New Patient Information and 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 review the following information carefully to be sure that Sewickley Valley Pediatric & Adolescent Medicine (SVPAM) is the appropriate medical home for your children. We look forward to meeting you and forming a long & mutually rewarding relationship. We are in this together!
Vaccines
Our vaccine policy follows the schedule outlined by the CDC (Centers for Disease Control & Prevention) and the AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics). We have vaccinated our own children on schedule & we expect the same of our patients.
Patient Centered Medical Home (PCMH)
We work hard to provide comprehensive medical care and serve as your patient-centered medical home. We ask and expect that you contact our office FIRST before seeking specialty care or utilizing urgent care facilities. Emergency rooms should be used for life-threatening conditions; otherwise, please call us & we will help decide where your child should be seen. We want to be involved in either providing care in our office where appropriate or referring you to the most appropriate specialist so we can help 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.
Office Hours
We make every effort to accommodate the needs of our patients, offering both routine and acute care appointments at all office locations. We offer walk-in appointments for simple sick visits (please review the specific criteria detailed in the “Walk-In Hours” section of this website). Offices are open for several hours on Saturday mornings also! Please review our hours, located at the bottom of the HOME page to see if they work for your family.
Insurance Coverage
Please make sure we participate with your insurance plan by contacting our office or talking with your insurance company directly. 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 insurer directly. 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 review our Financial Policy for more information regarding insurance.
Antibiotics
We work hard to not overuse antibiotics. We educate families on appropriate use of antibiotics, but follow evidence-based guidelines meaning that we don’t automatically treat ear pain or a green snotty nose with antibiotics. We do not prescribe antibiotics over the phone as we do not believe that it is good medical practice. We will prescribe an antibiotic when we believe it is the appropriate treatment for your child.
Technology
Our practice prides itself on efficiency through use of technology. You will be encouraged to consult our website & social media pages (Facebook/Twitter), register for and use our patient portal and effectively use automated reminders for appointments and for routine care/immunizations that are due.
After Hours
We have a physician on call 24/7/365. When our office is closed & you have an urgent issue that cannot wait until morning, you can call our office and be connected to our nurse triage service, who will give you advice regarding your child’s problem & determine if the physician should be contacted or if you child needs to be seen at the Emergency Room or Children’s Urgent Care facility.
Timeliness & Missed Appointments
Our practice makes every effort to run on time with appointments, as we believe everyone’s time is equally valuable. Unforeseen circumstances or emergencies may occur that cause delays. We will do our best to keep you updated if the need arises. As a courtesy, we will remind you of your upcoming appointments via phone/text message/email. As a new patient, we ask that you arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment time (to allow for parking, check-in, updating insurance/demographic info, etc.). 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.
Missed Appointments represent a cost to us, to you, and to other patients who could have been seen in the time we set aside for you. We reserve the right to charge a fee for cancelled or missed appointments. We request a 24 notice for cancellation of appointments and a 49 hour notice for cancellation of Behavioral Health appointments with Dr. Johnson. Repeatedly missing appointments will result in discharge from the practice.