The policies outlined below were last updated on: July 16, 2021
COVID-19 vaccine
We highly recommend the COVID vaccine for our patients 12 years and older. We do not have the vaccine in our office but encourage you to find an available appointment at https://www.mass.gov/covid-19-vaccine
Well visits
We are able to see all patients in-person for well visits, however it is possible to have a virtual well visit if needed. Feel free to call and talk with our staff about scheduling. Please note that a patient may not have two VIRTUAL well visits in a row except in rare circumstances. If your child has already had a virtual visit, please make sure to schedule the next well visit face-to-face.
If your child needs vaccines, a face-to-face visit is highly recommended so that we can administer the vaccines without delay. Standard vaccines are due at the following ages: 2, 4, 6, 12, 15 and 18 months, 4, 11, 16 and 18 years.
Telehealth/virtual well visits (visits when vaccines are not required)
Our experience with telehealth has been extremely positive. Obviously, there will be things we cannot achieve during a virtual visit but if something is needed we can always schedule a quick trip to the office to complete the visit.
What you will need to prepare for a virtual visit:
- If possible please weigh and measure the height of your child
- Well-lit room with an option for privacy for adolescents/young adults (headphones and a closed door work well)
- Zoom (on a web browser if using your computer, on the app if using your phone -- the web browsers don't work on the phone)
- MyChart registration (this can be done by calling the office to set it up if needed)
Sick visits
Our aim is to manage as many patients as we can in the office but we know that the convenience of telehealth provides an opportunity to take care of things that don’t require an extensive physical exam. Examples would include questions about behavior, mental health, a red eye, certain skin disorders and medication follow ups. We CANNOT see patients virtually to assess for an ear infection, breathing difficulty, concern for broken bones or things that require us to perform a thorough exam. Our staff will help triage which type of visit is appropriate based on your concern.
Telephone advice
We will continue to give advice over the phone as before. Your insurance company may be billed, depending on the level of care (time, complexity) provided.
Behavioral health
Our social worker, Jasmine Sahady, LICSW, is seeing patients by virtual visit. Please call if you would like to schedule an appointment with her.
Weekend care
Weekend coverage remains unchanged, except that we will be managing some questions via telehealth and some in the office. We continue to rotate coverage with our wonderful colleagues at Centre Pediatrics.
COVID testing
We have multiple options for our patients including:
- In-house testing performed by one of our providers. We use the Abbott nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT), which is a molecular test and has turn around times within the hour.
- Send-out PCR testing (to Boston Children’s Hospital) performed by one of our providers. Results are usually back in under 8 hours.
- Of course you can always pursue testing outside of our office by going to https://www.mass.gov/info-details/find-a-covid-19-test
Office procedures to reduce the transmission of COVID-19
- We are currently screening all patients for coronavirus (COVID-19) by phone and all patients/families at the time of check-in to minimize transmission of this illness among our patient population.
- We have a dedicated room for newborns only.
- We see well patients in the morning and sick patients in the afternoon.
- If your child is fully vaccinated (at least two weeks since the second COVID-19 vaccine) you may request an afternoon well visit slot. Please understand that there may be sick patients in the office at that time.
- Each room is cleaned thoroughly between patients.
- Every person 2 year or over that comes to our office must wear a mask that covers their mouth and nose, regardless of vaccination status.
- Our practice is following the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) and MADPH (MA Department of Public Health) protocols and will continue to update our policies in accordance with changing guidelines. We urge you to stay informed about this rapidly evolving situation using the following websites:
- MADPH: https://www.mass.gov/resource/information-on-the-outbreak-of-coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19
- CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
- For Travel related questions: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/index.html
- Boston Children’s Hospital: http://www.childrenshospital.org/conditions-and-treatments/conditions/c/coronavirus