Financial Policy Update
We have updated our financial policies regarding no-show appointments and fees not paid at the time of service.
The fee for no-show visits has been increased to $50. In addition, we are now charging a $5 statement fee if your bill or copay is not paid on the day of service.
Missed appointments negatively impact our ability to care for your child and others, and delayed payments incur additional costs for our practice. We appreciate and thank you for your understanding.
If you have any questions, please contact our office manager.
NEW VACCINE STUDY!
Medical Center Pediatrics is an approved site for a national study on a vaccine against MMRV (Measles, Mumps, Rubella and Chickenpox) made by GSK (GlaxoSmithKline). The vaccine is already approved and in use in several other countries and GSK is looking for participants so they can show the FDA that their vaccine is comparable to the one already in use in the U.S.
The study is for 4-6 year old children who are due to get their second dose at their routine checkup. There is no placebo part of the study. Children either get the GSK vaccine or the MMRV vaccine that is currently being given universally in the U.S.
We consider this to be a safe study as the vaccine is already in use around the world. The study does involve two blood tests to determine that the vaccines did indeed work (something not routinely done when we vaccinate kids) and reporting symptoms in the children via a smart phone app (smart phones provided if the family does not have one). In order to recruit patients to such a study the company does offer a generous compensation.
If you would like more information about any aspects of this study, please leave a message for Dr. Levinson or nurse Lori at the Bingham Farms office.
WHAT'S GOING AROUND?
We are currently seeing a spike in gastrointestinal illnesses, strep throat, bronchiolitis (RSV), influenza, and we are continuing to see cases of COVID-19. Below are two helpful videos for identifying signs and symptoms of these illnesses, as well as steps for prevention. We encourage all of our patients to get their Flu and Covid vaccines as soon as possible. If you have any questions, please contact your provider.
ADOLESCENT VACCINES
If your child is between the ages of 7 and 18 years old, the following video is a helpful primer on required and recommended vaccines from the American Academy of Pediatrics.
CONFRONTING RACISM
Medical Center Pediatrics joins the American Academy of Pediatrics in condemning racism in all forms. We are deeply concerned about the effects of racism on children.
As pediatricians dedicated to the health and wellbeing of ALL children, we are worried and invite you to work with us to change the conversation and the culture of systemic racism. The American Academy of Pediatrics recently published a press release that Condemns Racism and Offers Advice for Families on How to talk to their Children.
The experts at Child Mind Institute remind us "Research shows that even very young children are aware of racial differences and children can learn harmful lessons about race when it's not discussed openly." By ages 2-4, children can internalize racial bias. Be part of the solution and teach tolerance, acceptance and love for ALL people, it's never too early. If you are white, acknowledge your own privilege and help your children understand that those who are not, do not have the same chances and are not treated equally in our society simply because of their race.
If you are looking for some good books to begin or continue the conversation with your children, we encourage you to check out these resources to explore age-appropriate written works that support conversations on race, racism and resistance.
We applaud and endorse the efforts of organizations such as Embrace Race whose mission is powerful: "Let’s Raise a Generation of Children Who Are Thoughtful, Informed, and Brave About Race."
MASKS ARE REQUIRED AT MCP FOR ALL SICK PATIENTS (2 YEARS AND OLDER) AND THEIR CAREGIVERS.
We will continue to protect our patients and families who are vulnerable. We appreciate your help in providing a safe environment for our patients, their families and our staff. For more information, please refer to the current Michigan/CDC guidance linked here.
2023-2024 COVID VACCINES ARE AVAILABLE FOR OUR PATIENTS AGES 6 MONTHS -21 YEARS!
Please call our office to schedule an appointment! Bingham Farms: 248-642-5437 and West Bloomfield: 248-539-7726
COVID-19
The pandemic has entered a new phase. The availability of vaccines and the development of natural immunity from infection has allowed us to ease some restrictions in our office moving forward. MCP continues to be committed to protecting our patients and staff from COVID-19.
- Ill patients will enter the office through a separate entrance.
- We are requiring all patients (over the age of 2 years) and caregivers to wear masks when they come into our office for sick visits (fever, coughs, runny noses, sore throats, vomiting, diarrhea etc).
- We ask that you inform us if there has been an exposure to COVID.
- Please bring ONLY the child or children being seen to the office if possible.
- Our staff will be wearing personal protective equipment during sick visits.
- Once you arrive in our parking lot, please text or call us to let us know that you have arrived.
- Our exam rooms will be cleaned and disinfected after every visit. We are following CDC recommendations; the link to the CDC is on our Website, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter accounts.
Please be patient with us as we're trying to help every patient of Medical Center Pediatrics stay safe.
If your child has had a known Covid-19 exposure and has any of the following symptoms: fever, sore throat, cough, vomiting, diarrhea, or rash, please call our office for instructions.
If you test positive for or are exposed to someone with Covid-19, please refer to this guide for when and how long to stay home.
RAPID COVID-19 PCR TESTING IS AVAILABLE AT BOTH OFFICES
For information regarding the coronavirus, please visit: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/quarantine-isolation.html
For the State of Michigan Department of Health guidance regarding the coronavirus, please visit: https://www.michigan.cov/coronavirus
HOW TO TALK TO YOUR KIDS ABOUT WAR
Your children might hear about war from many different sources or from the TV on in the background. You do not have to address the topic. You also do not need to have all the answers. If you choose to address the topic, go over their feelings and above all make them feel safe. Please click here for some tips for talking with your children about this topic.
For more guidance, please visit: https://www.pbssocal.org/education/how-to-talk-to-kids-about-the-ukraine-invasion, as well as https://www.healthychildren.org/English/healthy-living/emotional-wellness/Building-Resilience/Pages/How-to-Support-Your-Childs-Resilience-in-a-Time-of-Crisis.aspx.
SCHEDULE YOUR WELL CHILD CHECK UPS AND SPORTS PHYSICALS NOW
If you haven't done so already, please call to schedule your child's yearly physical exam. Most school athletic programs require that these exams be done on or after April 15th for your child to participate in Spring and Fall sports
FLU VACCINES
It is still very important to get your family immunized against the flu! Please call the office to make an appointment.
MICHIGAN CARE IMPROVEMENT REGISTRY (MCIR)
As of August 19, 2021, anyone 18 years or older who has immunization records in MCIR will be able to obtain their immunization record at www.michigan.gov/immunize. If an immunization record cannot be found, it can be requested from your local health department or your physician's office.