New To Our Practice?
Welcome to HoCo Peds!
Welcome to our office! We believe that raising a child is a rewarding, as well as challenging, experience for a parent. We would like to help you enjoy this experience and ensure that your child's full potential is reached. We believe that healthy children are the results of healthy families and communities. In order to familiarize yourself with our practice, please take a few minutes to browse through our website. We strive to provide exceptional, progressive medical care that is respected among our peers and community. We do this by building trust and lasting relationships with our families while guiding our parents to raise happy, healthy children. Our vision is to exceed our patients and caregivers expectations in service, integrity and compassion while providing personal and high quality medical care.
Howard County Pediatrics complies with the applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, religion, disability, gender identity, or sex. Howard County Pediatrics does not exclude people or treat them differently because of race, color, national origin, age disability, or sex.
Here are some things to consider when choosing a medical home for your child:
- Please read Are we a good fit for you?. Excellent care happens when the physicians and office staff are aligned with your family priorities and philosophies regarding medical care (i.e. vaccines, use of antibiotics, office hours, etc.)
- Check to see if we are a participating provider under your insurance.
- Call our office as soon as possible once you have decided to enroll with us. We will register your child(ren) over the phone and ask you for your child’s insurance information. Our staff will then give you instructions on requesting your child’s medical records from his/her previous provider. It is very important that we have your child's medical records transferred from your previous provider as soon as possible. This helps us to provide the best care possible for your child. When you contact your previous provider, ask them what you need to do to request your child's records and have them sent to us. Sometimes there will be a form for you to complete and sign. Ask them how long it will take and whether or not there is a charge.
- If your child(ren) previous medical records are not received in time for your first appointment, the doctor will not have time to review them, therefore you may be asked to reschedule. Records are to be received 3-5 days before your child(rens) first appointment.
How Do I Become a New Patient?
Having a baby? Thinking about transferring care?
To provide the best care possible, it’s essential that we have access to your child's complete health records. These records help us understand their medical history, any past treatments, and any ongoing health needs. Please make sure to provide all relevant healthcare records before scheduling an appointment with us. This allows us to ensure a smooth transition and deliver the highest quality care for your child.
After Transferring Paperwork
Once the records are received, we will review them to determine if they are complete or sufficient for us to begin caring for your child. Unfortunately, we cannot treat or provide any care for your child until that time.
Please be aware that under federal (HIPAA) and state laws, your previous medical provider may charge a "reasonable, cost-based fee" to copy your child's medical records. This cost is your responsibility. This fee may be waived if records are sent directly to our office.
If you have not already done so, please sign a release of records form and provide it to your child's previous medical provider.
Meet & Greet
To become a new patient at our practice, whether you're preparing to welcome a new baby or transferring care, we encourage you to schedule a Meet & Greet. This personalized session gives you the opportunity to ask any questions you might have, explore our care philosophy, and get to know one of our dedicated pediatricians in a relaxed, welcoming environment. It's a great way to ensure our practice is the right fit for your family’s needs. We’re here to support you every step of the way, and we can’t wait to welcome you to our community!
For Newborns
Choosing a pediatrician for your newborn is an exciting first step in giving them the best start in life. It's not just about check-ups; it's about building a trusted relationship with healthcare providers who will guide you every step of the way. This strong connection lays a supportive foundation for your child's growth and well-being, from tracking milestones to addressing health concerns.
If your baby is born at one of the hospitals we're associated with, let your obstetrician or the hospital staff know we will be your child's pediatrician. Within 24 hours of birth, one of our physicians will conduct a thorough examination and discuss any questions you might have.
For deliveries at hospitals we aren't associated with, a hospital staff pediatrician will examine your baby. Once discharged, please schedule a comprehensive first visit at our office within 1-2 days of discharge. This first visit ensures a detailed examination and allows your pediatrician to address any questions.
Remember to add your new baby to your insurance policy within 30 days of birth to secure coverage. If required, select one of our pediatricians as your baby's primary care provider. Don't forget to bring any hospital records regarding your baby's health to your first office visit.
For Transferring Families
To ensure a smooth transition to our practice:
Gather and organize all medical records, including vaccination and test results.
Communicate with both your current and new pediatrician to provide necessary information about your child's medical history and ongoing treatments. Receiving previous medical records is crucial for a new practice to review and assume regular care.
For new patients with acute illnesses, an appointment can be scheduled if all necessary medical information is obtained to address the issue.