Policies

We Work Hard to Not Overuse Antibiotics

We educate families on appropriate use of antibiotics, but follow evidence-based guidelines and don’t automatically treat ear pain or a green snotty nose with antibiotics.

We do not routinely prescribe antibiotics over the phone as we do not believe that is good medicine. We will prescribe an antibiotic when we believe it is an appropriate treatment.

Everyone's Time is Equally Valuable

We ask that you arrive 10 to 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment time. We understand that sometimes things happen beyond your control that may cause you to be late. However, we reserve the right to ask you to reschedule if you arrive late for your appointment.

Our practice makes every effort to run on time with appointments, as we believe everyone’s time is equally valuable.

Upcoming appointment reminders are sent via phone call, text message, and email. 

Missed appointments represent a cost to us, to you, and to other patients who could have been seen in the time set aside for you. We reserve the right to charge a fee for canceled or missed appointments. We request 24 hours notice for the cancellation of appointments.

A fee may be charged for a second missed appointment. The third consecutive missed appointment will result in discharge from the practice.

For new patients, a fee may be charged if the FIRST appointment is missed.

Payment in full is expected at the time services are received unless alternate arrangements are made. 

Accounts more than 30 days past due are subject to additional collection procedures. This does not apply to deductibles/co-payments of Medicaid or other governmental programs. 

Accounts under an agreed alternate payment contract will not be considered past due, provided the plan is accepted in writing in accordance with Healthy Steps Pediatrics' payment plan. 

Insured patients are required to pay identified co-payment, unsatisfied deductible, and estimated co-insurance prior to any services unless alternate arrangements are made. 

Uninsured patients are required to make payment in full prior to any services unless alternate arrangements are made. This provision does not apply, and payment will not be requested, prior to emergency

screening and stabilizing treatment as required by federal law. 

Healthy Steps Pediatrics REQUIRES a minimum of 24 hours notice to cancel an appointment. Appointments canceled same day or missed appointments (No Show) are subject to a $50 fee per appointment canceled or missed.

Patient Responsibility Statement

Click Here To View Our Notice of Privacy Practices

Efficiency Through the Use of Technology

You will be encouraged to consult our website, register for and use our patient portal, and effectively use automated reminders for appointments and for routine care/immunizations that are due. 

Our office also utilizes photographic and digital means for patient identification and treatment.

Vaccination is a Simple, Safe, and Effective Way to Prevent Disease

Our providers firmly believe in the safety and effectiveness of vaccines to prevent illness and to save lives. Vaccinating everyone, especially children and young adults, may be the single most important health-promoting intervention our providers perform as health care professionals. Our providers welcome any questions you may have about vaccines, but do require all new and existing patients to adhere to the vaccination schedule endorsed by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).

• We firmly believe in the effectiveness of vaccines to prevent serious illness and to save lives.
• We firmly believe in the safety of our vaccines.
• We firmly believe that all children and young adults should receive all of the recommended vaccines according to the schedule published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).
• We firmly believe, based on all available literature, evidence, and current studies, that vaccines do not cause autism or other developmental disabilities.
• We firmly believe that thimerosal, a preservative that has been in vaccines for decades and remains in some vaccines, does not cause autism or other developmental disabilities.
• We firmly believe that vaccinating children and young adults may be the single most important health promoting intervention we perform as health care providers, and that you can support as parents/caregivers.

HSP Vaccine Policy

Click Here To View Our Forms Policy

Click Here To View Our No Show Policy

Click Here To View Our Medical Records Policy