Are We a Good Fit?

New Patient Checklist

It is crucial when choosing a pediatric practice for your children that you give serious consideration to the fit between the practice philosophies and your own. Excellent care happens when the physicians and staff are aligned with your family priorities and philosophies regarding medical care. Only then can shared decision-making be based on mutual respect.


Please read the following checklist carefully to be sure Forest Hills Pediatric Associates is the appropriate medical home for your children. We look forward to meeting you and forming a mutually rewarding relationship.

  • Vaccines

    Our Vaccine Policy follows the schedule outlined by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). 

  • Antibiotics

    We work hard to not overuse antibiotics. We educate families on appropriate use of antibiotics, follow evidence-based guidelines and don’t automatically treat ear pain or a green snotty nose with antibiotics.


    We do not routinely prescribe antibiotics over the phone as we do not believe that is good medicine. We will prescribe an antibiotic when we believe it is an appropriate treatment after your child has been seen.

  • Medical Home

    We work hard to provide comprehensive medical care and serve as your medical home. To that end, we expect that you contact our office FIRST before seeking specialty care, or heading to another provider for urgent care. We want to be involved in either providing care in our office where appropriate, or referring you to the most appropriate specialist and helping to 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. For mental health services, an additional Behavioral Health Consent will also be necessary to share information.

  • Technology

    Our practice prides itself on efficiency through use of technology. You will be encouraged to consult our website, register for and use our patient portal, request medication refills via the portal and effectively use automated reminders for appointments and for routine care/immunizations that are due.

  • Office Hours

    We make every effort to meet the needs of our patients, offering both routine well visits, same-day and next-day sick visit appointments along with our morning walk-in clinic.


    To ensure we provided you with the most efficient care we highly recommend you call ahead to schedule an appointment. For well visits, appointments can even be made one-year in advance.


    Please familiarize yourself with our office hours to see if they work for your family.

  • After Hours

    We have a nurse and physician on call 24/7/365. When our office is closed overnight and you have an urgent issue that cannot wait until morning, you can call our main number and the nurse on-call will give you advice regarding your child's problem. We do charge $20 for after hours calls.


    You may wish to check the "Is Your Child Sick?" section of our website for helpful information before using this service. Read more about After Hours care.

  • Insurance

    Make sure we participate with your insurance plan


    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 check with your specific insurance company.


    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 read our Financial Policy for more information regarding insurance.

  • Billing and Fees

    Insurance copays are expected to be paid at the time of service. If you are unable to comply, you must speak with the billing department prior to the visit to set up a payment plan.

  • Scheduling Appointments

    For acute care, call the office with your concern.  A nurse will return your call, listen to your concerns and schedule an appointment for you. Sometimes an appointment may not be needed, and staff will advise you regarding your issue, or check with the physician and call you back.


    For well visits, call our routine appointment line. Well visits may be scheduled as much as a year in advance. You will receive an automated reminder when your child is due for their next well visit. 

  • Timeliness & Missed Appointments

    Our practice makes every effort to run on time with appointments, as we believe everyone’s time is equally valuable.


    As a courtesy, we will remind you of your upcoming appointments via your chosen method of phone, text message, or email.


    We ask that you arrive 5 minutes before your scheduled appointment time. 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: Broken appointments represent a cost to us, to you, and to other patients who could have been seen in the time set aside for you. We reserve the right to charge a fee for canceled or missed appointments. We request 24 hours notice for cancellation of appointments.


    The third missed appointment will result in discharge from the practice.


    For new patients, missing the FIRST appointment will result in discharge from the practice.

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