Policies

We work hard to not overuse antibiotics.

We educate families on appropriate use of antibiotics, but follow evidence-based guidelines and don’t automatically treat ear pain or a green snotty nose with antibiotics.

We do not routinely prescribe antibiotics over the phone as we do not believe that is good medicine. We will prescribe an antibiotic when we believe it is an appropriate treatment.

Efficiency through the use of technology

You will be encouraged to consult our website, register for and use our patient portal, and effectively use automated reminders for appointments and for routine care/immunizations that are due.

The purpose of this form is to notify you of our office policy in advance. Please read this carefully.

Our office participates with many managed care insurance companies. Should your insurance coverage be with one of these companies, we will bill your insurance company along the guidelines of our contract. Co-payments, co-insurances, deductibles, and non-covered services that have not been satisfied, are the responsibility of the patient. Payment is expected at the time services are rendered.

Scheduling and arriving for an appointment at our office is implied consent for all services to be performed which are medically and age-appropriate for your child as recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics.

If you have insurance with which we do not participate, payment is expected at the time services are rendered. We will provide you with an itemized receipt to submit to your insurance.

There are times when making a payment can be a financial hardship. Please advise our staff prior to your visit if you are in need of a special payment arrangement. Co-pays are exempt from this because your insurance requires you to pay your co-pay at the time services are rendered. You are required to notify us at the time of service if this is an accident visit to avoid additional financial costs.

If we are your primary care physician, make sure our name and/or phone number appears on your card. If your insurance company has not been informed that we are your primary care physicians as of visit date, you may be financially responsible for the visit.

Before making an annual physical appointment, check with your insurance company. Not all plans cover annual healthy physicals or hearing and vision screenings. It is your responsibility to know your insurance plan benefits. If it is not covered, you will be responsible for payment.

Not all services provided by our office are covered by every plan. Any service determined “not covered” by your plan will be your responsibility.

A $10 service fee will be charged in addition to your co-payment if not paid at the time of service or by the end of the business day.

Patient balances are billed immediately upon receipt of your insurance plan’s explanation of benefits. Your remittance is due within 20 business days of your receipt of your bill. Unpaid balances may result in the postponement of scheduled well visits and/or dismissal from our practice. Any balance over 90 days will be forwarded to our collection agency. You agree, in order for us to collect monies you owe, Abington Pediatric Associates or its agents may contact you by telephone at any telephone number associated with your account, including wireless telephone numbers, which could result in charges to you. We may also contact you by sending text messages or emails, using any email address you provide to us. Methods of contact may include using pre-recorded/artificial voice messages and/or use of automatic dialing devices, as applicable.

A $25.00 fee will be charged for checks returned for insufficient funds. If a check is returned, all future payments must be cash or credit.

We charge $20.00 to transfer medical records for the first child and $15.00 for each additional transfer that is requested at the same time.

If your child has school, camp, or sports forms to be completed, there is a $10.00 charge per child. Payment is due when the forms are dropped off. We have a 5 to 7 day turnaround time for forms. If a form is needed sooner than 3 days, there is an additional $10.00 rush fee.

If you have any questions, do not hesitate to ask a member of our staff.

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We at Abington Pediatric Associates (APA) want to create an environment that promotes and supports breastfeeding. We understand that breastfeeding has irrefutable benefits for both mother and child and that as healthcare providers it is our duty to actively encourage breastfeeding.

• We will encourage exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of a baby’s life.
• We will welcome breastfeeding in all areas of our office. If a mother is uncomfortable breastfeeding in public we will make an effort to find a private place to do so.
• We will avoid active marketing of infant formula. Staff will not routinely provide free samples to newborn families. If a physician feels formula is warranted after discussion with the family, the physician will then distribute formula samples for the newborn.
• If an older infant is taking formula on a regular basis then a staff member may provide free samples of their preferred brand.
• We will make ourselves familiar with the local breastfeeding resources available to our patients.
• The Breastfeeding Resource Center (BRC) is an incredible resource in our community. BRC services are covered by many insurance companies or they may provide a sliding scale fee. They have private appointments as well as group support classes. Their number is (215) 886-2433 and their website is breastfeedingresourcecenter.org.
• The lactation consultants at AMH are an excellent resource for mothers just after birth. They have a Breastfeeding Support Services “Warmline” at (215) 481-6104 for any questions or concerns.
• We recognize that no two babies are alike and that even a mother who has experience breastfeeding her previous children may have difficulty with a new baby.
• We will always provide respect and encouragement to all our families. We recognize that caring for a newborn baby can be a challenging time and we are here to support our families in any way we can.

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As your child’s pediatrician, our goal is to provide the best pediatric care for your child. However, please be aware that our office is not party to your divorce agreement and we cannot and will not be responsible for administering any of its terms.

We will ask that the parent/step-parent bringing the child into the office pay the co-payment, and/or outstanding balance at the time of the visit. Statements go to one parent, usually the one with primary custody. If an account becomes delinquent and goes to collections, the collection agency will pursue both parents.

Both parents have a right to schedule appointments for their child. We will not call the other parent and inform them of said appointment, nor will we call them to advise them of what happened during said appointment.

Please make decisions regarding appointments, vaccinating and/or any office procedures PRIOR to visiting our practice.

If, after speaking with the parent/person who brought the child in for a visit; you still have questions regarding your child’s care, we ask that you please call and leave a message. The provider will call you back. As your child’s healthcare provider, we will not be used as a vehicle of communication between divorced parents; therefore we need you to communicate regarding your child.

Both parents have equal rights to the child’s medical information as long as the parental rights have not been severed. If parental rights have been ended, we will require a copy of the court documentation to that affect. Both the custodial and non-custodial parent has a right to medical information on their child. Note: this parental right is restricted to access of the child’s medical information and does not include access to the address, telephone number, or any information regarding the other parent.

If you request copies of all or part of the medical record, a fee is required before the copies will be made.

The best scenario is for parties to communicate openly with one another and actively participate in the healthcare and treatment of the child. This open communication will benefit all parties.

If we feel any of the above points are becoming an issue at the office and/or compromising patient care, we reserve the right to discharge the family from the practice.

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Payment is expected at the time of service, unless prior arrangement is made. The following fees will be charged for services that are not covered by insurance. In case of separated families, the adult who brings the child in for care is the individual we consider to be responsible for payment.

• Co-payment not paid at time of service $10
• Ear Piercing $65
• DOT Permit Form $55 
• FMLA Forms $25
• Return Check $25
• Expedited (24 hours) Forms $20
• School/Sports/Daycare Forms $10
• Transfer Records $20 1 child, $15 each additional. child

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As medical professionals, we feel very strongly that vaccinating children on schedule with currently available vaccines is absolutely the right thing to do for all children and young adults. We are making you aware of these facts not to scare you or coerce you, but to emphasize the importance of vaccinating your child. We are more than willing to discuss any questions you may have about vaccines, but do require all new patients to our practice to adhere to the vaccination schedule endorsed by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)

• We firmly believe in the effectiveness of vaccines to prevent serious illness and to save lives.
• We firmly believe in the safety of our vaccines.
• We firmly believe that all children and young adults should receive all of the recommended vaccines according to the schedule published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  (CDC) and the American Academy of Pediatrics  (AAP).
• We firmly believe, based on all available literature, evidence, and current studies, that vaccines do not cause autism or other developmental disabilities.
• We firmly believe that thimerosal, a preservative that has been in vaccines for decades and remains in some vaccines, does not cause autism or other developmental disabilities.
• We firmly believe that vaccinating children and young adults may be the single most important health promoting intervention we perform as health care providers, and that you can support as parents/caregivers. The recommended vaccines and the vaccine schedule are the results of years and years of scientific study and data gathering on millions of children by thousands of our brightest scientists and physicians.  

When you don’t vaccinate, you take a significant risk with your child’s health and the health of others around them. We recognize that the choice may be a very emotional one for some parents. We will do everything we can to convince you that vaccinating according to the schedule is the right thing to do.

Because we are committed to protecting the health of your children through vaccination, we require all of our patients to be vaccinated. Infants will receive all age-appropriate recommended vaccines by three months of age, with additional recommended vaccines as well as booster doses by two years of age. Children will receive additional recommended booster doses by the time they are seven years old, and will be given recommended 1112-year preteen vaccinations by the time they are 13 years old. We will complete 16-year teen vaccinations before each child’s 17th birthday. And, we will also give your child/teen an annual influenza vaccination unless they receive it at a school clinic or pharmacy.

Finally, if you should absolutely refuse to vaccinate your child despite all our efforts, we will ask you to find another healthcare provider who shares your views. We do not keep a list of such providers, nor would we recommend any such physician. Please recognize that by not vaccinating, you are putting your child at unnecessary risk for life-threatening illness and disability, and even death. As medical professionals, we feel very strongly that vaccinating your child on schedule with currently available vaccines is absolutely the right thing to do to protect all children and young adults. Thank you for taking the time to read this policy. Please feel free to discuss any questions or concerns you may have about vaccines with any one of our health care providers.

Abington Pediatric Associates

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Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act Grievance Policy and Procedure

It is the policy of Abington Pediatric Associates not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability. Abington Pediatric Associates has adopted an internal grievance procedure providing for prompt and equitable resolution of complaints alleging any action prohibited by Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act (42 U.S.C. § 18116) and its implementing regulations at 45 C.F.R. pt. 92, issued by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Section 1557 prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability in certain health programs and activities. Section 1557 and its implementing regulations may be examined in the office of Joan Telesford, Practice Administrator, 1047 Old York Road, Abington, PA 19001, phone: (215) 886-1240, Fax: (215) 886-7591, who has been designated to coordinate the efforts of Abington Pediatric Associates to comply with Section 1557. Any person who believes someone has been subjected to discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability may file a grievance under this procedure. It is against the law for Abington Pediatric Associates to retaliate against anyone who opposes discrimination, files a grievance, or participates in the investigation of a grievance.

Procedure: 

• Grievances must be submitted to the Section 1557 Coordinator within (60 days) of the date the person filing the grievance becomes aware of the alleged discriminatory action.
• A complaint must be in writing, containing the name and address of the person filing it. The complaint must state the problem or action alleged to be discriminatory and the remedy or relief sought.
• The Section 1557 Coordinator (or her/his designee) shall conduct an investigation of the complaint. This investigation may be informal, but it will be thorough, affording all interested persons an opportunity to submit evidence relevant to the complaint. The Section 1557 Coordinator will maintain the files and records of Abington Pediatric Associates relating to such grievances. To the extent possible, and in accordance with applicable law, the Section 1557 Coordinator will take appropriate steps to preserve the confidentiality of files and records relating to grievances and will share them only with those who have a need to know.
• The Section 1557 Coordinator will issue a written decision on the grievance, based on a preponderance of the evidence, no later than 30 days after its filing, including a notice to the complainant of their right to pursue further administrative or legal remedies.
• The person filing the grievance may appeal the decision of the Section 1557 Coordinator by writing to the Chief Executive Officer/Board of Directors)
• Within 15 days of receiving the Section 1557 Coordinator’s decision. The (Chief Executive Officer/Board of Directors) shall issue a written decision in response to the appeal no later than 30 days after its filing.

The availability and use of this grievance procedure does not prevent a person from pursuing other legal or administrative remedies, including filing a complaint of discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability in court or with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office for Civil Rights. A person can file a complaint of discrimination electronically through the Office for Civil Rights Complaint Portal, which is available at: https://ocrportal.hhs.gov/ocr/portal/lobby.jsf , or by mail or phone at:

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

200 Independence Avenue, SW

Room 509F, HHH Building

Washington, D.C. 20201

Such complaints must be filed within 180 days of the date of the alleged discrimination.

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Abington Pediatric Associates Privacy Policy

Abington Pediatric Associates No Surprises Act Policy

Everyone's Time is Equally Valuable.

We ask that you arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment time. We understand sometimes things happen beyond your control that may cause you to be late. However, we reserve the right to ask you to reschedule if you arrive late for your appointment.

Our practice makes every effort to run on time with appointments, as we believe everyone’s time is equally valuable.

Upcoming Appointments Via Phone/Text Message/Email

Missed Appointments: Broken appointments represent a cost to us, to you, and to other patients who could have been seen in the time set aside for you. We reserve the right to charge a fee for canceled or missed appointments. We request 24 hours notice for cancellation of appointments. If you fail to keep an appointment, you will receive a telephone call and a letter reminding you that you missed your appointment and remind you to reschedule.

A fee may be charged for a second missed appointment. Siblings scheduled together who miss or cancel appointments within 24 hours, will no longer be scheduled together.

If you miss three appointments without adequate notice, we will reluctantly ask you to choose another doctor’s office for your child’s health care.

For new patients, a fee may be charged if the FIRST appointment is missed.