I thought I would answer some of the more commonly asked questions about our practice.
1. Until what age do you see kids / teens? We take care of patients until they graduate from high school -- so about age 18-19. At that time we will do their last physical before they go to college and will see them for a few months if they are sick and urgently need to be seen.
2. Why do you recommend a yearly well child check / physical / check-up? Preventative care is important to us. Healthy habits start young and we would much rather try to prevent things like heart disease and diabetes than treat them later in life. At your child's well check we will review their growth and development. We will review their habits and make recommendations. We also we check things that we don't check when you come in for an illness such as scoliosis, hernias, or vision problems.
3. What hospital / ER do you recommend? We recommend a children's hospital such as Cardon Children's (Banner Desert) or Phoenix Children's.
4. What urgent care do you recommend? We do not like urgent care. We feel we provide better care for your child and that is why we get you in the same day that you call when your child is sick. If you absolutely have to go to urgent care we recommend a pediatric one such as Cornerstone or Good Night Pediatrics.
5. Why do you ask about health problems in me or my parents? A detailed family history is important to see what your child is at risk for. As I said in my answer in number 2 we would much rather prevent problems than treat them later!
6. Why do you ask about smoking and pets at home? Things that your child is exposed to can effect their health. Such as smoking exposure increases their risk of asthma, ear infections, and pneumonia. Reptiles at home can be carriers for salmonella. Knowing what is at home helps us better treat your child.
7. I need a copy of my child's immunization record how do I get it? The easiest way is to bring in your child's blue shot card and we will update it. Don't have one -- then ask and we will make you one. Another way is to go online and view your child's patient summary from their visits. Any shots from the last two years will be listed in it. We are gradually working to put all the old shots in it as well. (we have to do it manually so it is slow going!)
8. Do you report to ASIIS? ASIIS is Arizona's online immunization database (don't ask me what the letters stand for). By law we have to report all immunizations given to it.
9. If my child has a health problem after hours what do I do? Call us! Call the office number and you will get the answering service. They will take a message and have a triage nurse call you back. If you have a problem that can't wait for a call back then you need to call 911. Don't forget we are open Saturday mornings for well and sick appointments.
