What is the mission of your practice?
My goal is to provide excellent pediatric endocrine care for children, birth up to 25 years old, in a model that allows for empathy, and personal, interpersonal and familial connection. I will work to combine my expertise in pediatric endocrinology with compassion and respect for my patients in order to promote their health and well-being. We can do this through a working partnership and respectful cooperation so that we can learn from each other how to help your child.
How is the practice different from a traditional medical practice?
In this model I have chosen to limit the size of my practice. This will allow me to devote more time to your child and your family’s needs. Therefore, you will have little to no waiting time for appointments. This model allows me to schedule and spend more time at each visit with my patients. Appointments will be approximately 30 and up to 60 minutes and if needed we will do our best to accommodate your child’s particular needs. In addition to direct communication through my portal and secure email, you will be able to contact me on my personal cell phone for urgent after hour needs.
At which hospitals are you on staff?
I will remain affiliated with The Children’s Hospital at Tristar Centennial Medical Center.
Do I still need health insurance if I enroll my child with you?
I have elected not to participate as an in-network provider for any commercial health insurance plans or Medicaid. However, as a member of my practice your visits will not require you to meet a deductible or involve a copay, coinsurance or prior authorization.
What should I do if my child becomes ill with an endocrine issue while traveling or away on an extended vacation?
If the problem is minor, call me first. However, if your child has a life-threatening emergency, call 911 immediately – then call me. With the exception of controlled substances, I will do my best to accommodate your child’s prescription requests if the state/local law allows it.
If you seek care for your child at an emergency room or urgent care center out of my area, I encourage you to ask the doctor seeing your child to call me to coordinate their care. You may provide them with my cell phone that you use for after-hours emergencies.
If your child should require hospitalization while away, at your request, I will attempt to establish regular phone communication with your child’s attending physician(s) to ensure continuity of care.
Will you be a provider on my child’s insurance plan?
I have elected not to participate as an in-network provider for any commercial health insurance plans or Medicaid. However, as a member of my practice your visits will not require you to meet a deductible or involve a copay, coinsurance or prior authorization.
Is the annual fee tax deductible or reimbursable through my family’s HSA or FSA?
In some instances, the annual fee, or part of the fee, may be payable through your HSA. You are advised to consult with your family’s HSA or FSA plan administrator, employer, HR representative or tax adviser to clarify qualification in your particular circumstance.
How can I reach you outside normal office hours?
My goal is to be available to my patients/their families 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by phone, text message, portal and/or email communication, with after office hours available, if needed. Of course, if there is an immediate emergency that cannot wait, I recommend calling 911.
What if my child has an emergency?
Please know that you can contact me at any time. However, if your child has a life-threatening endocrine emergency, call 911 immediately. Once your child’s emergent needs are met, I encourage you to call me or have the hospital or emergency room call me directly so I can assist in your child’s care. If they have a non-urgent problem, feel free to contact me first.
What if my child needs to see a specialist or a surgeon?
I have been a parent as well as a physician in Tennessee for more than two decades and in that time I have formed close working relationships with many healthcare providers. Should your child need a referral to a specialist, I will work with you and your primary care provider to coordinate care, ensure that communication is clear and medical information is provided in advance.