This is a compilation of questions that are frequently asked by the parents of our new or existing patients, and the associated answers. To move directly to a specific topic, click on any of the following links below, otherwise you can review the entire list by scrolling down.

About our Medical Staff ...

Are your pediatricians board certified?
A physician who has completed 3 years of specialized training in pediatrics is "board eligible" to take qualifying exams from the National Board of Pediatrics. These exams are taken once a pediatrician has been in practice. After passing these exams, the doctor is "board certified". All our doctors are board certified or board eligible in pediatrics and maintain yearly continued medical education.

Which of your doctors are taking on new patients?
All of our doctors are taking on new patients.

What is a nurse practitioner? How does a nurse practitioner work with the physician?
Nurse practitioners are registered nurses who have completed advanced degrees and training in well care and routine childhood illnesses. They can independently evaluate, treat and prescribe medications for your child. Although nurse practitioners are able to handle most of your child's needs, they consult with a physician whenever they encounter a problem that goes beyond their training. Our Pediatric Nurse Practitioners are nationally certified and maintain continued medical education.

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About Hours of Service ...

When are your offices open?
All of our office locations have the same hours of service. They are:     
     Monday - Friday: 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. / 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
     Saturday: 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Our receptionists are also available by telephone starting at 8:30 am each day our offices are open to assist you and make appointments.

We are closed on Sundays and national holidays. If you have a question about a particular date, please call the receptionist at the office you'd like to visit.

Is there a doctor available 24 hours a day?
Yes. If the office is closed and you have an urgent problem, call the main number of your child's office. You will reach our answering service. A message can be left on our voicemail and a medical professional will return your call within two hours. If you have an emergency, the answering service will page the doctor or nurse practitioner on call. Calls concerning medication refills or appointments should be made through your child's office during normal business hours.

Do the doctors have hours for call-ins?
No. You can call the office anytime we're open. If the nurse is unable to help you, she'll either ask the doctor to call you back or suggest that you make an appointment.

If I call in and the nurse is unable to take my call, when can I expect a call back?
Generally within 30 minutes. If the matter is urgent, please state this and your call-back will be given a priority.

What services are available during weekends and holidays?
We offer all our customary services whenever our offices are open. When our offices are closed, an urgent problem will be handled by our on-call staff.

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About Scheduling ...

Do you take walk-ins?
We request that you call to make an appointment for your child. If you come without an appointment, we will try to work you into the schedule. Depending on our schedule, this will involve some waiting, and a $20.00 walk-in fee. If your child is ill, it's best to first call to speak to a nurse.

Do you do sick and well appointments at certain times of the day?
No. We take appointments for both sick and well children all day.

How far out do you book appointments?
Approximately 3 months.

How long must I wait for an appointment for a sick child?
We see sick children the same day that you call if the severity of the illness necessitates immediate care.

Can I speak to a physician before my child is born?
Yes. A phone interview with a doctor can be arranged. At that time, we will answer any of your questions. An information packet will be sent to you if requested.

What is the schedule for well-visits (check-ups)?
We schedule well-child care according to the American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines. We recommend visits at 1-2 weeks, 1, 2, 4, 6, 9, 12, 15 and 18 months, 2 years and 3 years; then once a year, generally near the child's birthday. Sometimes a doctor will change these recommendations a bit depending on the child's condition.

What years are school physicals mandatory?
Before the following grades: Pre-school, kindergarten, 5th and 9th grades.

Do teenagers need to come in for physicals every year?
Yes. In recommending this, our practice follows the guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics. Routine exams are an important time for the teen to get reliable answers to questions that may be difficult to ask other adults, and for the doctor to counsel the teen on normal maturing and a healthy lifestyle.

Do I need to have my child checked for illness before I travel?
Generally, no. You may wish to consult with your practitioner if your child has a chronic medical condition such as asthma, or if you are traveling overseas to a country where sanitation is a problem. Certain immunizations may also be indicated. Children's Memorial and Good Shepherd Hospital operate Travel Clinics.

What age children does your practice see?
We see children up until they are in college.

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About The Office Visit ...

Where can I park?
All of our locations have a parking lot adjacent to the building.

What forms do I need for my first visit?
We ask that you bring your child's immunization records, insurance card, Medical History and Patient Registration forms. If you do not have your immunization records, you must sign an Authorization for Release of Information form and send it to your child's previous physician. If you would like to complete your Patient Registration and Medical History forms prior to the first visit, you can quickly and easily download them from the Forms page of our web site, or we can send them to you in the mail. Please arrive 15 minutes before your first visit in order to complete your child's information for our system.

When do you expect me to pay my insurance copay?
We require the copayment at the time of your visit. To make your check-out easier, we collect the copay before you see the doctor or nurse practitioner.

Do you have separate waiting areas for sick and well children?
Yes.

Will my child always see the same medical provider?
One of the advantages of a group practice, such as ours, is that our doctors and nurse practitioners function as a team to provide care for our patients. This obviates the need to interrupt or delay care because a certain provider is not available. If, however, you prefer to generally see the same provider, you may schedule your visits accordingly. We can usually accommodate these requests for well child care and will attempt to do so for sick visits.

What happens if I arrive late for my appointment?
If you arrive 20 minutes late or more for a well-child visit, you will need to reschedule your appointment for the next available open slot. If you are late for a sick-child appointment, we will still see your child, but you may need to wait for those who have appointments and have arrived on time. A $35 cancellation fee will be charged for missed appointments not cancelled within 24 hours.

Is the charge for seeing a nurse practitioner the same as for seeing a physician?
Yes. The charge is based on the service provided, not the person providing it.

Can my 16-year old come in and be seen by herself?
Minor patients need to be accompanied by a parent or guardian. There may be limited exceptions with prior authorization from the practitioner. Grandparents or babysitters who bring children in for treatment need a written authorization from a parent.

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About Financial & Insurance Matters ...

I have a question about my bill. What should I do?
Please call our business office at 847-615-4654 during normal business hours (M-F 9 to 5) to inquire. Be sure to have a copy of your statement when you call.

How do I get my insurance referral?
If your doctor recommended your child see a specialist, and you have scheduled an appointment, call 847-615-1528 to get the referral authorization taken care of. You can also click here for more information.

If the doctor on call tells me to take my child to the emergency room, will the emergency room send me a bill?
Most insurance plans will cover emergency room visits recommended by the physician. Be certain to call the Referrals Department the next business day to have the visit authorized according to Insurance Company rules.

If my child sees a doctor or nurse practitioner who is not our regular doctor, will our insurance pay?
Yes, all of our medical staff are covered under all the insurance plans.

What should I do when I travel out of the area and my child gets sick?
Every insurance plan is different. Before you travel, read the section on out-of-area emergency medical care. Your company should tell you whether you are authorized to go to an urgent care center or to a hospital emergency room.

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About Medical Records, Forms, etc. ...

I need a form for daycare, school, camp or sports. How can I get one?
If we have seen your child within the last year, we can prepare a form from our chart. You may pick it up here or have it sent to you. If we have not seen your child in the last year, you will have to make an appointment for a check-up.

How do I get a copy of my child's medical records?
We must receive a signed authorization to release records. Patients over 18 must sign the release themselves. We will release records to specialist physicians at no charge. A $15.00 fee will be charged per medical record (child) to transfer records to other physicians or for additional record copies.

Illinois Health Examination Forms
A completed health maintenance/physical exam form will be given to you on the day of your scheduled visit. We suggest you make copies of this form for your own records as you may need additional forms for school, camp, sports, or daycare. Our office does not provide photocopies. This form is valid for one year from the date of the physical.

Effective May 1, 2008, there will be a $10 charge for duplicate forms.

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About Medications ...

Will the doctor call in an antibiotic for my child without them being seen?
No. Your doctor needs to examine the child and determine what treatment is appropriate, as well as documenting it for the record.

How can I get my child's medicines refilled?
We will refill medications without a new visit only if your child has been seen for this problem within the last 12 months. This allows proper evaluation and documentation of the child's condition and response to medication.

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