FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’ve wondered about it, chances are another parent has too!
This page is designed to make it easier to find quick answers to some of the most common questions families ask about appointments, insurance, office policies, and care. If you still need help, we’re always just a phone call away.
General
Are you accepting new patients?
Yes, we currently are accepting new patients to our practice! Please review our New Patient section in our Patient Center.
Why choose a Pediatrician?
Pediatricians are child health experts, focusing solely on the care and development of infants, children, and adolescents. With specialized training, they understand the unique needs of growing bodies and minds, from treating common illnesses to managing complex health concerns. Choosing a pediatrician ensures your child receives personalized care tailored to their age and stage, along with the reassurance of a trusted partner in your parenting journey.
What immunizations will my child receive?
To help protect your child from many serious infectious diseases, we follow the immunization schedule recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). For more information, please visit our Vaccinations page.
When will I receive lab or test results?
We will contact you with your lab results as soon as they have been reviewed. Routine results are usually available within a few days, but some tests may take longer.
How do I request a prescription refill?
Prescription refills can be requested in two ways:
Option 1: Call our office at (301) 662-0133 and follow the prompts for the refill line.
Option 2: Submit our Prescription Refill Request Form to refills@thepedcenter.com (one form per child).
Processing time can take up to 3 business days.
What language services are offered?
We use a third-party application to provide interpretation services for over 250 languages, including American Sign Language. For ASL, in-person interpretation can also be arranged based on interpreter availability.
What should I do for after-hours or emergency care?
In a life-threatening emergency, call 911.
For medical concerns outside our regular business hours, you have two options:
Call Our Office
When you call our office at (301) 662-0133, your call will be transferred to Pedi Call Care, our after-hours nurse triage service.
After leaving a message, a nurse will return your call within 30 minutes. They can provide guidance and, if needed, contact our on-call provider.
Virtual After-Hours Care
You may also choose a virtual visit with an after-hours pediatrician through our partner, Hello Pediatrics.
To schedule, call (703) 348-8242 or visit their website.
Availability:
Monday – Friday: 8 PM – Midnight
Saturday & Sunday: 12 PM – 10 PM
Holidays: 12 PM – Midnight
Please reserve after-hours services for urgent concerns only. For mild symptoms, refer to our online resources. For non-urgent needs (appointments, refills), contact us during regular hours.
Appointments
How do I make an appointment?
To schedule an appointment at any of our locations, please call (301) 662-0133. All visits are by appointment only.
We kindly ask you to arrive 10–15 minutes early to allow time for check-in, insurance updates, or paperwork.
What if I am running late for my appointment or need to cancel?
We understand delays happen. If you arrive after your scheduled time, we will do our best to accommodate you or offer another provider. In some cases, you may be asked to reschedule.
If you need to cancel or reschedule, please call (301) 662-0133 or email scheduling@thepedcenter.com.
When should I schedule my newborn's first appointment?
We recommend that your newborn be seen in our office within 3-5 days after discharge from the hospital, unless the discharging doctor specified otherwise.
Will my child see the same provider at every visit?
We strive for continuity of care for our patients and encourage families to build relationships with two or three providers for their well-care visits. However, we understand that illnesses are unpredictable, and there may be times when your child needs to see a provider who is new to you.
Do I have to be seen at the same location every visit?
Our patients have the flexibility to visit any of our office locations for their care. For added convenience, our Taney Avenue East office is open limited evenings, Saturday mornings, and on holidays.
How often does my child need to be seen in the office?
Well Child ScheduleWe follow the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) guidelines for routine well visits.
Insurance & Billing
What insurance plans do you participate with?
Please refer to our Insurance & Billing section in our Patient Center to review a list of accepted insurance providers.
Who do I speak to regarding health insurance questions?
We understand that navigating insurance coverage and guidelines can be challenging. While it is the policyholder’s responsibility to understand their benefits, our billing team is here to help with any questions.
For billing inquiries, please call (301) 662-1930, Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM.
Why does my bill say Trusted Doctors?
As of 2020, The Pediatric Center joined Trusted Doctors, a network of pediatricians serving families in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C.
Our billing services are managed by Trusted Doctors, so this name will appear on your statements and/or insurance websites.
Will my newborn be automatically added to my insurance?
A newborn is not automatically added to a family’s insurance policy. You will need to contact your insurance company to add your baby. Some insurers require this request to be submitted in writing.
We recommend contacting your insurance company within the first two weeks after your baby’s birth to avoid delays.
If your plan requires selecting a primary care provider, please be sure to choose one of our providers.
