We are here for you, as your child’s medical home. Contact us if you have any questions or concerns.

We want our patients and community to be aware of the changes we have made to our practice due to COVID-19, as well as some of the things we already do to protect the health and safety of our patients, families, and team of caregivers. These changes are designed to keep YOU our patients safe, to limit the spread in our community, and to keep our team safe so we can continue to care for our patients, their families, and our community.

These changes are based on current guidelines from public health authorities and pediatric experts and are expected to change as the situation develops.

1. We already have a separate waiting room for newborns and infants who are breastfeeding; we also use it for newborns and infants in general as well. We are emphasizing that these patients should use that room and have added additional seating.
2. We already have separate well child and sick child waiting areas. We continue to encourage using them appropriately. However, sick children who may have COVID-19 will not be in the waiting rooms at all (see below).
3. We already have two exam rooms set aside for newborns, infants, and breastfeeding consults. We continue to only place well infants and newborns in those rooms.
4. We already have sinks, soap, and hand sanitizer throughout the office, as well as no-touch trash cans, hand sanitizer, and paper towel dispensers.

New or enhanced practices

1. We have placed signs in the office on how to prevent infection with COVID-19.
2. We have a handout on the virus and prevention.
3. We are now limiting the number of siblings and family members who may accompany a child to the visit.
4. We have removed all toys, books, and magazines from the waiting rooms and exam rooms. Please bring your own!
5. We have set aside specific rooms for sick patients who may have COVID-19 symptoms.
6. We will screen all patients when making appointments and on arriving to our office for travel or exposure to anyone with COVID-19.
7. We will screen sick children for symptoms (fever and cough) consistent with COVID-19.
8. Patients who may have COVID-19 will be asked to wait in the car when they arrive.
9. We will escort patients from the car to an exam room set aside for these patients using a separate entrance.
10. Patients with exposure and symptoms will be directed to public health for instructions on testing. We will give advice for home care for those with mild symptoms. For those with more serious symptoms (wheezing, difficulty breathing, dehydration, lethargy), we will call the ER and direct the patient to the appropriate place of care.
11. Testing is not currently indicated or recommended for any child who is not hospitalized.
12. We are moving up our adoption of a telehealth virtual visit platform (which was planned for later this year – surprise!).
13. We have enhanced our cleaning schedule in the office.
14. We are wearing infection-control gear when appropriate; hopefully kids will laugh and not be scared.
15. Patients who are sick with respiratory symptoms and family members will wear masks in the office.

In the near future, we may split our schedule into well visits in the morning and sick visits in the afternoon.