Are We a Good Fit?
New Patient Checklist
It is crucial that you have given serious consideration to the fit between our practice philosophies and your own when choosing a pediatric practice for your children.
Excellent care happens when the medical providers and office staff are aligned with your family's priorities and philosophies regarding medical care. Only then can shared decision-making be based on mutual respect.
Please read the following checklist carefully to be sure ABC Pediatrics is the appropriate medical home for your children.
We look forward to meeting you and forming a mutually rewarding relationship.

Vaccines
Our Vaccine Policy follows the schedule outlined by The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).
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 well visits and sick visit appointments. We offer same day appointments.
To ensure we provide 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
We have a physician or 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 receive directions for which number to call or be connected to for your concerns. We use the MWHC HealthLink nurse triage for initial questions. If needed, there is always a pediatric provider on call available for questions and concerns.
You may wish to check the "Is Your Child Sick?" section of our website for helpful information before using this service. Read more about After Hours care.
Insurance
Please make sure we participate with your insurance plan.
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 to 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.
Please read our Financial Policy for more information regarding insurance.
Billing
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.
Scheduled Appointments
For acute care, please call the office to schedule your child's appointment. You may also speak with one of our nurses who can assist if you are unsure that an appointment is needed. Sometimes an appointment may not be needed, and the nursing staff will advise you regarding your child's issue, or check with the provider and call you back.
If our nurse is on with another caller, you will be asked to leave a message and you will receive a return call.
For well visits, please call our office and schedule with the front office staff. Well visits may be scheduled in advance. We encourage you to set up your next well visit before your leave the office after your current well visit.
We do not have walk in appointments at this time. Please call the office and typically, we can see you the same day. Having scheduled appointments help reduce wait times for families.
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 5 minutes before your scheduled appointment time. 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 15 minutes 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 have a $40 fee for missed appointments. We request 24 hours notice for cancellation of appointments.