Common Questions About Our Offices
Q. Where are your offices located?
We have two offices: our Ironwood Office is on North 95th Street, and our Deer Valley Office is located at the intersection of North Scottsdale Road and Deer Valley Road.
Q. What are your office hours?
The Ironwood Office’s regular hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The winter hours are Monday through Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., and Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Our Deer Valley Office is open year-round, Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Q. How many providers are there?
We have 15 doctors and 1 nurse practitioner.
Q. Does each provider see patients at both offices?
Each provider has a "home" office but occasionally will rotate between locations.
Q. What type of providers are in this practice? MDs? DOs? Nurse Practitioners?
Our physicians are all Board Certified M.D.s and Fellows of the American Academy of Pediatrics. Their long list of credentials include President of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AZ), Vice President of the Pediatric Committee at Scottsdale Shea, Member of the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine, multiple-time awardees of Phoenix Magazine's "Top Docs," and a rock band singer! Our nurse practitioner holds a national certification from the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board.
Q. Will my child see the same doctor each visit?
Continuity of care is very important to us, and parents will select a Primary Care Physician (PCP) for each child. It is our goal to have your child see his/her PCP as often as possible. However, one of the benefits of being in a larger group is that even when your PCP is not available, we know you will feel confident and comfortable having one of our other providers care for your child.
Q. To which hospital do you admit patients?
We use Scottsdale Healthcare Shea for our admissions.
Q. Does the office have any testing or diagnostic facilities, such as a lab to process blood work or X-ray machines?
We use outside facilities that are conveniently located near our offices for lab work and X-rays. We do have a small lab on site for strep and flu swabs, testing of urine samples, checking hemoglobin, and newborn screens.
Q. Does your office utilize an Electronic Health Record?
Yes. This allows your child’s chart to be with you at both locations, 24 hours per day, 7 days a week. This allows your provider to always have the most up-to-date information about your child's health history. Additionally, we offer the convenience of having prescriptions directly faxed to the pharmacy of your choice.
Q. Do you offer different waiting areas for sick children?
Yes.
Philosophy of Care
Q. Do all of the providers at North Scottsdale Pediatrics have the same care philosophy?
One of the unique characteristics of our physicians is how much they all agree with each other. We have monthly meetings to discuss how to best treat common illnesses, and we constantly share specialized knowledge from conferences and other continuing medical education.
Q. Do you focus on disease prevention, and in what major ways?
Pediatrics is all about disease prevention. By focusing on nutrition, growth, development, sleep habits, safety and vaccinations, we try to avoid major illnesses and injuries.
Q. What are the standard procedures for healthy child check-ups?
We have well checks at 3-5 days, 1-2 weeks, 1 month, 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, 9 months, 12 months, 15 months, 18 months, 2 years, and then yearly after that. Children are weighed and measured, blood pressure is checked in older patients, vision is checked in children 3 and up, and hearing is checked at 5 years. An assessment of the child’s health, preventive health care information, and a full physical exam is performed.
Q. What is your practice’s position on vaccines?
We support the vaccination guidelines and schedule approved by the American Academy of Pediatrics and Center for Disease Control. We do not endorse 'patient-directed vaccine schedules.'
Q. Do you complete a series of tests on the child's developmental status or just rely on what the parents say?
We do standardized testing for developmental issues at selected visits, as well as an assessment of development at each well visit based on observation in the room and parental interview.
Q. Do you manage psychological issues, such as ADHD or depression?
Our providers feel comfortable managing and prescribing medication for uncomplicated behavioral and psychological issues, including ADHD, depression and anxiety. Sometimes, we will recommend involvement of other professionals, including a counselor or psychiatrist.
Q. What kinds of educational materials on safety and injury prevention are available?
Handouts on safety and common pediatric issues are given at all well visits, and your pediatrician will discuss age-appropriate safety concerns at every visit.
Q. What is your approach to discipline?
Our providers believe that discipline changes depending on the age of the child, but the basic principles are consistency, firm limits, positive feedback, and no corporal punishment.
Q. Are your providers comfortable answering parents' questions, even if there are a lot?
Our providers excel at answering parents' questions, and most first-time parents have a lot of questions. We will make sure you have had a chance to have your questions answered at each visit. One of the great advantages to following a child from birth through the teen years is the relationship that we develop with the patient. This gives us an opportunity to help them through the difficult teen years. We continue to see children in our office through the age of 21.
Transitioning from an OB to a Pediatrician's Care
Q. What happens at the hospital?
A doctor from our office will come to see your baby every day they are in the hospital. If you have a baby boy and desire a circumcision, one of our doctors will perform that in the hospital. When being discharged, the doctor will let you know when to make an appointment to be seen in our office. This is typically between 3 and 5 days of life.
Q. How much time do they schedule for a well-baby check-up?
These appointments are schedule for 15 minutes of doctor’s time, with extra time for checking in, standard procedures, and vaccinations.
Q. What is the pediatrician's philosophy about breastfeeding?
We strongly support breastfeeding as the best nutrition for babies and one of the best ways to prevent illness in the early months. We also understand that not everyone can breastfeed and will help you choose the nutrition that works best for your family.
Q. Do you offer any breastfeeding support?
Pediatricians are your partners in promoting the health of your child. When breast milk is your child’s primary nutrition source, we have a vested interest in making sure you are supported and successful. We are the best place to schedule a consultation because we can evaluate breastfeeding in the context of the baby’s total health.
Scheduling Appointments and Calls
Q. How do parents reach the office or doctor in an after-hours/weekend emergency?
Call our main number, (480) 860-8488, and you will be connected to our after-hours Triage Service. There is always a doctor from our office available for extra assistance when needed.
Q. Will the doctor and/or nurse practitioner provide consultation over the phone?
Currently, we offer phone consultation after-hours or over lunch breaks as needed. Our in-house phone nurses are always available. We are working on providing a secure way to communicate by e-mail, but it is not yet available.
Q. Does the doctor expect parents to be knowledgeable consumers or just accept anything she/he says?
All of our patients come in with knowledge from other sources. It could be internet, books, family members, or even the parent being a health professional themselves. Taking care of a child is a group effort, and we welcome your input and cooperation in management of health issues.
Insurance
Q. Will your office take care of billing my insurance?
Yes. We have a fully-staffed billing department and financial counselors who can assist you with your insurance questions.
Q. Do you take my insurance?
You can check our most updated list of insurances we take. You should check with your insurer or call our office to verify your coverage.
Q. What happens if I lose my healthcare insurance or don’t have insurance?
We have a self-pay program that offers 20% discounts to individuals without insurance.
Q. Do I have to pay for any portion of my bill while at the office?
Yes. You are responsible for paying any co-pays or balances at the time of your visit. Once we receive an EOB (Explanation of Benefits) from your insurance company, any amount indicated as 'patient responsibility' will be billed to you. You can pay it online or by mail; either way, it is due within 30 days of receipt.
The Bottom Line
As a parent, it is ultimately your responsibility to care for and guide your children to help them reach their optimal potential. However, you should leave your meeting with a pediatrician reassured that this doctor is going to take good care of your child and be a strong support for you in your child's growth and development. Use common sense, and trust your instincts.