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Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Developmental Pediatric Consultation?
A Developmental Pediatric Consultation consists of an evaluation
of a child or adolescent for emotional, behavioral, neurological or
developmental concerns. The process begins with a comprehensive detailed
interview with the parents, review of medical, school, psychological or
other relevant records, followed by an evaluation of the child, then a
conference with the family to discuss the outcome and treatment options. If
further testing or referrals are necessary, these will be obtained.
In cases where a comprehensive evaluation has been
previously completed, the focus will be on review of all prior records and treatment
planning for the child and family.
How is this different from a visit to my regular
Pediatrician?
Dr. Aronson-Ramos practices Developmental and
Behavioral Pediatrics exclusively. She will not replace your regular
Pediatrician and she does not provide general Pediatric services
(immunizations, sick visits etc). She will address the specific developmental
and behavioral problems which are a concern. She will communicate with your
regular doctor and any involved specialists as needed.
What is a Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrician?
A Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrician specializes
in the treatment of emotional, behavioral, and neuro-developmental problems
in children and adolescents. It is a physician who has subspecialty
certification in Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, in addition to
general pediatrics.
How will my visit with Dr. Aronson-Ramos differ from
a Child Psychiatrist or Child Neurologist?
There is overlap in the services provided by a
Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrician, a Child Neurologist and a Child
Psychiatrist. All three specialists treat some of the same populations of
children, for example Autism, ADHD, developmental delays, and undiagnosed
disruptions in development or behavior. However there are exceptions to
some of the children each specialists treats, and there are differences in their
clinical approaches.
In some cases two or even all three sub specialists may form the best
treatment team for a particular patient depending upon the problem.
Children with brain tumors, seizures, or primary neurological conditions
should be treated by a Child Neurologist. Children with symptoms of
schizophrenia, psychosis, bipolar disorder or major depressive illness
should have the input of a Child Psychiatrist. However, in many of the
developmental problems of childhood and adolescence such as ADHD, learning
disorders, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Developmental Delay, Genetic
Syndromes, Anxiety, Depression, OCD, Language Disorders, Disruptive
Behaviors, and abnormal behaviors a Developmental and Behavioral
Pediatrician can provide comprehensive treatment to the child and family.
What many families enjoy about Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics is
the primary foundation in Pediatrics which gives the Physician a strong
basis for understanding the developmental nature of many childhood problems.
Additionally, the therapeutic interventions recommended are broad,
encompassing a wide variety of treatments and disciplines with medication
being only one component.
Who should be seen for a Consultation?
Any child from birth to age twenty one years, who is
not developing typically, who is diagnosed with a specific neurological or
psychological problem, or who is experiencing emotional, behavioral, or
learning problems is appropriate for a consultation. In some cases a child
or adolescent may not have a specific diagnosis, but the parents are just
worried about the child and need help understanding if there is a real
problem or if the concern is within normal limits
What types of patients are not appropriate for a
Consultation with Dr. Aronson-Ramos?
Children or adolescents who are actively suicidal, have
multiple prior psychiatric hospitalizations, or are experiencing seizures
should be seen by an appropriate sub specialist.
How does a consultation work? What is the schedule
of visits?
There are two types of first appointments. Either an Initial Consultation or a Treatment Consultation.
An Initial
Consultation is required for patients: without a diagnosis, requesting
a second opinion, or if prior evaluations are incomplete or outdated. The evaluation
process consists of three separate office visits.
Initial Consultation (90 min) - parents only.
Child Only Visit (60 min) - evaluation of the
child.
Feedback Visit (60min) - conference with the
parents or other caregivers.
Treatment
Consultations – parents and child together. This type of initial
visit is for families who have had a prior diagnostic work up or when the
child is younger than four years of age. Follow up visits will be scheduled
as needed on an individual basis.
Established patients will have different follow up
schedules based on individual needs. For patients receiving medication management,
they can expect 30-60minute Follow-Up Visits every two to three
months. Some patients may need to be seen more or less frequently during
the initial phase of changing or adjusting medications. Other patients may
need to be seen every 4-6 months to monitor progress and treatments. Still
others may require annual visits to assess overall progress. What is best
for each child and family will be determined on an individual basis.
Phone consultations are available for parents
who need extended telephone time, are unable to schedule an office visit,
live long distances away, or simply want to touch base. These sessions
cannot substitute for face to face visits with your child on a regular
basis, but may take the place of an office consultation occasionally. More
technologically advanced visits using free internet phone services such as “skype”
(www.skype.com) with a webcam interface are also available. For more information
on telemedicine consults for local or long distance families click here.
School Visits are available. You can contact Dr.
Aronson-Ramos directly for more information.
Will insurance cover these visits? What about
prescription medications?
In many cases insurance plans, other than HMO's or
Medicaid, will cover these consultations. However, every plan is different,
and I cannot guarantee your insurance company will reimburse you for your
visit. I will provide you with the necessary information to file a claim
with your insurance plan including an itemized bill and for some insurance
plans a specific claim form. However, full payment for your visit is
expected at the time of service (credit cards, debit cards, and checks are
accepted). In some cases insurance companies may deny coverage for certain
prescription medication. Every effort will be made to cooperate with your
health plan to limit your out of pocket expenses for medication.
What type of referral is necessary?
Patients may be seen without a referral. Some health
plans require a referral from the primary care provider to reimburse you
for your visit. If you are knowledgeable about the requirements of your
insurance plan, it will maximize the potential for reimbursement for your
visits. When a referral is necessary your primary care provider, therapist,
or other specialists can make a direct referral.
What are the unique benefits of the Consultation?
The developmental pediatric consultation is an attempt
to help parents "fill in the gaps" in the medical care of their
children with developmental, behavioral and learning difficulties. I will
help families determine if assessments are complete and thorough. I will
make specific recommendations for further evaluations only if they are
truly needed. I will also help to insure that no underlying problems have
been overlooked. I am also available for ongoing support as new challenges
arise and to monitor a child's progress.
How is this visit different from other specialists
who have already seen my child?
My Consultations always include the process of helping
to uncover the strengths and resources of each and every child regardless
of the underlying concerns. Parents may have lost the ability to see their
child's unique strengths and assets. Sometimes this is due to the negative
impact a child may have on the entire family system, making life a daily
challenge. It can also be due to a history of diagnostic work ups that have
focused exclusively on a child's deficits. If we are not looking for a
child's positive qualities they may remain hidden from view.
Top
For appointments, please use
our convenient online Appointment Scheduler.
If you're having any difficulties, please call Dr. Aronson-Ramos direct at
561-901-3965
Email: info@draronsonramos.com
*Please note email is only for non-urgent matters. Though all
communications are confidential I cannot assure you of the privacy of
internet communications. Any information communicated over the internet is
at risk of public exposure. For guaranteed confidentiality please
communicate with me by voicemail 561-901-3965 or private fax 954-753-6280
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