Find answers to the most commonly asked questions about our practice!
Peacock Pediatrics is always accepting new patients! To become a new patient, find more information here.
Since Peacock Pediatrics is Affiliated with Children’s Mercy, we have aligned our accepted insurances with theirs. Find more information about our accepted insurances at Insurance Plans and Coverage Types Accepted by Children’s Mercy – Children’s Mercy.
At Peacock Pediatrics, our top priority is the well-being of our patients and their families. We respect the rights of all parents/guardians to make decisions and understand that you also want what is best for your child. In regard to immunizations, we strongly believe in the effectiveness of vaccines to save lives and prevent serious illness. We firmly believe that all children and young adults should receive vaccinations according to those published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the American Academy of Family Physicians. Based on the current evidence in multiple studies, it has been overwhelmingly shown that vaccines are safe and effective. We commit to reviewing pertinent evidence regarding the safety of immunizations. Vaccinating children and young adults may be the single most important health-promoting intervention we can perform as pediatricians and that you can perform as parents/guardians.
It is because vaccines are so effective at preventing illness that the discussion whether immunizations should be given even exists. This has been proven by the eradication of smallpox, the near eradication of polio, and in more recent years, the significant decrease in meningitis. This has led to a decreased awareness and respect for the serious illness and their devastating consequences. In fact, increasing numbers of vaccine refusals have led to outbreaks of diseases which have previously been on the decline. By refusing to immunize your child, you are taking advantage of thousands of others who do immunize, and you place other children and adults at risk of life-threatening diseases.
Therefore, we, the providers of Peacock Pediatrics:
● Require that all patients be completely immunized according to the schedule recommend by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
● Require that immunizations be started at the first well visit.
● Are willing to discuss any questions you may have regarding immunizations at the separate visit, scheduled for that purpose.
If you feel that you cannot comply with this policy, you will need to find another health care provider. We do not have a list of these providers, nor would we recommend them. There is no controversy regarding the safety of immunizations; immunizing your child is the right decision. At Peacock Pediatrics we look forward to working with you to provide the best care possible for your child.
Find more information about vaccine safety here: https://www.cdc.gov/vaccinesafety/index.html
Find more information about general vaccine questions here: https://www.immunize.org/
Co-parenting is a reality in our society today. We do not know the circumstances of your parting, nor do we need to know, unless it concerns the health or well-being of our patient, your child.
Our office understands that split parents should have equal access to their child’s health record unless a court order specifies differently. Absent an order of the court to the contrary, we will assume each parent shall have equal access to the health record of the minor child. Each parent will be set up for their own portal access to view children’s chart(s).
Custody
Parents should provide our office with current copies of court orders related to custody with every update. Information regarding your child’s custody arrangements should be quickly relayed to Peacock Pediatrics so that your child continues to receive uninterrupted, quality care.
Joint Custody: If joint custody is in effect, either parent may consent for medical care and treatment.
Joint Legal Custody: Both parents have equal authority to consent, however, the court may require that both parents agree upon certain, or all medical decisions made on behalf of the child.
What to expect from Peacock Pediatrics:
Your child’s health and well-being are our main concern.
Our office will not be a messenger between you and your co-parent.
We will provide all the information regarding the risks, benefits, and alternate options on any treatment in question to the parent or guardian attending the visit.
As a final option to parental disputes about a minor’s care, the case could be referred to child welfare authorities.
What we expect from you, the parent:
Your child’s well-being is your main concern.
Peaceful, consistent, and purposeful communication regarding our patient.
The adult who brings the child to the visit is expected to provide information about the visit, diagnosis, and treatments to the other adult involved in the care of the child to best support the health of the child.
Parents should come to an agreement themselves and not bring the provider into a dispute if the decision is not life threatening.
You will not criticize a co-parent in front of our patient.
You will keep conversations in our office kid focused.
If you are the parent taking the child to the doctor, we will consider you the person responsible for paying copays. Unpaid balances will be expected to be paid in full or a payment plan arranged. We will not bill you for a portion of out-of-pocket expenses and then bill your co-parent for his/her portion.
Daycare, Pre-School, Camp, Sports Physicals, and other activity forms:
Completed during a visit = Forms will be completed same day with NO cost
Completed outside of a visit = $5.00 per page up to a maximum of $25 AND the form will require up to (3) three business days for completion
FMLA, Disability, etc. forms:
$25 prepaid form fee required before completion AND the forms will require up to (3) three business days for completion.
Please understand that some forms are more complicated and may require an appointment with your provider to be completed; this is based on the discretion of the provider.
Should an appointment be required there will be no additional fees for form completion.
It is your responsibility to provide any forms needing to be filled out to our office with adequate notice. The patient will need to be up to date on their yearly wellness exams.
If the patient’s insurance does not cover annual preventative visits, please call our office to discuss options.
This information is current and effective as of January 1st, 2024.
