Can I meet a doctor before selecting your practice?
Yes. For expectant parents we conduct prenatal visits as well as monthly prenatal classes the first Wednesday of the month at our Kempsville location.
For new patients considering our practice, we also invite you to schedule an introductory meeting. These appointments are usually done just after lunch.
Generally, these visits give you a chance to see the office and meet one of our doctors. During the meeting, we will answer any specific questions you have and give you an overview of our practice. While we require you to schedule an appointment for these visits, there is no charge for this service.
Should I come early if I am a new patient?
Yes, please come 10-15 minutes early. If you have not completed new patient forms online [link to create an account]or downloaded and completed the forms [link to Patient Forms] prior to your first visit, arriving early his will facilitate a timely visit with your physician.
What should I bring to my visit?
Please download and complete our new patient forms [link to Patient Forms] and bring those along with your child's immunization records.
What if my newborn's insurance card has not arrived?
Make sure you have informed your insurance company of the baby's birth. We can use the guarantor's ID number (usually the parent's ID number) for the first 30 days.
Why is it important that a physician from Pediatric Specialists be listed as my child's primary care physician (PCP)?
If your insurance company requires a PCP and one of our providers is not listed, the charges may be denied and you may be responsible for payment. (Please note: it does not matter which provider from our group is listed on your insurance card. In the office, you may see any of our physicians.)
Will there be a co-pay for every visit?
Yes, generally, there is a co-pay for each visit to the office. Since co-pays are determined by your insurance company and not our office, however, there may be some variation.
For instance, certain insurance companies do not require co-pays for well visits. If you are concerned, you can always contact our billing department at (757) 961-6157 or your insurance company with questions.
What if I am going to be late to my appointment?
Please call our office if you are going to be late or cannot keep your appointment. Typically, if you are going to me more than 15 minutes late, we may need to reschedule. Our staff can assist you with rescheduling if necessary.
There is a $25 charge for missed well-child appointments if they are not cancelled 24 hours prior to the appointment.
Can I leave a message for the doctor and expect a call back?
Yes. When you leave a message at any of the offices, your call will be returned either by a nurse or one of the doctors. Our triage nurse works diligently throughout the day to return phone calls and we strive to return calls within two hours after they are received.
If your child has a problem or concern that she cannot help with, or you have a concern that needs to be addressed specifically by one of the doctors, you can expect a call from one of our doctors. Calls from doctors are typically returned between the hours of 12:30 p.m. and 1:45 p.m. or after 5 p.m.
If an appointment is necessary to address the problem, the triage nurse can also assist you in scheduling a visit. As always, if your child has a life-threatening emergency, please call 911.
Will I need a referral if the doctor sends my child to a specialist or to receive tests?
Each insurance policy has different requirements. If we recommend visiting a specialist, you will receive instructions on what to do before leaving the office. We do have a referral coordinator who will assist you in any way possible.
My child starts daycare/school soon. What forms do I need?
It is best to contact your school to determine exactly what forms or testing is needed. However, we have standard school forms that we can complete during a well-child physical, along with an immunization record.
We can also provide you with a form for daycare/school administration of medications.
If your child has an up-to-date physical, but you need a form for school/daycare, call our office with your request. Please give us about a week in advance to complete the form and have it signed by a physician.
If my child needs a health history form for school or to play sports, how do I get one completed?
Call our office at least a week in advance and the doctor who saw your child at their last appointment will complete the form. We will call you when it is ready to be picked up. Patient confidentiality laws prohibit us from mailing them. Currently, there is no charge for completed physical forms.