Q: What are the qualifications of the Coastal Pediatrics doctors?
A: All of our pediatricians have completed a three-year pediatric residency training program at a major teaching hospital and have passed the board certification examination by the American Board of Pediatrics. They are also required to meet regular recertification standards set by the American Board of Pediatrics. In order to be maintain hospital privileges, the physicians must also complete annual continuing medical education credits in pediatrics.
Q: What is the philosophy of Coastal Pediatrics?
A: We are committed to providing compassionate, comprehensive medical care to children from birth through age 21. Our goal is to meet the individual needs and concerns of our patients by offering advice and treatment that is consistent with current recommendations by the American Academy of Pediatrics, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and other experts in the field of pediatrics. We try to be cautious in the use of antibiotics, recognizing that overuse of these medications can have significant consequences both for children AND the greater community. We also recognize that some illnesses require aggressive treatment to prevent serious illness and complications.
Q: How quickly can I get an appointment?
A: Sick visit appointments are available the same day you call. We encourage you to call right at 8:30 AM when the office opens to schedule an appointment for your sick child. For non-urgent problems, we can almost always provide appointments within 24-48 hours, however longer consultation appointments for issues such as behavioral or school problems may require more advance planning. We recommend that you call at least 6-8 weeks in advance for your child’s physicals or well-baby exams – in fact, we suggest that you schedule your next well-baby exam before you leave your baby’s current exam!
Q: What type of services does the office staff provide?
A: Have a question about medication dosing, immunizations, fever control or normal growth and development? Our medical assistants and providers are happy to provide telephone advice to parents during regular office hours when they have access to your child’s complete medical records and chart. You can call the Medical Assistant extension in the office where your child is usually seen and they will gladly discuss your questions and concerns. If an appointment to see the doctor is indicated, they can schedule that appointment as well.
Q: Which hospitals do you use?
A: We care for newborns at Community Memorial Hospital of Ventura. We no longer admit and care for pediatric patients ourselves. This decision was not made lightly, but we recognize that Pediatric Hospitalist care is vital for up-to-date care of sick children.
Q: How are after hours emergencies handled?
A: Should an emergency arise when our office is closed for lunch, after 5:00 PM, or on the weekend, call either office number and follow the prompts. If you are ever faced with a life threatening medical emergency, regardless of the time of day, dial 911 for rapid emergency assistance.
Q: How does insurance billing work?
A: For those insurances with which we are contracted, we will bill your insurance carrier directly for services provided. After your insurance carrier has processed the claim, if you owe a balance, you will be billed for your personal payment. Co-pays are always due at the time of service. If we are not contracted with your insurance plan, you will be asked to pay in full at the time of service and then you can submit the bill to your insurance company for your own reimbursement. WE DO NOT BILL SECONDARY INSURANCE. We accept most major credit cards, debit cards, cash or your personal check. Our business office staff is available to answer your insurance or billing questions Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM.
