Frequently Asked Questions
Below are some of the most frequently asked questions. If you have a question not addressed below, please contact us, and we’ll be happy to help you!
Can I get same day appointments?
We will see sick children the same day if needed. Physicals need to be scheduled in advance so that we can give your child enough time with the provider. Please call to schedule physicals several weeks ahead of time.
Keep in mind that most insurance plans allow only 1 “wellness” exam per year.
How many well child visits are covered by insurance?
You will need to check with your insurance company about well child visit coverage before you come for your annual checkup. Some insurance plans do not have preventive coverage.
Other insurance plans only allow a well child visit every 365+1 days. For example, if your child had a physical on February 1st, then the next well child visit has to be a full year later or after February 2nd.
Can I talk to a doctor after the office is closed?
Kids get sick at all hours, so there is a physician available 24 hours a day. Afterhours, from 5 p.m. to 8 a.m., there is always a doctor on call that you can reach through our telephone answering service. Simply call the main office number 720-284-3700 to reach the answering service who may connect you to the doctor on call or the after-hours nurse triage line available through the Children’s Hospital Colorado.
Can I talk to a nurse during the day if I have a question about my child?
We have a nurse-triage line available during our regular business hours that can assist you with any questions you may have.
Can I visit the office and meet with the pediatrician before my baby is born?
Yes! We encourage and welcome new parents to schedule a prenatal visit to meet with our board-certified pediatricians. You’ll have a chance to get acquainted with us and our office, as well as ask any questions you have about our practice and what our care will look like after the birth of your baby.
Do you have evening and weekend hours?
We offer a Saturday Walk-In Clinic for current patients on most Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. at our Wheat Ridge office. For holidays or flu clinics, we do not offer a Saturday clinic. Please check the top bar of our website for Saturday closures or call our office at (720) 284-3700.
Do you recommend and follow the standard vaccine schedule?
Yes, we do follow the CDC (Center for Disease Control) recommended vaccine schedule. As healthcare providers for children and young adults we believe in protecting our patients from these preventable diseases. Here are a few helpful links:
Vaccineinformation.org
Immunize.org
Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
Healthychildren.org
Do you take my insurance?
We take many insurance plans! It is always a good idea, however, to check with your individual insurance carrier to see if Pediatrics West is listed under their plan. You may also call our Business Office at 720-284-3717 to verify that we are part of your plan.
How many providers do you have?
We have six board-certified pediatricians, four certified pediatric nurse practitioners, and three certified physician assistants. Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistants are board certified and are able to diagnose, treat, write prescriptions, and provide education on pediatric care.
How often should my child see the pediatrician?
We recommend the following schedule: Newborn, 2 weeks, 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, 9 months, 12 months, 15 months, 18 months, 2 years. From 2 years through 18 years, we recommend yearly visits.
If my child needs to be hospitalized will my pediatrician take care of us in the hospital?
In the event that your child does need to be hospitalized, we are associated with The Children’s Hospital Colorado, Rocky Mountain Hospital for Children, and Swedish Medical Center. Each of these pediatric facilities has a hospitalist group that will take care of your child while in the hospital. Our electronic medical records system lets us closely monitor the care your child receives during hospitalization, allowing for seamless and timely follow-up.
If my child needs to see a specialist where would your office refer to?
Most often, we refer to pediatric specialists affiliated with Children’s Hospital Colorado and Rocky Mountain Hospital for Children. We have a referral specialist that works with you and your physician. She may be reached at 720.284.3700.
Useful Web links:
Aap.org
Vaccineinformation.org
Immunize.org
HealthyChildren.org
Childrenscolorado.org
Chop.edu/service/vaccine-education-center
Clevelandclinic.org
Uptodate.com
Mayoclinic.org
What developmental screening tools do you have?
We ask families to complete a developmental questionnaire, called the ASQ (Ages and Stages Questionnaire), for each well baby/child visit from age 2 months to 5 years. This questionnaire is in addition to the child’s physical exam and discussion of how your child is meeting developmental milestones. At 18 months and 2 years we use the MCHAT (Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers). We also use a Healthy Lifestyle questionnaire to facilitate discussions regarding nutrition and physical activity.
Will I see the pediatrician or the nurse practitioner/physician assistant?
Our office currently has 6 physicians and 7 Advanced Practice Providers (APP). An APPs either a nurse practitioner or physician assistant. Each physician works with one or two APPs. We encourage each family to have continuity of care with one physician and APP pair/trio. This allows our practice to dedicate more time at each visit with your child. Our schedulers will work with you to ensure your child is seen by the provider of your choice, be that the physician or the APP.
Your office has two locations; can I be seen at both?
Yes, you may be seen at either location, whichever is most convenient for your family. We use an electronic medical record that facilitates your ability to be seen at either office.