New Patient Checklist
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 physicians 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 checklist carefully to be sure Pittsford 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 and the American Academy of Pediatrics.
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 prescribe antibiotics over the phone, without evaluating your child, as we do not believe that is good medicine. We will prescribe an antibiotic when we believe it is an appropriate treatment for a diagnosed problem.
Medical Home
We work hard to provide comprehensive medical care and serve as your medical home. To that end, we urge you to 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 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 child’s medical record.
Technology
Our practice prides itself on efficiency through use of technology. You will be encouraged to consult our website and effectively use any 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 do not offer walk-in appointments at this time, though we are almost always able to accomodate same day appointments.
To ensure we provide you with the most efficient care we require you to 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 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 the provider on-call will give you advice regarding your child's problem.
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
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.
Please read our financial policy for more information regarding insurance.
Billing and Fees
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
For acute care, 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.
If our nurse is on with another caller, you may be asked to hold, or you may be asked to leave a message and you will receive a return call.
For well visits, call our routine appointment line. Well visits may be scheduled up to 3 months in advance. You will receive a reminder phone call when your child is due for their next well visit.
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 text and/or phone.
We ask that you arrive 10 minutes before your scheduled appointment time. We understand sometimes things happen beyond your control that may cause you to be late. However, we will ask you to reschedule if you arrive 10 or more 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. You will be charged a fee for canceled or missed appointments. We request 24 hours notice for cancellation of appointments.
