Are We a Good Fit?

New Patient Checklist

We hope this will allow you to decide if Pediatric Associates at Northwoods is a good fit for your family’s pediatric medical home.  


Do not hesitate to ask if we can clarify any of these important concerns.

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Please carefully review the following summary.

  • Vaccines
    A young boy with a bandage on his arm is flexing his muscles.

    We believe that vaccines are safe, effective and save lives. We follow the schedule outlined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). You may read more at our Vaccine Statement.

  • Antibiotics
    A woman is taking a child 's temperature in bed.

    We work hard to not overuse antibiotics. We follow evidence-based guidelines for antibiotic usage and treatment of infections.  We do not use antibiotics to treat viral illnesses.  


    As stewards of responsible antibiotic use, we do not routinely prescribe antibiotics over the phone.   

  • Technology
    A baby in a yellow hat is sitting in a basket holding a lemon.

    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.

  • Office Hours
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    We make every effort to meet the scheduling needs of our patients and their families.  Our schedule is designed to try to separate children who are well from those who are potentially infectious.  Our goal is to minimize school absences, knowing that sometimes this is not possible.


    Please familiarize yourself with our  office hours  to see if they work for your family.  Unfortunately, we are not able to offer walk-in appointments but we do have same day sick appointments.  


    Our phones open at 8:30 am.  If your child is sick and you would like them seen that day, please call as early as possible to ensure a visit.  

  • After Hours
    A family is laying on a bed with a cat.

    We have a physician on call 24/7/365.  When our office is closed overnight or on weekends, and you have an urgent issue that cannot wait until morning, you can call our main number to find out which physician is on call. You will be directed to their answering service.


    After-hours, we utilize a nursing triage service to answer any urgent questions you might need to discuss urgently. Please know that many insurance companies also have night time nurse call lines available for advice.   


    You may wish to check the "Is Your Child Sick?" section of our website for helpful information. Read more about After Hours care.

  • Insurance
    A woman is holding a baby in a green sling.

    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 you 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 Responsibility Statement for more information regarding insurance.

  • Billing and Fees
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    Insurance copays are expected to be paid at the time of service.  If you are unable to accommodate this request, please speak with the billing department prior to the visit to set up a payment plan.

  • Scheduled Appointments
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    For acute care, kindly call the office beginning at 8:30 am to speak with a medical secretary who will schedule an appointment for you.  Sometimes an appointment may not be needed.  We have a well-qualified triage team, who will listen to your concerns and will advise you regarding your issue, check with the physician and call you back or schedule an appointment if necessary.


    If our nurse is on with another caller, the medical secretary will take a message and you will receive a return call.


    For well visits, kindly call the office to speak with a medical secretary.  Well visits may be scheduled up to 3 months in advance. You will receive an automated reminder 3 months ahead of when your child is due for their next well visit. 

  • Timeliness & Missed Appointments
    A group of children are sitting at a table in a classroom eating food.

    Pediatric Associates at Northwoods 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 may ask you to reschedule if you arrive 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 request 24 hours’ notice for cancellation of appointments.

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