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.

At Rivertown Pediatrics, we are committed to providing timely, high-quality care to every child we serve. We kindly ask that families arrive on time and make every effort to keep scheduled appointments. When appointments are missed or significantly delayed, it limits our ability to offer that time to another child who may be waiting to be seen.

If you arrive late, we will always do our best to accommodate you; however, depending on the schedule that day, we may need to adjust or reschedule your visit to ensure your patient receives the attention they deserve.

To help you avoid a missed appointment fee, we kindly ask that appointments be canceled at least 24 hours in advance whenever possible. We understand that emergencies and unexpected illnesses occur, and we are always happy to work with families in those situations. For your convenience, appointments can be canceled directly through your Phreesia appointment reminder or by sending us a message through our secure patient portal.

Please note that if a new patient misses their initial appointment without notice, we are unable to reschedule a future visit with our practice. This ensures we can provide timely care to all families.

Please take a moment to review our office Financial Policy.

Please take a moment to review our office Privacy Policy.

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.

The health and well-being of your children are our top priorities. We firmly support the expert guidance and recommendations provided by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). As such, our vaccine policy aligns with the evidence-based immunization schedule developed by this organization.

We believe:

• Vaccines save lives. Immunizations have been proven to prevent serious illnesses, reduce the spread of contagious diseases, and protect vulnerable populations.
• Vaccines are safe. Extensive research and rigorous safety standards ensure that vaccines are both effective and secure for children and young adults.
• Vaccines protect communities. By vaccinating according to the recommended schedule, we help prevent outbreaks and protect individuals who cannot be immunized, such as infants too young for certain vaccines or those with certain medical conditions.

Our Policy Highlights:

• Recommended Schedule: We follow the immunization schedule endorsed by the AAP because it has been carefully developed to provide the best protection at the most appropriate times.
• Evidence-Based Approach: Our recommendations are grounded in the latest medical research and data, reflecting a strong consensus among pediatric health experts.
• Transparent Communication: We are always available to discuss any questions or concerns about vaccines and are committed to providing clear, respectful information about the benefits and potential risks.

We understand that deciding how to protect your child’s health is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. By following this policy, we aim to ensure that every child in our care has the opportunity to grow up healthy, safe, and protected against preventable diseases.