Appointments & Scheduling
1. How do I schedule an appointment?
You can schedule by calling our office during business hours.
2. Do you offer same-day sick visits?
Yes! We set aside slots each day for sick visits so your child can be seen quickly when they’re not feeling well.
3. What if my child is sick after hours or on weekends?
We have an after-hours phone line where on-call provider can guide you. For emergencies, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
4. How early should I arrive for my appointment?
We recommend arriving 10–15 minutes early to allow time for check-in and paperwork.
5. Can siblings be seen together?
Yes, we can often see siblings in the same visit for convenience — just let us know when booking.
6. What should I bring to my child’s first visit?
Please bring your insurance card, your child’s immunization record, any previous medical records, and a list of current medications.
7. How often should my child have a well visit?
Newborns are seen several times in the first year. After age 3, we recommend yearly check-ups. We follow the American Academy of Pediatrics’ well-visit schedule. Please check our Well-Visit Schedule.
Vaccinations
8. Do you follow the CDC/AAP immunization schedule?
Yes. We follow the most up-to-date recommendations from the CDC and the American Academy of Pediatrics to ensure your child is protected.
9. Can my child get multiple vaccines in one visit?
Yes — in fact, we recommend it so your child stays on schedule and avoids extra visits.
10. What if I want to delay or space out vaccines?
We’ll listen to your concerns, answer your questions, and discuss why the standard schedule is safest and most effective.
11. Are vaccines safe? What about side effects?
Vaccines are thoroughly tested for safety. Most side effects are mild, such as soreness at the injection site or a low-grade fever, and go away quickly.
12. Do you give flu shots? When should my child get one?
Yes. We recommend a yearly flu shot for all children 6 months and older, ideally in early fall before flu season starts.
13. Do you offer travel vaccines?
Some travel vaccines are available in our office. Please call ahead to discuss your needs and timing.
General Child Health
14. How do I know if my child’s growth and development are on track?
We measure growth and review milestones at each well visit. If there are concerns, we’ll guide you on next steps.
15. What should I do if my baby has a fever?
For babies under 2 months, call us immediately if the temperature is 100.4°F (38°C) or higher. For older babies and children, call if the fever is persistent or if your child appears very ill.
16. How do I treat common colds or coughs at home?
Rest, fluids, and comfort measures are best. Most colds don’t require medicine.
17. When should I call the doctor vs. go to urgent care or the ER?
Call us for fevers, rashes, ear pain, or coughs. Go to urgent care/ER for breathing trouble, severe injury, dehydration, or unusual drowsiness.
18. How do I handle picky eating?
Offer healthy foods without pressure. Picky eating is common and usually improves over time.
19. What’s the safest way for my baby to sleep?
On their back, on a firm mattress, with no pillows, blankets, or toys in the crib.
20. When should my child start seeing the dentist?
By their first birthday or within 6 months after the first tooth appears.
21. What’s the best way to prepare my child for shots?
Be honest but reassuring. Bring a comfort item like a favorite toy or blanket.
22. How much screen time is okay for my child?
Under 18 months: avoid screen time (except video calls). Ages 2–5: up to 1 hour of high-quality programming daily. Older kids: set consistent limits.
23. How much sleep does my child need?
Infants: 12–16 hours/day
Toddlers: 11–14 hours/day
Preschoolers: 10–13 hours/day
School-aged: 9–12 hours/day
Teens: 8–10 hours/day
24. How can I help my child stay active?
Aim for at least 60 minutes of active play daily — running, biking, dancing, or sports.
25. How do I know if my child has allergies?
Symptoms may include runny nose, sneezing, itchy eyes, rash, or cough. We can help identify triggers and treatments.
26. How can I boost my child’s immune system?
Healthy diet, regular sleep, physical activity, vaccines, and good handwashing.
27. How do I talk to my child about puberty?
Be honest, age-appropriate, and open to questions. Start early and build on the conversation as they grow.
28. How do I know if my child is ready for potty training?
Signs include staying dry for 2 hours, showing interest in the toilet, and following simple instructions.
Billing & Insurance
29. Do you accept my insurance plan?
We accept most major insurance plans — call our office to verify.
30. How do I pay my bill?
In person, by mail, or online through our patient portal.
31. Will my insurance cover all vaccines and well visits?
Most plans do, but confirm with your insurer.
32. Do you offer payment plans?
Yes — our billing department can help arrange one.
33. What if I don’t have insurance?
We offer self-pay rates and can guide you toward public health coverage options.
Practice Policies
34. Do you offer telemedicine visits?
Yes, for certain conditions and follow-up care.
35. What is your policy on missed appointments?
Please give at least 24 hours’ notice to avoid a fee.
36. Can I email my doctor with questions?
For privacy, please use our secure patient portal for non-urgent questions.
37. How do I get a copy of my child’s medical records?
Submit a signed request; allow up to 5 business days.
38. Do you fill out school, camp, and sports forms?
Yes — bring them to your appointment or drop them off.
39. How long does it take to get a form completed?
We try to complete forms the same day whenever possible. However, during busy times it may take 3–5 business days. Let us know if you need it sooner, and we’ll do our best to accommodate you.