. Although nurse practitioners are able to handle most of your child's needs, they consult with a physician whenever they encounter a problem that goes beyond their training. Many of our patients, and their parents, form a strong bond with a particular nurse practitioner, whom they tend to see frequently throughout the child’s growing years.
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Question:
When you are open on weekends or holidays, what services are available?
Answer:
We will schedule a limited number of checkups on Saturday , but devote most of that time to sick children. Sunday hours are devoted to only sick children.
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Question:
When you have extended evening hours, what services are available?
Answer:
Check ups and sick visits are available in the evening.
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Category: General Questions
Question:
Will my child always see our personal physician? Can my child be seen by any of your doctors?
Answer:
Generally we like the patients to choose a primary doctor to form a relationship with. One of the advantages of a group practice, such as ours, is that doctors can cover for one another. Even if your doctor is out of town or fully-scheduled, another member of our medical staff can take care of your child's needs.
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Question:
Will the doctor call in an antibiotic for my child without being seen?
Answer:
No, your doctor needs to examine your child and determine what treatment is appropriate, as well as documenting it in your child’s record. If you are out of town we would suggest that you find a local pediatric office. Most offices are happy to see children who are from out of town. You would need your insurance card, or you would need to pay cash for the visit.
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Question:
What if I have an appointment. for my child, but also have questions about a different child in my family?
Answer:
Please call ahead or let the front desk know. The doctor will need to have the medical charts for each child in advance. If the issue is complicated you may need to schedule a separate appointment.
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Question:
What is the most efficient way for me to make an appointment or get information about a problem?
Answer:
Our office has an automated attendant (voicemail) system that we use efficiently and effectively. Call early in the day and leave us phone numbers at which we can reach you. We attempt to return all calls within the hour, but we sometimes run behind especially in the winter. Someone will always call you back, and if you haven’t received a call back in what you consider a reasonable time, call again.
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