New Patients
Nothing satisfies us more than watching a child grow into a healthy, well adjusted adult.
Welcome to Saugatuck Pediatrics!
All journeys begin with a first step, and as Saugatuck Pediatrics makes ours, we invite you to follow along as we build a comprehensive, inclusive pediatric practice that will help nurture your children. We welcome new patients starting at birth and established patients can be seen up to 22 years of age.
Are We A Good Fit?
It is important that the pediatric practice you choose be aligned with your medical philosophies. Excellent care happens when the physicians and office staff are in agreement with your family priorities and beliefs regarding the practice of medicine. Our goal is that shared medical decisions for your family be based on mutual respect and understanding. Please read the practice philosophies below to be sure that Saugatuck Pediatrics is the appropriate medical home for your children.
Vaccines
We are a vaccinating practice.
Our vaccine policy follows the schedule outlined by the CDC and the American Academy of Pediatrics. We do not make exceptions for personal, religious or philosophical objections. We all vaccinate our own children on schedule, and expect the same of our patients.
Antibiotics
We work hard not to overuse antibiotics.
We educate families on appropriate use of antibiotics, and follow evidence-based guidelines in our prescribing of medication. We do not automatically treat ear infections or green snot with antibiotics, nor do we routinely call in antibiotics over the phone as we do not believe this is good, or safe, medicine. When we believe antibiotics are appropriate treatment, we are happy to explain why.
Medical Home
We want to be your child’s medical home.
We work hard to provide comprehensive medical care and serve as your medical home. We ask that you contact our office FIRST before seeking specialty care or heading to Urgent Care or the ER (except in cases of true emergency.) We also do not share care with naturopathic doctors.
Technology
We pride ourselves on efficiency through use of technology.
You may be expected to contact us through our patient portal and use automated reminders via text, email or phone.
We use an online service called CHADIS for pre-visit questionnaires such as developmental and mental health assessments. These need to be completed prior to EVERY well visit or mental health evaluation. An alternative is to arrive a minimum of 15 minutes prior to your appointment to complete in our office.
Office Hours
We are here for you.
Weekend/holiday acute sick visits as needed are from approximately 10am-12pm. We ask that you call by 10am on weekends/holidays if you wish to be seen. Please make sure these hours work for your family.
We have a physician on call 24/7/365, we do not use nurse triage or answering systems. The on-call physician can be contacted by calling our main number at any time. We ask that you limit these calls to true urgent or emergent questions, as we do typically sleep at night!
Timeliness
We make every effort to run on time.
Our practice makes every effort to run on time with appointments, as everyone’s time is equally valuable. We ask that you make every effort to arrive at the office at your scheduled appointment time and call us if you are running behind. You may be asked to reschedule if you are more than 10 minutes late so as not to delay the patients who follow you.
Insurance & Billing
Please understand your financial responsibilities.
Please make sure we take your specific insurance as we do not accept all plans. If there are any questions, feel free to contact our office.
We practice medicine according to accepted medical standards and Academy of Pediatric recommendations. We cannot tailor care to only what is covered by your insurance. It is up to you to understand how your insurance works, including deductibles and co-insurance, and to provide up-to-date insurance information at every visit.
Annual Administrative Fee
Payment of our modest Annual Administrative Fee is requested of all patients of Saugatuck Pediatrics other than Medicaid (Husky) patients. The 2024 fee will be no higher than previous Village Pediatric Fees.
Congratulations!
Saugatuck Pediatrics shares the excitement and joy of expecting a child. Our doctors are more than happy to set up a Prenatal Consult with you via telehealth/Zoom to briefly discuss the practice and address any questions you may have.
Step 1: Newborn Application
If you are interested in making Saugatuck Pediatrics your child’s medical home, please complete this application to ensure we are a good match for you. A member of our office will contact you within a week after receipt of the survey to discuss appointment availabilities. Filling out an application does not guarantee acceptance into the practice.
How to Apply
- Please visit these links prior to applying. Filling out an application does not guarantee acceptance into the practice.
- Review Our Policies
- Meet Our Physicians
- Complete the Application
Step 2: Newborn Registration
If you have been accepted to the practice, we are excited to have your family join us! Please complete the following new patient registration forms. They can be completed online and returned securely through our website. Alternatively, you can print and mail, email or fax your information to us (though we cannot guarantee privacy in these formats.)
New Patient Forms
- Please complete this set of forms before your first appointment.
- Newborn Registration Form
- Newborn Record Release FormLeave the child’s name and DOB blank for now, we will fill it in when requesting your child’s newborn records from the hospital.
- Policies and Procedures FormFinancial, privacy, vaccine, and treatment policies.
- Notice of Privacy Practices
How to Join Our Practice
Step 1: Application
If you are interested in making Saugatuck Pediatrics your child’s medical home, please complete this application to ensure we are a good match for you. A member of our office will contact you within a week after receipt of the survey to discuss appointment availabilities. Filling out an application does not guarantee acceptance into the practice.
How To Apply
- Please visit these links prior to applying. Filling out an application does not guarantee acceptance into the practice.
- Review Our Policies
- Meet Our Physicians
- Complete the Application
Step 2: Registration
If you have been accepted to the practice, we are excited to have your family join us! Please complete the following new patient forms. They can be completed online and returned securely through our website. Alternatively, you can print and mail, email or fax your information to us (though we cannot guarantee privacy in these formats.)
New Patient Forms
- Once you have been accepted to the practice, please complete this full set of forms (including the record release) before your first appointment. Please allow one week for us to create your family's record prior to scheduling a visit.
- Medical Record Release FormComplete a medical record release form and submit it to your previous pediatrician’s office. We cannot see your child prior to receiving their past medical and immunization records.
- Verify Insurance CoverageReview our list of accepted insurance plans, and call your insurance company to verify that our office is in your network and to change your child’s Primary Care Provider (PCP) if necessary. If your plan is not on that list, we are always happy to see you out-of-network or on a cash-pay basis.
- Family Registration FormComplete ONE per family.
- Medical History QuestionnaireComplete this form for each child.
- Notice of Privacy Practices