TOPIC

PRACTICE PHILOSOPHY

Vaccines

Our vaccine policy follows the schedule outlined by the CDC and American Academy of Pediatrics. See our vaccine policy here.

Antibiotics

We work hard to not overuse antibiotics. We follow evidence-based guidelines and don’t automatically treat ear pain or a green snotty nose with antibiotics. We do not call in antibiotics over the phone as we do not believe that is good medicine. When we find antibiotics are appropriate treatment, we will be happy to answer your questions!

Medical Home

We work hard to provide comprehensive medical care and serve as your child’s medical home. In that respect, we expect you to contact our office FIRST before seeking specialty care or heading to Urgent Care.

Regular visits create strong, trustworthy relationships among pediatrician, parent and child. We require all patients to abide by the AAP’s Bright Future schedule for Well-Child visits. 

Specialist Care

As your medical home we expect that you will contact our office to discuss care plans before scheduling an appointment with a specialist. We want to be involved in providing care in our office where appropriate, or referring you to the most appropriate specialist and helping coordinate your care. Whenever you see a specialists, please request a report be sent directly to our office so we can coordinate all your care.

Technology

Our practice prides itself on efficiency through the use of technology. Contact us through our Patient Portal and effectively use our automated reminders. 

Appointments

We make every effort to meet the needs of our patients. Please familiarize yourself with our office hours and call our office to make an appointment, use Online Booking, or request an appointment on the Patient Portal. We do not have walk-in hours but can get your child seen for a sick visit on the same day you call.

Timeliness

Our practice makes every effort to run on time with appointments. We believe everyone’s time is equally valuable. We ask that you make every effort to present to the office at your scheduled appointment time and call us if you are running behind. We reserve the right to ask you to reschedule if you are more than 10 minutes late.

After Hours

We have a provider on-call 24/7/365. Call our main number after hours for instructions. We expect that unless it is a true medical emergency (call 9-1-1), you will call the on-call provider to discuss recommendations prior to heading to the ER or Urgent Care. The on-call provider is not waiting for your call, when you call at 2:00 AM, they are more than likely asleep. If you have contacted the answering service and the on-call provider does not call back in 10 minutes, please call the answering service again. 

Insurance

Please make sure we take your specific insurance plan. If you have questions, please contact our office and/or check with your insurance company. No insurance? We offer same day payment discounts on our services (excluding vaccines). 

Billing

It is up to you to understand how your insurance works (including deductibles, co-insurance, and co-pays) and to provide up-to-date insurance information at every visit. Our billing department is more than happy to answer questions you may have and help you where we can. We are a Credit Card on File practice, you can read more about that here. 

Shared Custody

Gateway Pediatrics welcomes families with shared custody arrangements. To ensure safe, consistent, and uninterrupted care, the following requirements must be met before establishing care.

For children with shared custody:

• Both legal parents must agree to establish care at Gateway Pediatrics
• Both legal parents must agree on the child’s immunization plan
• Both legal parents must agree to and comply with the policies outlined below
• All custodial agreements must be court-ordered and signed by a judge
  Verbal agreements, unsigned documents, or informal arrangements will not be accepted.

Gateway Pediatrics does not mediate custody disputes. Parents are responsible for communicating directly with one another regarding appointments and care.

• We will not contact one parent regarding appointments scheduled, changed, kept, or missed by the other parent.
• In the event of a medical emergency, both parents will be notified using the contact information on file.
• Both parents may access appointment information through the patient portal.
• Providers will not contact or brief a parent who did not attend the appointment.
• Any individual bringing a child to an appointment must have authority granted by a court-ordered custody agreement or documented permission from a legal parent, as outlined in that agreement.

If parents cannot agree to or comply with these requirements, Gateway Pediatrics may not be the appropriate medical home for your child.

Gateway Pediatrics reserves the right to refuse or discontinue care if:

• These policies are not followed
• Custody disputes interfere with the delivery of care
• Parent behavior places an unreasonable burden on staff or providers

Our priority is, and always will be, the health and wellness of your child.

Questions regarding these policies must be submitted in writing. Medical concerns should be addressed through a scheduled appointment.