FAQs

Please take a moment to read our most commonly asked questions. We're always available to answer your questions and encourage you to contact our office if you have a question that is not answered below.

International Travel Plans?: Many of our teens and families are traveling abroad after three long years of the pandemic.  If your child or your family is going to a country that requires a typhoid vaccine or malaria prophylaxis, please make an appointment so we can give you the vaccine and discuss malaria medication options.  You can check travel requirements at cdc.gov.

After Hours: What to do when your child gets sick after hours? Call us first! One of us is always available whenever the office is closed. You can speak directly with us, and we can advise you on the best course of action. If it is Saturday morning, bring them into the office. We are open from 8:30 a.m. to Noon every Saturday. If it is in the evening or Sunday, call us first. Often, we can give you advice on what to do or, if appropriate, do a virtual telemedicine visit right from the comfort of your home.

Insurance: Each time you bring your child to the office, we will ask you for your insurance card. It is stated in your contract with your insurance company that we must do this, and you must provide it so we can verify your benefits. We know that it is an inconvenience; however, we must abide by the contracts that you have with your insurance company.

School Forms and Sports Physicals: An annual physical is required for our doctors to be able to complete and sign school and sports forms. Our doctors can sign their forms if your child has had a well-visit exam within the last 12 months. We can provide the 3231 and 3300 forms, as well as the generic GHSA physical form. However, please be aware that some schools and camps have specific forms that we cannot generate and you will have to provide us with those specific forms. Once we receive the forms, please allow us 2 to 3 business days for completion. Thank you for your patience and cooperation.

Online Features: We have updated many of our web features to include online bill-pay, and other parental resources such as information about vaccines, common illnesses and injuries, and school/camp forms. We encourage you to utilize the resources we have made available to you as many of your questions or concerns may be answered or addressed regarding your child(ren) without having to wait on the telephone or for someone to get back to you. We hope that these features will enhance your and your child's visit here at the Atlanta Children's Clinical Center.

New Patients: We are accepting new patients! Please call the office to ensure that we accept your insurance policy. We offer one complimentary "Meet and Greet" appointment for new families either in person, in the office, or via telemedicine if you prefer. We must receive medical records from the previous pediatrician prior to making any appointments for your child. A form for requesting records can be found in Patient Forms under the Forms & Policies tab.

Q: What is a Pediatrician?

A: A pediatrician is a medical doctor who specializes in the care of children. Pediatricians have undergone special training in the health and illnesses of infants, teens and young adults, and the majority of pediatricians are certified by the American Board of Pediatrics after passing a comprehensive exam.

Pediatricians provide preventive health care for children in good health and medical care for children who are acutely or chronically ill. They also provide parents with support and advice with issues such as growth and development, safety and prevention, nutrition, and emotional wellness to foster a lifetime of good health.

Q: Can I meet my pediatrician before my baby is born?

A: Yes, in fact, we strongly encourage parents-to-be to visit our office for a prenatal appointment. This is a great way to get acquainted with our office and our doctors. During this visit, we will answer any questions that you have about our practice or your new child. Visit our expectant parent's page for more information.

Q: How often should my child see the pediatrician?

A: Your child should not only see the pediatrician for an illness. It is also important to schedule well-child-care exams regularly, beginning in infancy. Also called well-care visits or checkups, these routine examinations provide the best opportunity for the doctor to observe the progress of your child's physical and mental growth and development; to counsel and teach parents; to detect problems through screening tests; to provide immunizations, and to get to know one another. Well-care visits are strongly recommended as part of preventive pediatric care.

Well-child visits are also a good time for parents to raise questions and concerns about a child's development, behavior, nutrition, safety, and overall well-being.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends this schedule for routine well-care visits:

• 3 to 5 days
• 1 month
• 2 months
• 4 months
• 6 months
• 9 months
• 12 months
• 15 months
• 18 months
• 24 months
• 30 months
• 3 years
• 4 years
• And once every year thereafter for an annual health supervision visit that includes a physical exam as well as a developmental, behavioral, and learning assessment.

Q: What is the best way to schedule an appointment with your office?

A: You can schedule an appointment by calling our office during regular business hours, or by requesting an appointment online.

Q: Is your office accepting new patients?

A: Yes, we always welcome new patients. Contact our office for additional information or request an appointment.

Q: Why does my child need to receive vaccinations?

A: Immunizations are a series of shots given to children at different ages to help ward off serious, and potentially fatal, childhood diseases. Making sure your child receives immunizations when scheduled is the best way to help protect your child from potentially fatal diseases. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, vaccinations have reduced the number of infections from vaccine-preventable diseases by more than 90%. If you're apprehensive about vaccinations, please do not hesitate to contact our office.