Table Of Contents
Welcome New Families
It is very important to select a pediatric practice that is right fit for your children and you have given serious consideration to the match between the practice philosophies and your own. Excellent care happens when the physicians, medical providers and office staff are aligned with your family priorities and philosophies regarding medical care. Only then can shared decision-making be based on mutual respect.
Please read the following practice policies and philosophy checklist carefully to be sure Maryland Pediatric Care is the right medical home for your children. We are excited to meet you and help with your Childs’ care and building a mutually rewarding relationship.
Vaccine Policy
At Maryland Pediatric Care we firmly believe in the safety of vaccines and in their effectiveness to prevent illnesses and to save lives.
All children and young adults should be vaccinated per guidelines issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).
We strongly recommend all our patients adhere to these vaccination guidelines. We are happy to discuss the need for vaccinations and answer any questions to alleviate any concerns.
Based on an abundance of scientific and medical evidence do not cause autism or developmental disorders.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there is no single health intervention more cost-effective than immunization. Vaccines save and improve millions of lives every year.
The recommended vaccines and the schedule of administration are the results of years and years of scientific study and data-gathering on millions of children by thousands of our brightest scientists and physicians.
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 patient centered medical home. To that end, we expect that you contact our office FIRST before seeking specialty 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
Like other medical practices we use technology for efficiency and practice management. You will be encouraged to use our website, register for and use our patient portal, and effectively use automated reminders for appointments and for routine care/immunizations that are due. We use ‘Office Practicum’ , a pediatric specific electronic health record system and patient portal and ‘Phreesia’ for patient intake dashboard.
Scheduling Appointments
We make every effort to meet the needs of our patients, offering both routine well visits and sick visit appointments.
We do offer walk-in appointments if necessary. However Walk-In appointments are seen in the first available sick visit appointment slot and will not be called back before a scheduled visit.
To ensure we provided you with the most efficient care we highly recommend you call ahead to schedule an appointment. We accommodate same day sick appointments.
For well visits, call our office. Well visits may be scheduled up to several months in advance. You will receive reminders when your child is due for their next well visit, vaccinations or any other follow up visits depending on the needs of your child.
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 may 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 late for your appointment.
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 canceled or missed appointments. We request 24 hours notice for cancellation of appointments.
A fee will be charged for a missed appointment. The third consecutive missed appointment will result in discharge from the practice.
Billing and Fees
Insurance copays are expected to be paid at the time of service. If you have any prior balances we request to pay those at check in and if you have any questions feel free to speak with the billing department.