Are We The Right Fit For You And Your Family?
It is crucial when choosing a pediatric practice for your children that you have given serious consideration to the fit between the practice philosophies and your own. Excellent care happens when the providers and office staff are aligned with your family priorities and philosophies regarding medical care. Please read the following carefully to be sure My Kids is the appropriate medical home for your children. We look forward to meeting you and forming a mutually rewarding relationship.
Are We The Right Fit For You And Your Family?
Vaccines
Our vaccine policy follows the schedule outlined by the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) and the AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics). We vaccinate our own children on schedule and expect the same of our patients.
If you don't trust your pediatrician's opinion and advice on one of the most important decisions, vaccinating your child. How can you trust them with other medical decisions?
Antibiotics
We work hard to not overuse antibiotics. We educate families on appropriate use of antibiotics, but follow evidence-based guidelines and don’t automatically treat ear pain or a green snotty nose with antibiotics. We do not routinely prescribe antibiotics over the phone as we do not believe that is good medicine. We will prescribe an antibiotic when we believe it is an appropriate treatment.
Medical Home
We work hard to provide comprehensive medical care and serve as your medical home. To that end, we expect that you contact our office FIRST before seeking specialty care, or heading to another provider for urgent care. We want to be involved in either providing care in our office where appropriate, or referring you to the most appropriate specialist and helping to coordinate your care. Whenever you do see a specialist, we ask that you request a report be sent directly to our office so we may stay informed and have the most up-to-date information in your medical record.
Technology
Our practice prides itself on efficiency through use of technology. You will be encouraged to consult our website, register for and use our patient portal, and effectively use automated reminders for appointments and for routine care/immunizations that are due.
Office Hours
We make every effort to meet the needs of our patients, offering both routine and acute care same day appointments. We do not offer walk-in hours. Please familiarize yourself with our office hours to see if they work for your family.
After Hours
We have a provider on call 24/7/365. When our office is closed overnight and you have an urgent issue that cannot wait until morning, you can call our main number and be connected to our nurse triage service, who will give you advice regarding your child's problem, and determine if the physician should be contacted. There is a charge for this service (waived if you are directed to the Emergency Room).
Insurance
Make sure we participate with your insurance plan. Click here for a list of our participating insurances. It is your responsibility to know the limits and coverage of your particular health insurance policy, to show your cards to us at each visit, and be prepared to pay any copays at the time of service. Our billing staff will do their best to assist you with insurance questions; however, If you have questions about your coverage, it is best check with your specific insurance company. Our office does not want you to be surprised by a bill, but must always bill your health plan based on federal guidelines and the actual services provided.
Billing and Fees
Insurance copays are expected to be paid at the time of service.
Scheduling Appointments
For sick visits, call the office to speak with triage staff, who will listen to your concerns and schedule an appointment for you. Sometimes an appointment may not be needed, and staff will advise you regarding your issue, or check with the physician and call you back.
For well visits, call our routine appointment line. If our scheduler is on with another caller, you will be asked to leave a message and you will receive a return call to schedule your appointment, usually the same day. Well visits may be scheduled up to 6 months in advance. You will receive an automated reminder 3 months ahead of when your child is due for their next well visit. Automated reminders are also sent for any vaccines for which your child is due.
Timeliness & Missed Appointments
Our practice makes every effort to run on time with appointments, as we believe everyone’s time is equally valuable. As a courtesy, we will remind you of your upcoming appointments via phone/text message/email. We ask that you arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment time (to allow time for parking, check-in, updating your insurance info, etc.). We understand sometimes things happen beyond your control that may cause you to be late. However, we reserve the right to ask you to reschedule if you arrive late for your appointment.
Missed Appointments: Broken appointments represent a cost to us, to you, and to other patients who could have been seen in the time set aside for you. We reserve the right to charge a fee for cancelled or missed appointments. We request 24 hours notice for cancellation of appointments. A $25 fee per child, per appointment missed, will be charged after a first missed appointment.