Appointments, forms, prescription refills, complaints etc.

Up to what age do you care for patients?
We generally provide pediatric care to infants, children, adolescents, and young adults up to the age of 21 years as long as they are dependants of their parents/legal guardians. That is: living at home or away at college and are not married or have children of their own.

Are you taking new patients?
In general, yes, we are accepting new patients if they are less than 17 years old. The reason for this age restriction is that we believe you will have better continuity of care if after your 17th birthday you start (and continue) with an internist or family doctor in the area rather than have us see you for short period of time and then have to leave our practice as you become an independent adult.

Who is allowed to bring my child to the office?
With your written permission, any person is allowed to bring your child to the office. Click here to print a sample permission form. We strongly recommend a parent/legal guardian accompany your child to the office for any well child checkups, vaccinations, or procedures (or at least be available by telephone) so that you are available to answer any questions that may come up in the course of that visit. Your signature is also needed for any vaccines your child receives. Children 18 years old and up may sign for themselves.

How far in advance should I schedule my next well child check up?
If you have a new baby you should call the office the day after your discharge from the hospital to schedule an appointment, usually 1-2 weeks after discharge. For other appointments certain providers have busier schedules than others do. Most schedules are made up several months in advance. It is best to set up your child's next well child check up at least 2-3 months in advance.

What should I do if I forget about my appointment or need to cancel or change my appointment?
We view our relationship as a partnership. We will usually, but not always, call to confirm and remind you about an upcoming appointment. Your part of the partnership is to arrive on time or call and cancel or reschedule if you unable to keep your appointment. If you are unable to keep your appointment please notify us at least 24 hours in advance or as soon as possible so other patients who may need to be seen can be accommodated.

Will my child always see the same doctor when they come to the office?
For well child visits and most sick visits each pediatrician, nurse practitioner, or physicians assistant will care for their own patients. However, it is possible that due to emergencies or absence from the office, one of the other pediatricians, nurse practitioners, or physician assistants may see your child. In the case of urgent visits the provider in the office or physician on call will see your child.

Can I switch my child to a different primary care provider in your office? Or to a different PPNP office?
Certainly. We recognize that patients' and families' needs and preferences can change with time and people move. With rare exceptions, all you need to do to switch primary care providers is to notify the front desk of your wish to switch from one provider to another.

How can I get a copy of my child's immunizations (or medical record)?
Simple. Call or stop by the office and request a copy of your child's immunizations which we can usually print right from our computer data bank.

How does your office handle school/sports/camp/daycare forms that need to be completed and signed?
If your child is up to date on their regular well child check ups, we are happy to fill out forms for school, sports, daycare, or camps. Forms can be dropped off or faxed to our office. If you will be picking up the form, let us know and we will call you when it is completed. If you would prefer to have the formed mailed to a specified address, please include a written note with your permission to do so and stamped and addressed envelop to speed processing. Most forms are completed within a few business days. Please notify us if there is a deadline for the form to be completed and we will do our best to accommodate you.

How do I get a prescription refilled?
To refill a prescription please call the office and leave the following:

• Your child’s name
• His/her date of birth
• The name of the medication
• The telephone number of the pharmacy (if you want us to call it in to the pharmacy)
• Your name along with a telephone number where you can be reached if there is a problem or question about your refill request.

Most requests will be taken care of by 4 p.m. the next regular business day after you call. Routine prescription refills are not processed after hours or weekends when the office is closed.

Please note: stimulant medications used to treat ADD or ADHD such as methylphenidate, Dexedrine, or Adderall cannot be called into the pharmacy. Click here to view our policy on these medications and how to get a refill.

I have a complaint. Who should I contact?
We welcome your comments and complaints! It gives us one more chance to improve our services to patients and their families. Should a problem occur while you are in the office, please notify the provider you are scheduled with for that visit. If he/she is unavailable, any other staff member can forward your concerns to the appropriate person or site director. If you are not sure who to speak with, our practice administrator, Linda Penwarden is available during office hours at 570-253-5838 or at linda@ppnp.pcc.com ( Please do not email sensitive or confidential information. Instead leave a general message and a telephone number and the best time to call you.)

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