Office Policies

Phone Hours

Our phones are open throughout the regular office hours.  We do not have a designated phone hour because we believe you should have access to the office throughout the day. If you have a routine question, the doctor will try to return your call at the end of the morning or afternoon session. Our nurses have been trained to handle many of the common problems that may arise and they would be most willing to help you whenever possible.

Due to our commitment to access and availability for all out patients’, we ask you to be understanding during times of peak usage. It is our intention to return all phone calls within 30 minutes; however, in certain situations it may take us a bit longer to get back to you. In the case of an urgent or emergency situation, simply indicate to the receptionist that you need an immediate call back and we will guarantee you a quick response. 

Triage

In order to handle the over 300 calls we receive each day, we have to use some sort of screening process. We do understand your frustration at “having to explain my problem to two or three people”’ but we want to provide you with the best solution possible. To expedite your call, we ask you to indicate to the receptionist at the beginning of your call if your needs are: 1) Well child appointment scheduling; 2) problem or question for the nurse or doctor; or 3) same day appointment for a medical problem. In this way we can respond to you quickly and efficiently and avoid any added frustration or stress for you.

Prescription Refills

Prescriptions should be called in during regular office hours. Please allow 72 hours notice for all refills when possible. We do not do prescription refills evenings or weekends. You may also do refills on the patient portal.  Please contact the office for a user name and password if you don’t have one.

Emergencies

Wherever there are kids, there will be emergencies. We understand how frightening it can be to have a child with a laceration, a broken bone or a sudden severe illness. We are always willing and equipped to handle most common pediatric emergencies. We only ask that you notify the office before coming in with your child so that we may be prepared to offer the necessary care. In case of life-threatening emergencies, we suggest that you arrange to have your child transported via ambulance to either Metro West Medical Center – Framingham Campus, Milford Regional Hospital or UMass Medical Center – Worcester, since all of these centers are staffed by pediatric physicians. Please notify the office if you are taking your child to the hospital so that we may coordinate care with the emergency room prior to your arrival.  Communication, openness and understanding between doctor, patient and parent are extremely important. We encourage you to discuss freely any problems that might arise regarding treatment, fees, office personnel, etc. We are here to help you and we need your input to maintain our high standards of care.