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Frequently
Asked Questions (FAQs)
Physicians
Services
What
is a pediatrician?
A pediatrician is a physician who specializes in the care of babies,
children, and teens. All medical doctors complete four years of medical
school. To become specialized in the field of pediatrics, they must
complete three additional years of training. Pediatricians care
for children from newborn to adulthood, providing well baby and child
care, including immunizations. Pediatricians can also help parents with
issues such as growth and development, feeding, and discipline. Nearly
all children have illnesses or injuries as they grow, and pediatricians
provide this care, too.
Are you accepting new patients?
Yes, the physicians at Cordero, Perez-Silva & Rodriguez Pediatrics
are accepting new patients. We welcome children of all ages — from
newborns to adolescents.
I
don't have insurance, can I be seen at your office?
Yes,
we accept self-pay patients. Please call the office to inquire
about special arrangements for payment.
Patient
Care
Will
a doctor see my newborn in the hospital?
Our doctors hold staff privileges at Mount Sinai Medical Center and
Mercy Hospital. Please provide our name and phone number to the
labor and delivery staff on your arrival to the hospital. You can
also call our office to notify us of your baby's birth. We will
come see your baby within 24 hours of their birth. If your baby is
born at a hospital where we do not hold staff privileges, the hospital's
doctors will examine and care for your baby during their hospital
stay. Please notify us of your baby's birth so we can schedule
their first office visit after you are discharged from the hospital.
Is
there a doctor available 24 hours a day?
Yes, our telephones are answered 24 hours a day, every day of the year.
Routine questions are answered during office hours. We ask that
patients reserve after hours phone calls for urgent concerns.
Do you take walk-ins?
Yes, at Cordero, Perez-Silva & Rodriguez we understand that
childhood illnesses are unplanned and often unexpected. We accept
walk-ins and will accommodate those patients in the first available
appointment slot. In order to avoid any excessive waits, you can
call ahead for the first available same day appointment.
If my child is sick, how soon will the doctor see him/her when I call
for an appointment?
If your child is sick, we will see him/her on the same day you call.
What
are your office hours?
We are open Monday to Friday from 8am to 5pm and Saturday mornings from
8:30am to noon.
How do I get my lab results?
Depending on the type of lab test ordered, the results may not be
available for 5-7 days. Our physicians will always call with lab results
that are considered abnormal or require further follow-up.
How do I get my prescription refilled?
You should begin by calling your pharmacy. The pharmacy will contact our
office for the necessary authorization. You should allow 72 hours for
prescription refill requests.
Can I get an antibiotic prescribed over the phone without being seen
first?
No. We do not believe it is in the best interest of either the patient
or the clinic to prescribe medications over the telephone without first
being examined by a physician for the issue at hand.
Will I be billed for phone care?
Your routine calls to the office, advice given by our support staff and
routine calls handled by our physicians will NOT be billed. At
Cordero, Perez-Silva & Rodriguez Pediatrics, we feel our
availability is one of our strengths. It is very important to us to
continue to be accessible by phone.
Do
you have separate waiting areas for sick and well children?
Yes, our office provides separate waiting areas for sick and well
children.
Scheduling
Can I schedule a visit with a doctor before my baby is born?
Certainly. In fact, we encourage expectant parents to consult with us
prior to the birth of their child. By doing so, you can begin
establishing a relationship with your child's pediatrician before their
birth and get some initial questions answered. There is no fee to the
parents for a consultation prior to delivery. Just give us a call!
The
Visit
What do I need to bring for
my first visit?
There are several items that we suggest people bring to their first
visit. These include the following:
Do I have to pay my
co-pay at the time of service?
Yes, co-pays are due at the time of service. In fact, we are obligated
by our contractual relationship with the insurers to collect co-pays.
Referrals
How do I get an insurance referral when my child needs to see a
specialist?
If your doctor has recommended that your child see a specialist and you
have a scheduled appointment with the second doctor, call our office at
least 3 days prior to your appointment to
get the referral authorization.
If your doctor hasn’t recommended a
specialist referral, you should first schedule a visit with us to
evaluate your child’s situation.
What should I do if we’re traveling out of town and my child
becomes sick?
If this occurs, please call our office. We will help you assess the
situation and determine what course of action, if any, is necessary.
Please note, however, the doctor will not be able to prescribe any
medication without seeing your child. Remember, our phones are
answered 24 hours a day and calls are promptly returned by a physician.
If it is necessary, you may seek care at a local pediatrician’s
office, walk-in clinic or emergency room. Many insurance companies also
have an out of area phone number that you can contact for more
information. Call the member services number on your insurance card for
assistance in locating a participating provider.
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