Are We a Good Fit?

New Patient Checklist

It is crucial that you have given serious consideration to the fit between our practice philosophies and your own when choosing a pediatric practice for your children.


Excellent care happens when the physicians and office staff are aligned with your family's priorities and philosophies regarding medical care. Only then can shared decision-making be based on mutual respect.


Please read the following checklist carefully to be sure Oakhurst Pediatrics is the appropriate medical home for your children.


We look forward to meeting you and forming a mutually rewarding relationship.

  • Vaccines
  • Antibiotics

    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 best practice. We will prescribe an antibiotic when we believe it is an appropriate treatment after your child is seen for a sick visit.

  • Medical Home

    We work hard to provide comprehensive medical care and serve as your medical home. To that end, we expect that you contact our office FIRST before seeking specialty care, or heading to another provider for urgent care. We want to be involved in either providing care in our office where appropriate, or referring you to the most appropriate specialist and helping to coordinate your care.


    Whenever you do see a specialist, we ask that you request a report be sent directly to our office so we may stay informed and have the most up-to-date information in your medical record.

  • Technology

    Our practice prides itself on efficiency through use of technology. You will be encouraged to consult our website, use our patient portal, and effectively use automated reminders for appointments and for routine care/immunizations that are due.

  • Office Hours

    We make every effort to meet the needs of our patients, offering both routine well visits and sick visit appointments. Most times, we will see your child the same day that you call for a sick visit. If you know that your child needs a sick visit appointment, call us and choose option 2 to schedule an appointment.  If you are unsure if you need an appointment or would like to talk to one of our nurses, choose option 3.


    We do not offer walk-in visits and we do not offer visits after 4 pm.


    Please familiarize yourself with our office hours to see if they work for your family.

  • After Hours

    We have a physician on call 24/7/365. When our office is closed overnight and you have an urgent issue that cannot wait until morning, you can call our main number and you will be
    connecting to our answering service who will direct your call. Depending on your child's age and concern, you will either be connected to onr of our providers or the CHOA nurse line.


    You may wish to check the "Is Your Child Sick?" section of our website for helpful information before using this service. Read more about After Hours care.

  • Insurance

    Make sure we participate with your insurance plan. 


    It is your responsibility to know the limits and coverage of your particular health insurance policy, to show your cards to us at each visit, and be prepared to pay any copays at the time of service.


    Our billing staff will do their best to assist you with insurance questions; however, If you have questions about your coverage, it is best check with your specific insurance company. Our office does not want you to be surprised by a bill, but must always bill your health plan based on federal guidelines and the actual services provided.

  • Billing

    Insurance copays are expected to be paid at the time of service. If you are unable to comply, you must speak with the billing department prior to the visit to set up a payment plan.

  • Scheduled Appointments

    For acute care, call the office to speak with triage staff, who will listen to your concerns and schedule an appointment for you. Sometimes an appointment may not be needed, and staff will advise you regarding your issue, or check with the physician and call you back.


    If our nurse is with another caller, you will be asked to leave a message and you will receive a return call.


    For well child visits, call our appointment line or schedule on the patient portal. Well visits may be scheduled up to 3 months in advance. You will receive an automated reminder 3 months ahead of when your child is due for their next well visit. We recommend scheduling at least 8 weeks ahead of your desired date.

  • Timeliness & Missed Appointments

    Our practice makes every effort to run on time with appointments, as we believe everyone’s time is equally valuable. As a courtesy, we will remind you of your upcoming appointments via phone/text message/email.


    We ask that you arrive 10 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.


    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.


    A fee may be charged for a second missed appointment. The third consecutive missed appointment will result in discharge from the practice.


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

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