Newsletter:

Mid-Year 2011 Update

Dear Patients and Families of North Scottsdale Pediatrics:

Here's some important updates for you and your family -

1.  On-Line scheduling a big hit - Nearly 200 appointments per week are now being made by parents using our on-line appointment scheduling.  It's easy, quick and available 24 hours/day.  Parents can select the type of visit, provider and date of your choice - all without having to be on hold.

2. Dr. Gerlach's back - Jennifer Gerlach, MD has returned from her maternity leave.  We are so happy to have her back, as are her patients.

3..  New process for handling prescriptions - We are implementing an electronic prescription process that will communicate directly with most pharmacies.  Make sure you let us know your pharmacy preference.  Ask our staff for a copy of our prescription policy to avoid any confusion with how to get a prescription refilled and/or what to do if your child takes controlled medications.

4.  After hours care for urgent matters only - Our practice takes extra steps to be available when you need us.  For example, our in-house triage nurses take calls until 8:00 p.m. every week day, and on Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.  Our nurses have access to your child's chart and can get in touch with our doctor on call if needed.  Additionally, our website also offers extensive, interactive on-line medical information for parents who want dosage or common treatment information.  Please reserve calls after 8:00 p.m. and  Sunday calls for urgent issues only. (You may not be aware that these calls are handled by Valley Triage, a service provided by Phoenix Children's Hospital.)

5.  Changes in our 18 year-old-and-above patient visits -The State of Arizona considers anyone over the age of 18 an adult.  In addition to being able to vote, 18 year olds can obtain medical treatment without a parental consent.  For our practice this means older patients will be asked to sign their own consent, refill their own prescription, etc.  If you are a parent of older patients and have questions or concerns, please call our office and ask to speak with a provider.

6.  'Good Night Pediatrics' leaving -For almost two years we've had the benefit of having pediatric urgent care each night at our office on Deer Valley/Scottsdale Road.  As of July 1, 2011, Good Night Pediatrics will no longer be sharing our office space.  For after-hours urgent care, please refer to our website for parent-recommended locations.

7.  Why we can't accept or send emails......yet - Like you, we are frequently frusterated by playing telephone tag with our parents, other physicians, etc.  Also like you, we wish we could send email or text instead of picking up the phone.  We can't email, however, until we get a 'secure' patient portal that assures that messages are confidential and meet strict regulations.  We are in the process of selecting a patient portal vendor, and soon we will be able to email appointment reminders, test results, immunization records, etc.  We can't wait to share this vital communication venue with you.