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PRACTICE PHILOSOPHY |
Vaccines
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Our vaccine policy follows the schedule outlined by the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) and the AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics). |
Antibiotics
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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
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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
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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 once it is active (visit our portal section to learn more), and effectively use automated reminders for appointments. |
Office Hours
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We make every effort to meet the needs of our patients, offering both routine well visits and sick visit appointments at both offices during traditional business hours and after hours and on Saturday in the Fairhope Location only. To ensure we provided you with the most efficient care we highly recommend you call ahead to schedule an appointment. Please familiarize yourself with our office hours to see if they work for your family. |
After Hours
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If a non-emergency problem arises after office hours, you may call our office and leave a message with our answering service who will have a pediatric nurse return your call. The nurse will give you advice on the management of your child's problem and help you decide if or when you need to seek additional medical care. If the nurse determines that your concern is urgent she may refer you directly to your nearest hospital emergency room or she may contact our physician on call for additional instructions. You may wish to check the "Is Your Child Sick?" section of our website for helpful information before using this service. |
Insurance
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Make sure we participate with your insurance plan. Click here to see insurance information. 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
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Insurance copays are expected to be paid at the time of service. If you are unable to comply, you must speak with the billing department prior to the visit to set up a payment plan. |
Scheduling Appointments
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Please call our main office number to schedule appointments. We do our best to accomidate same day sick appointments for our patients, but recommend chronic medical condition appointments be made in advance to best accomidate your and the physician schedules. Sometimes an appointment may not be needed. For questions and concerns about whether an appointment is needed, please leave a message and your physician's nurse will return your call. For urgent concerns, you may call and request to speak with our on call nurse or call your local ER.
For well visits, call our routine appointment line. Well visits may be scheduled up to 2-3 months in advance. You will receive an automated reminder prior to your well visit appointment.
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Timeliness & Missed Appointments
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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 10 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 request 2 hours notice for cancellation of appointments. The third consecutive missed appointment will result in discharge from the practice. Please see our General Office Policies for more details.
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