Frequently Asked Questions
Newborn Care
Congratulations! You have brought a wondrous new life into this world. Like many "new" and "experienced" parents, you probably have a lot of questions. Please feel free to call the office about questions. We will return calls as soon as possible.
CALL 911 IF YOU HAVE AN EMERGENCY.
When are well child visits?
Newborn follow-up visits are preferred in 48 to 72 hours after hospital discharge. We schedule well child check-ups at the following ages: 2 weeks, 2,4,6,9,12,15,18 months, and 2,3,4,5 and 6 years of age. Well visits are recommended yearly after the primary shot series is completed.
When does my child receive shots?
We follow the guidelines given to us by the Centers for Disease Control. Your child will receive shots based on availability and subject to your child’s general health. Typically, a healthy child receives shots at 2, 4, 6, 12, 15, 18, and 24 months, 4-5 years, and 11 years.
When should I feed my new born?
Newborns can be very different--some are vigorous eaters, while others just want to sleep. Babies normally lose some weight in the first few days, no matter what type of "feeder" they are. Allowing your baby to feed "on demand" lets the baby meet his or her own needs. After the first few weeks, your baby will settle into a more predictable pattern of every 3 to 4 hours. Breastfed babies may eat more often.
Breastfeeding:
Nurse frequently in the first few days. Try to feed at least 8 to 10 times each 24 hours. Breastfed babies often nurse more often than bottle-fed babies. The more often you nurse, the better both of you become at it.
Bottle-feeding:
Your baby may only want 1/2 to 1 ounce of formula per feeding for the first few days. Your baby will gradually increase to 2 to 3 ounces every 3 to 4 hours. Increase the formula offered as your baby wakes more often and seems to want more. Supplemental vitamins are not necessary. Consult your doctor to discuss this, and what formula they would recommend. Follow formula's mixing directions on label.
Does my baby need water?
Formula or breast milk is all your baby needs. Supplemental water is not necessary. You may offer small amounts at times for hiccoughs or to space feedings, but never more than 2 to 4 ounces a day. Tap water may be used unless you have a well. Boil well water 10 minutes for drinking or for use in formula preparation.
Spitting up:
Most babies spit up after a feeding. This is really not a problem, just a mess! Spitting up may be reduced by burping during and after feeding. You may be overfeeding your baby, also. Check to see if your baby is hungry or just wants something to suck--or is bored--or over-stimulated. You will soon learn to understand your baby's cues. It may also help to prop up the head of your baby's bed. Please call the office if your baby is vomiting with almost every feeding or if you have concerns.
Cord care:
Apply rubbing alcohol to the bases of the naval cord with each diaper change until the cord falls off (2 to 3 weeks). Slight oozing or bleeding may occur for a few days when the cord falls off. If this occurs, continue to clean with rubbing alcohol 1 to 2 times a day.
Diaper area care:
Urine and bowel movements are irritating to the skin, especially if in contact for a long time. To prevent diaper rash, change diapers frequently. Rinse the diaper area with clean water at each change. If your baby does get a rash, you may use a thin layer of diaper rash cream, zinc oxide, or petroleum jelly to irritated areas. Leaving the baby's diaper area uncovered for a few hours each day may help irritation. If your baby's diaper rash continues, call the office.
Call the office if...
Your baby is not eating well or is acting sick. Let us know right away if your baby has a rectal temperature of 100.5 degrees or higher. Also call if your baby's skin and eyes are becoming yellow or if your baby is not having at least 5 to 6 wet diapers each day.
QUESTIONS ABOUT YOUR CHILD'S VISIT
What Insurance do you accept:
We accept most major insurances. If you have a question about your insurance coverage contact us or your insurance provider. We would be more than happy to help.
Patient Care:
Often the person responsible for the patient's billing is unclear. In our practice, the parent who brings/sends the child to the office and requests treatment is the parent responsible for all fees incurred on the date of the service. If you send your child with someone else, we will still need to collect any copays or balances.
Means of Payment:
Our practice accepts cash, checks, money orders, Visa, MasterCard, and Discover for your convenience. We also accept Visa, MasterCard and Discover by phone.
Self Pay:
If you have no insurance or an insurance of which we are not contracted, we require payment in full at the time of service.
Insurance plans:
We will file services/claims for patient's insurance companies of which we are contracted. Copays are due at the time of service. Deductibles unmet and deductible balances are due at the time of service. If your insurance has responded to our claim, leaving a deductible balance, you are required to pay while in the office or with statement.
If your insurance does not cover a service, you are required to pay at the time of service. You are responsible for being aware of your insurance benefits and coverage. Any benefits or coverage quoted to you by our staff, is a courtesy and is not a guarantee of coverage. Our practice bases medical care and services by what is recommended and what our practice feels is the best of medical care for your child, not by what your insurance plan covers.
Statements:
We will send statements once monthly. Entire balances are due within 10 days of receipt of your statement.
Copays and Balances:
Any unpaid copay will have a $5.00 billing fee at the time of service. Any unpaid deductible and balances will gain an interest charge of 1.5% each time billed and unpaid.
Delinquent Balances:
Any unpaid balance over 90 days will be sent to a collection process by an attorney. Parents will be responsible for any unpaid balances, interest fees, billing fees, collection fees, attorney fees, court fees, and/or any other fees associated with the collection of unpaid billings.
Clerical Fees:
Copies of records will incur a charge of $15.00 for the first 25 pages, then $0.10 per page over 25 pages.
Work Related Paperwork:
Our practice will charge $15.00 for any paperwork that has to be completed by our staff for parent's employer or work place. This will have to be paid in advance before our office can complete any paperwork.