Policy for Divorced or Separated Parents
At Pediatrics West, PC, we understand that separation and divorce can be difficult for families. Parents and children will both experience stress as they learn a new normal for their family. The care of the pediatric patient is always our priority. We never want your child’s care to be compromised.
Pediatrics West, PC has a policy for parents who are divorced/separated and are navigating the world of co-parenting.
Contact Information
The address listed as “primary” in the child’s file should be the address at which the child resides, or in the case of shared custody, the primary address should be the address of the parent providing the insurance coverage. In shared custody cases, both parents should be listed in the child’s file.
Custody
Pediatrics West, PC requires legal documentation of any provisions the court has set forth in regard to custody and communication with our office.
In the presence or absence of legal orders, we expect that both parents will cooperate with each other in the best interest of the child. We will not restrict communication or your child’s medical chart with either parent without court ordered documentation.
Parental Communication
Both parents are entitled to treatment information regarding their child, except in the presence of a court ordered legal documentation that states otherwise. Parents are expected to communicate with each other regarding insurance information, billing, and appointment scheduling.
It is both parents’ responsibility to communicate with each other about the child’s care, office visit dates, and any other pertinent information relevant to the patient. It is not the responsibility of the provider to communicate visit information to each custodial parent separately. Our providers will not call the non-attending parent following visits. We will not call a parent to notify them of an appointment scheduled or cancelled by the other parent. Additionally, if the non-attending parent calls after a visit and has multiple questions and medical concerns regarding the child, an additional medical visit may be required.
Financial Responsibilities
Co-pays are collected at the time of the office visit, and the attending parent is expected to pay at that time. If the court agreement states the other parent is responsible for copayments, it is the accompanying parent’s responsibility to pay at the time of the visit and collect reimbursement from the responsible parent. It is not Pediatrics West’s responsibility to bill the other parent.
If parents are found to be deceptive to the practice when it comes to financial information or responsibility, the child may be dismissed from Pediatrics West, PC.
Medical Documentation and Recommendations
The medical provider will document the office visit. There is to be no “instructing” the provider on what to write down, what not to say to the other parent, or what not to say in front of the child. We find it is usually best that both parents attend doctor visits when legally and safely possible. When our providers and your child are placed in the middle of angry or accusatory parents, it irreparably compromises the doctor-patient relationship.
Explanations of your child’s care plan will be provided once during the visit to the parent that is present. The provider will not call the other parent to discuss the care plan a second time. Medical documentation is available via your child’s electronic medical record. Additionally, if the non-attending parent calls after a visit and has multiple questions or concerns, an additional medical visit may be required.