FAQs

FAQs

Please take a moment to read our frequently asked questions. We're always available to answer your questions and encourage you to contact our office if you have a question that is not answered below.


Q: What is a pediatrician?


A: A pediatrician is a medical doctor who specializes in the care of children. Pediatricians have undergone specialized training in understanding the health and illnesses of infants, children, teens and young adults. A majority of pediatricians are certified by the American Board of Pediatrics after passing a comprehensive exam.


Pediatricians provide preventive health care for children in good health and medical care for children who are acutely or chronically ill. They also provide parents with support and advice on issues like growth and development, safety and prevention, nutrition and emotional wellness to foster a lifetime of good health.


Q: Can I meet my pediatrician before my baby is born?


A: Yes! In fact, we strongly encourage parents-to-be to visit our office for a prenatal appointment. This is a great way to get acquainted with our office and our staff. During your visit, we will answer any questions you have about our practice or your new child.

Q: How often should my child see the pediatrician?


A: Your child should not only see the pediatrician when they’re sick: It is also important to schedule well-child-care exams regularly, which begin at infancy. Also referred to as well-care visits or checkups, these routine examinations provide the best opportunity for your doctor to observe the progress of your child's physical and mental growth and development; to counsel and teach parents; to detect problems through screening tests; to provide immunizations; and to get to know each another. Well-child-care visits are strongly recommended as part of preventive pediatric care.


Well-child-care visits are also a good time for parents to raise questions and concerns about your child's development, behavior, nutrition, safety and overall well-being.


The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends this schedule for routine well-care visits:



  • 3 to 5 days
  • 1 month
  • 2 months
  • 4 months
  • 6 months
  • 9 months
  • 12 months
  • 15 months
  • 18 months
  • 24 months
  • 30 months
  • 3 years
  • 4 years


And once every year thereafter for an annual health supervision visit that includes a physical exam as well as a developmental, behavioral, and learning assessment.

Q: What is the best way to schedule an appointment with your office?


A: You can schedule an appointment by calling our office during regular business hours.


Q: Is your office accepting new patients?


A: Yes, we always welcome new patients! Contact our office for additional information or request an appointment.


Q: Why does my child need to receive vaccinations?


A: Immunizations are a series of shots given to children at different ages to help ward off serious, and potentially fatal, childhood diseases. Making sure your child receives immunizations when scheduled is the best way to help protect your child from potentially fatal diseases. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, vaccinations have reduced the number of infections from vaccine-preventable diseases by more than 90 percent. If you're apprehensive about vaccinations, do not hesitate to contact our office. Phoenix Children’s Pediatrics clinics are pro-vaccine and support the immunization schedule as outlined by the American Academy of Pediatrics.


Q: What are your office hours?


A: Hours differ depending on the location. Please select the office you are interested in for that location’s office hours.


Q: Where are you located?


A: Please select the link to the office you are interested in for a street map.


Q: If my child is sick after office hours whom can I talk to?


A: When our office is closed, calls are taken by our answering service. If you have a question that cannot wait until the office reopens, your call will be directed to our triage nurse. The triage nurse will either answer your questions or will put you in contact with one of our physicians. A Phoenix Children's Pediatrics physician is always on call when the office is closed.


Q: Who will see my newborn in the hospital?


A: Wherever you choose to deliver your baby, you and your baby will be seen by the pediatric hospitalists. We will then see your baby in the clinic 2-3 days after discharge depending on health concerns.


Q: Can I always see the physician I want?


A: If you are able to make your appointment in advance you can typically see whichever physician you want. If you have a sick child who needs to be seen on short notice we will match your physician choice as best we can. Our goal is to take care of sick children as quickly as possible.


Q: What insurance plans do your take?


A: Please click here for a list of accepted insurance plans.


Q: If I have questions about bills or payments who can help me?


A: Please go to your specific location page for the number to the billing company. 


Q: Do you need an appointment for an emergency?


A: If you have a life-threatening emergency, please call 911. If you have another urgent matter, please call our office to let us know what the problem is. We can either prepare for you at the office or direct you to an appropriate facility.


Q: At what age does my child need a well visit?


A: Our physicians recommend the following schedule based on the guidelines established by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Regardless of this schedule, we are happy to arrange for a well-child appointment any time a patient or parent requests a visit. The recommended well-child visits are at the following ages: 3-5 days, 1 month, 2 months, 3 months, 4 months, 6 months, 9 months, 12 months, 15 months, 18 months, 2 years, 30 months, 3 years, 4 years, and annually thereafter.


Again, a well-child visit can be scheduled any time one is requested. Please be aware that some insurance policies do not cover all well visits. You may want to confirm coverage with your particular plan.


Q: How long does it take to get a back-to-school or sports physical?


A: Availability is similar to a well-child appointment, though there is a very high demand at the end of the summer. We encourage you to schedule these appointments in the late spring or early summer to avoid the back-to-school rush.


Q: How do I order a prescription refill?


A: When you need a refill for a medication, please contact your pharmacy first. If the pharmacy is unable to refill the prescription, please call our office. Please allow two business days for a refill request to be processed. If the request is for a prescription to be mailed, please allow one week. Please visit our prescription and dosages page for further information.


Q: What is Phoenix Children’s Pediatrics’ policy on immunizations?


A: The providers at Phoenix Children’s Pediatrics share your concern for your child’s health and safety and are rigorous in the review and best-practice of vaccine safety and necessity prior to recommending them. We feel strongly that vaccinations are necessary for disease prevention. In regions of the country that experience more parents opting out of vaccines, there are more resurgences of vaccine-preventable illnesses. It is our strong recommendation that your children receive all necessary vaccines in a timely manner and we do not encourage delaying or splitting up vaccinations. Phoenix Children’s Pediatrics clinics are pro-vaccine and support the immunization schedule as outlined by the American Academy of Pediatrics.


Q: What if I am running late to an appointment?


A: Phoenix Children’s Pediatrics policy on late appointments is designed so we may see and treat all scheduled patients in a timely manner. If you are more than 15 minutes late to your scheduled well-child appointment, you may be asked to reschedule that visit so the provider can give your child the attention they deserve and continue to see their scheduled patients on time. If you are more than 15 minutes late to a sick visit appointment, the provider will try to work you into their schedule during either the morning or afternoon session, though be prepared you may have to wait until a convenient space is available or until the end of the clinic session. 



Share by: