News
Phone System Now Working
IMPORTANT UPDATE: The phones at the Pickerington and Whitehall offices are now up and running. You may call to schedule any appointment and/or other matter pertaining to your child. Thanks so much.
Flu Activity On The Rise
The latest CDC report shows an increasing number of visits to doctors' offices due to "influenza-like illnesses." The CDC also reports an increasing percentage of flu tests turning up positive--both nationally and in our region. While "flu" has not yet hit central Ohio, it is on the way. It is not too late to get your child immunized against influenza. As of January 9, 2012, our offices still have an adequate supply of flu vaccine. Protect your children with this safe, effective vaccine.
During flu season, it is also important to practice good measures to prevent the spread of influenza and other viruses. Good handwashing, and use of antibacterial gels are essential to effective prevention. If your child is sick, remember to remind her/him to cough into his/her elbow, and to use disposable tissues for respiratory secretions. If your child has a fever, then he/she should not attend school or be in contact with other children.
If your child is ill, and you are not sure if she/he needs seen, please contact our office. While the large majority of children recover from influenza without any problems, some children develop complications from the flu, including ear infections and pneumonia.
Pickerington Office Now In New Location
November 21, 2011 was our first "official" day of seeing patients in our new Pickerington office. We are very pleased with our new building and feel that it will greatly improve your experience during a visit.
Where are we located? We are now in the Windmiller Square area, near the Kroger Marketplace on Hill Road North. For those familiar with the area, our new office is right behind the Pizza Cottage.
How do I get there? From Route 256 (Hill Road) turn in at the light as if you are going to the Kroger Marketplace. As you head back toward Kroger, take the first left. This will put you on Old Diley Road, toward Pizza Cottage and our office. Our office is the only building on the right. If you are coming from the Canal Winchester/Carroll/Lancaster area, go north on Diley Road north of Route 33. Proceed north past the railroad tracks. Get in the left lane. Before you reach Route 256 and Discount Drug Mart, make a left on to Windmiller Drive. Then take your first right. This is Old Diley Road. Follow this road as it makes a sharp left turn. Our building is on the left. Look for our lighted signs on top of the building. Our front door faces the Windmiller Square parking lot.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Thank You For Your Patience and Understanding
As many of you know, we have been using electronic medical records since 2003. This year we have decided to change software systems for our medical records AND scheduling/billing. There were many reasons for this change. The main reasons that affect you and your child are:
- The new system will allow YOU greater access to your child’s medical records (through a soon-to-be-opened web portal)
- The new system will eventually allow you to request appointments, and update your child’s medical information through the secure web portal.
- We will be able to use e-prescribing to send your child’s prescription directly to the pharmacy.
- Increased efficiency in scheduling and billing mean we will be able to focus even more of our energies on your child’s health.
Of course with this change, we will experience some “growing pains.” Wait times in the office may be slightly longer, and “on-hold” times on the phone may increase. We expect all of this to be TEMPORARY until we all get used to our new software system.
Please bear with us during this transition. Our staff is working very hard to learn this new system and make your visit as efficient as possible.
Thank you so much for your loyalty, your patience, and your understanding. You are the reason we strive to be better every day.
2011 Flu Vaccine Updates
2011-2012 Influenza Vaccine Information
We have received our shipments of flu vaccines for all ages and are giving them in the office. If your child has an upcoming visit, ask the nurse or physician if he/she can receive the flu vaccine. We will continue to give the vaccines until our supply runs out, or when influenza season ends, whichever occurs first. Please call to make sure we have a full supply before you come in for a flu vaccine visit only.
This year there are again two forms of the vaccine, an injection (the traditional “flu shot”), and the nasal spray, which contains a live, weakened form of the virus. Both forms of the vaccine are very safe and effective in children. Persons with certain underlying conditions (asthma, immune deficiency, etc.) may not be able to receive the live virus vaccine.
If your child is under age nine and has not received influenza vaccines in the past, then she/he will need TWO vaccines. If your child is under age nine and received at least one flu vaccine last year, then she/he will only need ONE vaccine this year. If it has been several years since your child has received an influenza vaccine, your doctor can review the past immunizations and find out one or two vaccines are needed.
If you want to bring your child in for a flu vaccine and she/he does NOT have an appointment scheduled, you may check in to receive a vaccine only without an appointment during the following hours:
- Monday-Friday, 9am to 11am, and 2:30pm to 4:30pm
- Saturday mornings, 9am to 11am
As the season rolls on, we are at the complete mercy of our vaccine suppliers, so we may temporarily run out of vaccine products. If you are making a special trip just for a flu vaccine for your children, please call the office that day prior to your visit, and ask if we have the vaccine. Please have handy the following information:
- The age of your child/children
- If they have any underlying health conditions
- Your insurance information (only because we have different suppliers for different insurance plans)
If you are bringing a child into the office for an appointment, and wish to give the flu vaccines to any brothers and sisters who do not have an appointment, please inform the front desk of this as soon as you check in. This will result in fewer delays and get you in and out of the office efficiently.
If you have any questions about the influenza vaccines, please find more information on the CDC website
http://www.cdc.gov/flu/flu_vaccine_updates.htm,
or discuss with your doctor at the visit.
Fall is here: Watch Out For These Conditions
School is back in session, which means kids will be sharing lots of things, including contagious diseases! Make sure your child washes his/her hands often and takes precautions to avoid spread of germs. Here are some common fall infections:
Croup: Croup is a viral infection that affects younger children (usually under age 3) but can cause problems in any age child. It usually starts out as cold symptoms then develops into a very “barky” cough (the patient often sounds like a dog, or seal “barking”). The cough is much worse at night. Very young children can develop noisy breathing (called “stridor”) and this can become quite severe. There is no antibiotic to get rid of the virus, but sometimes children can benefit from other medication to reduce swelling in the airways. If you think your child may have croup and need medicine, call us for an appointment.
Sore throats: Sore throats are common year-round, and most (about 80%) are viral, but with the kids back at school, we are seeing more “strep throat,” or a sore throat caused by a bacteria (streptococcus). Children with strep throat can get better without antibiotics, but the condition should be treated because serious complications can occasionally happen with untreated strep throat, such as an abscess in the tonsil, or rheumatic fever. In order to tell if your child has strep throat, we NEED to perform a STREP TEST in the office. So if you suspect this, please make an appointment for your child.
Regular colds, viruses, etc: We see the common cold all the time, but again this infection likes to spread around more during the school year. Generally these are mild and will get better without any medication. Some things that may help your child with colds are:
- Nasal saline—use spray (for older children) or drops (for infants) to help thin out the mucous and help with breathing and eating problems that arise from cold symptoms
- For coughs—for children older than age two, some studies have shown that 1-2 teaspoons of dark honey (chased with some water to avoid tooth decay) at night can help children sleep. Another study showed that children of the same age with colds rest better at night by using Vick’s Vapo-Rub placed directly on the chest (NOT in a vaporizer or mist).
- Cold medicine—in general these are NOT effective for children and should not be used for anyone under six years old. A few studies have shown that for children 6 and older, sleep can be improved with these medications, but the cold symptoms do not change at all.
Remember: Good handwashing practice and learning how to NOT spread germs (coughing into the elbow, using disposable tissues, etc) are the best way to PREVENT common childhood illnesses. Good eating practices (five servings of fruits or vegetables per day) and regular exercise can also boost your child’s immune system.
New Physician in Whitehall Office
We welcome Olivia Westhoven, MD to our practice. Dr. Westhoven will be seeing patients at our Whitehall location. She is a graduate of The Ohio State University and the University of Toledo College of Medicine. She completed her residency in Pediatrics at Nationwide Children's Hospital, where she served on the House Staff Advisory Committee. She is a native of Urbana, Ohio and now lives in central Ohio with her husband and infant son. Dr. Westhoven is accepting new patients and will be working four days per week.
New Pickerington Office Underway
Pediatric Associates Holds Groundbreaking Ceremony for Our New Pickerington Facility
On June 29, 2011, we had an official groundbreaking ceremony for our new Pickerington office. Speakers for the occasion included Mitch O’Brien, the mayor of Pickerington, Ken Gold and Frank Petruziello of Skilken Development Group, and our own Sandy Boyle, President and CEO of Pediatric Associates.
The groundbreaking marks the beginning phase of the Windmiller Medical Complex, located near the Kroger Marketplace on Hill Road in Pickerington. Pediatric Associates will have its own 12,000 square foot building in the complex.
Our practice chose to move to a new facility in the city of Pickerington to respond to the needs of our patients. It is hoped that this facility will increase access to our patients, and provide a more satisfying experience with each visit. In addition, the new facility was designed with the needs of our staff in mind. Our current Pickerington office has served us well, but the needs of the community and our staff have outgrown this current building.
Construction has begun on the new building, and it is expected we will move in by the fall of 2011. Please follow us and check our website for updates on the progress of this new office for the patients in the Pickerington/Reynoldsburg/Canal Winchester area and beyond.
Spring 2011: What’s going around?
What’s going around? Spring 2011
The winter is now behind us and spring is on the way. Here is a latest update of what we are seeing in the office.
Bronchiolitis: We are still seeing children with this illness. It is causing a harsh cough and affects smaller children more severely. See our “winter” edition of What’s Going Around to find out more about this condition.
“Flu,” or influenza virus: The “flu” (high fever, cough, headache, body aches) is now on the decline. It was not a “bad” flu year, but we did see a significant number of cases. There are still sporadic cases around but overall the worst has passed. Remember to get vaccinated next year!
Strep Throat: Strep is still in the community. Most sore throats are from viral illnesses, but if your child has fever, rash, or swollen lymph nodes those symptoms are more suspicious for strep throat. A throat swab is the only accurate way to tell if your child has strep throat that can be treated.
ALLERGIES!: Spring means pollens. And that means many of the runny noses we see are due to allergies. In March and April, TREE allergies are the most common culprits. Symptoms of allergies include a chronic runny nose or congestion, frequent sneezing, or watery/itchy eyes. Smaller children may also experience tiredness and irritability. Be sure to see us if you think your child may have symptoms from allergies.
Injuries: As the weather gets nicer, kids get out and play more. While this is GREAT, they also are more likely to get some bumps and bruises. Make sure your child’s bike helmet fits properly. Make sure play areas are free of hazardous items. Look out for any freestanding water where children could accidentally drown. Be careful if your child plays around a creek because springtime rains can make small creeks deeper, swifter, and more dangerous.
Rashes: Many rashes are common in the spring. One common rash we see is a reaction to being out in the sun. Red, dry rashes can occur from sun exposure on the face (especially nose) and the tops of the ears in boys or girls with short hair. PREVENTION with SUNSCREEN is the best way to battle this condition.
Fifth Disease is very common in the spring months. Fifth disease is due to a viral infection. It usually causes very red cheeks (a “slapped cheek” appearance), and a fine, red, lacy rash on the arms and legs, that gets worse with temperature changes. Your child is not contagious when the rash is present, but may have been contagious before the rash appeared. We should see your child if you suspect he/she has Fifth Disease.
Another common rash in the spring is a rash called pityriasis rosea. This rash often starts out looking like a ringworm spot on the body. Then in several days to weeks, pale red oval spots appear over other parts of the body (the torso in Caucasian children, and the neck, armpits, and groin in African-American children). There is no treatment for this rash, but it will go away without treatment in several weeks. Like most rashes, we need to see this to make an accurate diagnosis.
Sometimes, strep throat can also cause a rash. This rash is rough (feels like sandpaper), and is usually like one large sheet of redness mostly over the torso, especially in the groin area. This rash has been commonly called scarlet fever. Scarlet fever is not more serious than a “regular” strep throat, but the rash can be very itchy and peel.
NOTE: It is impossible to accurately diagnose rashes over the phone. Your child should be seen if he/she has a rash.
What Is Going Around? Winter 2011
We see a lot of illnesses this time of year. As seasons change, so do the viruses and bacteria that cause our children to get sick. Here is a sampling of what we are seeing in the office:
Influenza (the “flu”)
This is not the “stomach flu” with vomiting and diarrhea. This is the respiratory viral illness, with high fevers, headache, bodyaches, cough, runny nose, and sometimes starts with a sore throat. It is becoming more widespread here in Ohio (as of January 2011). Symptoms can last 5-9 days. The best way to protect yourself is to have received a flu vaccine this fall. If your child has the above symptoms, then he/she MAY have influenza. Treat with fluids, and fever-reducing agents to make them feel better. Call our office with questions. Make an appointment if you are unsure or symptoms have gone on more than three days. If your child is recovering from influenza, and then fevers return, or other symptoms develop, call our office for further advice.
Gastroenteritis (the “stomach flu”)
Getting a flu shot will NOT protect you from this one. This is a viral illness that usually starts out with vomiting, then goes into diarrhea. Several viruses can cause this. It tends to be very contagious and runs through the whole family. The main treatment is to keep your child hydrated. If vomiting, then small amounts of clear liquids, with electrolytes (such as Pedialyte) can be helpful. Once the vomiting has gone away, then more foods can be given, but be sure to avoid full-strength juices and sugary snacks. The vomiting usually lasts a day or so, then diarrhea happens for a few days, or even a few weeks. Call our office if your child has bloody diarrhea, high fever, or has not urinated at least three times in a 24-hour period.
Strep throat
We are not seeing a lot of kids with strep throat yet, but this IS the season. Strep throat usually occurs in school-age kids, but may occur in younger children, especially if they have school-age siblings. Strep throat usually presents with a sore throat and fever. Other common symptoms are headache and bellyache. It is very common to have swollen lymph nodes (“glands”) underneath the jawbone (mandible) that hurt when touched. Occasionally, strep can also cause a deep red, rough-feeling rash on the body, along with all the other symptoms. This condition is called “scarlet fever.” It does not mean a more serious illness. Certain strains of strep are more likely to cause scarlet fever than others. The rash may be very itchy, last several days, and progress even if antibiotics are given. The rash is not dangerous or contagious.
If you think your child has strep, then she/he needs to have a strep test done by swabbing the throat. We do a rapid test in the office. This test is very accurate, but not 100%, so if your doctor suspects strep to be the cause, she/he may send another throat swab for a test to be done at another lab.
Strep throat should be treated to avoid complications such as abcesses or rheumatic fever.
Bronchiolitis (RSV)
Bronchiolitis is very common at this time of year. Sometimes it is called a “chest cold.” This illness is usually caused by a virus called “RSV.” In very small babies, or premature infants, it can be quite serious. Bronchiolitis can cause wheezing and fast breathing. Appetite is often very poor with bronchiolitis. Ear infections are also a common complication. If your child is under six months old and you hear wheezing in his/her chest, or see very fast breathing, you should call our office. Children older than six months tend to have less severe illness with bronchiolitis. One of the problems with this illness is that the coughing and the wheezing can last a long time—sometimes longer than a month. Most treatments are not very effective for bronchiolitis. We treat the ear infections and any other complications that may arise. Sometimes, if the illness is very severe, the child may need hospitalized and placed on oxygen to make sure they do well until they get over the problem.
Croup
We usually see croup in the fall months, but there have been a number of cases even with this cold weather. Croup starts out like a cold, then the child develops a harsh, deep, barking cough. The cough often sounds like a seal, or a small dog barking. The cough is usually much worse at night. The patient may also have something called stridor. This is a sound that sounds just like wheezing, but the noise happens when the child breathes IN. Usually, taking the child out into the cool night air helps this problem. Sometimes sitting in a parent’s lap in the bathroom with a running hot shower (nice and steamy) can also help. Croup usually occurs in children under 3 years old, but can occur in older kids.
If your child has had these symptoms, especially the worsening of the cough and stridor at night, then make an appointment to be seen in our office.
Ear infections
We see a lot of children with ear infections this time of year. Usually, ear infections are complications of a cold (or “upper respiratory infection”). The congestion and drainage causes fluid to build up in the middle ear, then bacteria can grow there. Symptoms that suggest a possible ear infection include: pulling at the ears, trouble nursing or bottle feeding, trouble with lying flat, fever, or irritability out of proportion to the cold symptoms. Ear infections are very common in children, especially if there is a family history, or they are with other children during the day. Other factors that can make ear infections more common are: exposure to cigarette smoke, pacifier use, and family history. Most of the time, ear infections are treated with antibiotics, especially if your child is very young. If you have a school-age child with an ear infection, we may choose to watch them for a day or two before using an antibiotic.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Flu Vaccine—2010
Is there going to be another H1N1 vaccine this year?
There is only one vaccine this year. The vaccine INCLUDES protection from the H1N1 virus, as well as the common seasonal influenza A and influenza B viruses.
How many flu vaccines will my child need?
If your child is 9 years old or older, he/she will only need one dose of vaccine. For children who are under age 9, there may be two vaccines required, separated by at least four weeks. If your child has never received a seasonal vaccine before, she/he will need two vaccines this year. If he/she did not receive ANY H1N1 vaccine last year, then two vaccines will be needed as indicated above. Basically, if your child has received at least TWO SEASONAL flu vaccines, AND AT LEAST ONE H1N1 vaccine, then he/she will only need ONE vaccine this year.
Should MY child get a flu vaccine?
Yes. The CDC has recommended that ALL CHILDREN six months and older receive an influenza vaccine. This is especially important for babies, children with asthma, or children with other health problems, as they can get more severe disease. It also is recommended if your child is healthy, or has never caught the flu before as it can strike at any time.
Is it too early to get the flu vaccine?
No. We have usually told patients to wait until the fall to get a flu vaccine, because of worries that the immunity would wear off in the spring. From recent research, it looks like the immunities last longer than we first thought. The flu shot offers good protection for a year, and the intranasal vaccine offers good protection for OVER a year. The CDC now recommends for everyone over six months old to get a flu vaccine as soon as they are available.
What is the difference between the FluMist and the Flu Shot?
The FluMist vaccine is a vaccine that is given by squirting it up the nostrils. This is called an intranasal (in the nose) vaccine. This vaccine contains live virus particles, but in a much weaker form. This vaccine can cause some cold-like symptoms a few days after it is given, but is very safe and effective. This vaccine can only be given to otherwise healthy people. The common flu "shot" is an injected vaccine. It does not contain live virus particles. It CANNOT give you the "flu." It can be given to anyone, unless they have had severe reactions to flu vaccines in the past, or are allergic to any of the ingredients of the vaccine. There have been some studies that have shown the FluMist is more effective than the flu shot in children, but the flu shot also gives very good protection against the flu viruses.
Can the flu vaccine be given with other vaccines?
Yes. Both the FluMist and the flu shot CAN be given with all of your child's required vaccines. The only restriction is that if live-virus vaccines (MMR, Varivax, FluMist, Rotavirus) are not given at the same time, then they must be given at least 30 days apart from one another.
Why does your office staff ask about my insurance when I call to find out if you have the vaccine?
This is due to the complicated way in which we get our flu vaccines. We get a supply from the state health department. This supply we can ONLY use for patients with state-supported insurances (Medicaid, Molina, Caresource, etc.). We are not allowed to use it for patients who get insurance through work (UHC, Anthem, Aetna, etc.). For patients who have those "commercial" insurance plans, we have to buy the vaccine directly from the makers of the vaccine. We cannot use this supply for state-funded insurance plans, because then we may not get all the vaccine we need from the state. Sometimes these shipments come in at different times. This is always frustrating for everyone, as we may not have the right supply for your child when you come in to the office. We do our best to make sure everyone gets the vaccine, but we are at the mercy of the state and the companies as to when we get the products. We ask you about your insurance to make sure you are not given wrong information about the vaccine availability when you come in to the office.
Other than calling, is there a way to find out if you have the flu vaccine available?
Once we have vaccines for everyone, regardless of insurance, we will announce this on our website, and on our Facebook and Twitter updates. Please continue to check our website and our Facebook and Twitter pages for the latest news.
Once you have all of your shipments, how can my child get her/his vaccine?
The vaccines can be given during a regular visit. The FluMist cannot be given if your child has a cold, breathing problems, or a fever. You can come in during our "over-the-board" hours (M-F 9-11 and 2:30-4:30, Sat. 9-11) to get a flu vaccine, OR you can schedule a vaccine visit at one of our flu vaccine clinics. Watch our website and our Facebook/Twitter updates to find out more about these clinics.
To find out more about influenza and the influenza vaccine, visit the CDC's official website at http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/qa/flubasics.htm
Mobile Web Page Now Available
We realize that as a parent, you are busy and may need quick, convenient access to our office. As a parent, you also often could use an extra hand. That is why we have launched our mobile version of our kidzdoc website. If you have a smartphone (iPhone, Blackberry, or Android device) and access our website from your phone, you will be automatically redirected to the mobile version of our site. Our mobile version can guide you to each of our offices from your current location by clicking on the "directions" button under the office you want to visit. Our mobile site also has a convenient "Click To Call" feature. Simply click on the phone number of your office, and your phone will be activated and one click gives us a call.
If you need to access the features of our full website from your smartphone, just simply click on the "full site" link at the bottom of the page, and you will be able to find all of the useful information and links in every page of our full site.
We hope that you are able to enjoy the conveniences of our mobile site.
Pediatric Associates Welcomes New Physicians
Pediatric Associates has expanded our physician staff to better serve our patients. We have added two new pediatricians to our staff.
Dr. John Toth started seeing patients in our Lewis Center office in April 2010. He comes to us after spending three years practicing in the Cleveland area. Prior to that experience, he completed his residency in Pediatrics at Nationwide Children's Hospital and Akron Children's Hospital. He is a graduate of The Ohio State University (Bachelor of Science) and received his medical degree from the OSU School of Medicine.
Dr. Megan Heitzman joins our practice in July 2010. She will be working at our Pickerington office. Dr. Heitzman is finishing her residency in Pediatrics at Nationwide Children's Hospital and is very excited about serving families in central Ohio, as she was raised in this area. She is a graduate of Hillsdale College in Michigan, and received her medical degree from the University of Toledo.
Both of these physicians were chosen from an outstanding field of applicants, and are currently scheduling new patients in addition to seeing children already established with the practice.
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