OFFICE POLICIES

Below are procedures and standards that we follow, and that we ask you to observe, so that we can give
you and all of our patients the best service and health care we can provide.

AFTER-HOURS PHONE CALLS
The after-hours number is 972-964-5219. When calling after hours, our answering system will instruct you to contact Dr. Piga or the physician on-call for her. Please keep your lines open and temporarily turn off your answering machine or voicemail to facilitate our return call. ¬return to top

OFFICE HOURS
Our office is open from Monday thru Friday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. We are closed on Thursdays at
3:00 pm, on weekends and all major holidays. ¬return to top

APPOINTMENTS
Please arrive on time for your appointment. When you arrive, please inform us of any insurance, address, or responsible party changes. We will ask to see your insurance card during each visit in order to compare with information we have on file. We will need a copy of your insurance card each time you receive a new card from your company.

Well-baby visits are conducted at 2, 4, 6, 9, 12, and 15 or 18 months. We prefer that you make these appointments at the time of earlier visits. However, you may also call to schedule your appointment one month in advance.

For routine yearly check-ups and pre-participation sports physicals, please schedule your appointment one month in advance.

If someone other than a parent or legal guardian must bring your child in, we must have a letter on file stating the relationship to the child and authorization for that person to approve any treatment that may be necessary.

If you are late for an appointment or you walk-in without an appointment, you will be seen when the schedule allows. If you are more than 30 minutes late, you may be asked to reschedule. ¬return to top

TELEPHONE CALLS
The after-hours number is 972-964-5219. All calls to the office will be returned as soon as we possibly can. Since we are a small office with many patients, please give us time to return your call. If a situation occurs that needs immediate attention after-hours, and cannot wait until the next working day, please call the office and follow the directions on the answering machine. Please allow time for the doctor to return your call. ¬return to top

PRESCRIPTIONS
Prescriptions, most especially antibiotics, are generally given after your child has been examined and the proper diagnosis is made. Written prescriptions given during an office visit will not be called in from the office.

Any refills for medication should be requested during office hours only.

If your child takes medication for ADHD and needs a refill, please call the office one week in advance. Please remember that you have 7 days to fill that prescription. ¬return to top

LAB RESULTS
All lab results will be reported once we receive the information from the laboratories. Please remember that most tests take 48 to 72 hours for results and that we send tests to your insurance’s contracted lab. ¬return to top

IMMUNIZATION RECORDS
If you need a copy of your child’s shot record, please give the office 24 hours notice prior to pick-up. There is a $2 fee per immunization record. ¬return to top

MEDICAL RECORDS
If you are moving or need a copy of your child’s medical records for other purposes, please make your request at least 2 weeks in advance. A release form must be signed prior to release and the appropriate fee will be charged per record. These records are available for pick-up. Costs for certified registered mail are extra, if applicable. ¬return to top

SCHOOL AND CAMP FORMS
Please be advised that the doctor completes these forms only if your child has had a physical in the past year. Please make your request at least one week in advance. These forms are available for pick-up only. ¬return to top

REFERRALS TO SPECIALISTS
If your child needs to see a pediatric specialist, we will provide you with the names of excellent specialists in our community. Please refer to your insurance plan’s listing of providers to ensure that the specialist is in your plan’s network prior to making an appointment.

Should you need insurance approval prior to your visit with the specialist, please give our office at least one week to submit the referral. ¬return to top