Pediatricians near Oak Ridge, NC
We found 63 results within 10 miles for "Pediatricians near Oak Ridge, NC"
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Biography: For pediatrician Michael E. Albright, MD, taking on a new patient is a lasting commitment. He enjoys getting to know children and their families, helping them through tough times and sharing in their successes. Aside from having the medical training necessary to care for children, Dr. Albright wants his patients and their families to know he also works to listen to them and understand their needs. He works to build a level of trust so that when issues arise, families know they can rely on him to answer their questions and make recommendations. Two sons and a daughter keep Dr. Albright and his wife running- literally- while away from the office. He enjoys coaching their sports teams, camping and scouting together in their free time.

Biography: Madison Kosier, PA-C is a Pediatrics Specialist who practices in Kernersville, NC. Madison Kosier, PA-C is affiliated with Novant Health Kernersville Medical Center.

- Appt. wasn't rushed (2)
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Biography: I am committed to forging meaningful connections with families, fostering long-lasting relationships built on trust and compassion. My approach is centered around being a calming presence, using kindness, and a bit of humor, to create an environment where children feel at ease. I have a passion for pediatric care, and strive to make every visit a positive and reassuring experience for both parents and their little ones. This passion and consistency has allowed me to practice pediatrics for over a decade. \n Outside of the office, I enjoy spending time with my wife Kate, our four children, and many pets. In my free time, I enjoy running, golf and cherishing moments with family and friends.

- Listened/answered questions (21)
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- Appt. wasn't rushed (1)
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Biography: Steve C. Kearns, MD, loves the variety of patients and medical conditions he encounters as a pediatric provider. He enjoys watching his youngest patients grow to be college students and all the steps in between. Dr. Kearns was a Morehead Scholar at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a member of the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society at Wake Forest University. While Dr. Kearns enjoys most aspects of pediatrics he especially likes pediatric sports medicine and working with young athletes to help them prevent injuries. Married for more than 10 years, Dr. Kearns and his wife have three children. They love staying active with the kids, playing sports, hiking, and kayaking.

- Listened/answered questions (7)
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- Appt. wasn't rushed (3)
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Biography: Children surround Laurie P. MacDonald, MD, nearly 24 hours a day. When she is not with her great patients at Novant Health she is generally home with her husband and their five children. All of that firsthand experience has helped Dr. MacDonald see how great an impact a pediatrician can have on a patient and a family. She greatly enjoys taking care of children and their families as they grow. She also loves the variety that pediatrics provides and being able to provide sick and well-child care. Dr. MacDonald is committed to her patients, her office and her community and is grateful to work in a community that values and cherishes its young people and families.

- Appt. wasn't rushed (26)
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Biography: Dr. Ajizian is a board certified physician with over 15 years of experience in the medical field. She chose pediatrics because she believes there is nothing more important than the health of children and their families. She enjoys treating healthy and sick children and her interests include behavioral and mental health. After her chief resident year, Dr. Ajizian worked as a hospitalist at Wake Forest Baptist Health Brenner Children's Hospital. She then began working as a private practice pediatrician at Novant Health. When she is not at the office treating patients, Dr. Ajizian is with her family either at home with their dogs cooking and reading or at the barn riding horses.

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Biography: While many people look to doctors as sources of information, Deepa Nayak, MD, says she often looks to her young patients to learn more about the world. The innocence and resilience of children has always fascinated Dr. Nayak. She first became interested in medicine as a child growing up in India. Now, as a pediatrician, Dr. Nayak enjoys the camaraderie she has with her coworkers and the great relationships she has with her patients and their families. She partners with parents and helps their children grow into healthy adults. She makes listening to her patients and their parents' concerns a priority. Dr. Nayak spends her time away from the office with her husband and their young son. They enjoy taking walks and traveling with him.

- Appt. wasn't rushed (1)
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Biography: Margaret S. Alden, MD, sees pediatric care as a journey, not just a series of annual checkups or sick-child visits. She enjoys being part of that journey and working with patients and families. She is inspired in working with NICU babies and their families and watching them grow and defy odds. Dr. Alden is also inspired by her supportive coworkers whom she can trust and rely on. Outside of work, Dr. Alden's two children keep her busy. They enjoy spending time together as a family whether that means traveling, grocery shopping or just spending time at home.

- Appt. wasn't rushed (9)
- Listened/answered questions (9)
- Explains conditions well (9)
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- Offers Telehealth
Biography: For pediatrician Michael E. Albright, MD, taking on a new patient is a lasting commitment. He enjoys getting to know children and their families, helping them through tough times and sharing in their successes. Aside from having the medical training necessary to care for children, Dr. Albright wants his patients and their families to know he also works to listen to them and understand their needs. He works to build a level of trust so that when issues arise, families know they can rely on him to answer their questions and make recommendations. Two sons and a daughter keep Dr. Albright and his wife running- literally- while away from the office. He enjoys coaching their sports teams, camping and scouting together in their free time.

- Offers Telehealth

- Appt. wasn't rushed (1)
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Biography: Dr. Cathy Soldato-Couture, MD is a Pediatrics Specialist who practices in Kernersville, NC. She is 67 years old and has been practicing for 31 years. Dr. Cathy Soldato-Couture, MD is affiliated with Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center.

- Appt. wasn't rushed (3)
- Listened/answered questions (3)
- Explains conditions well (3)
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- Offers Telehealth

- Appt. wasn't rushed (3)
- Listened/answered questions (3)
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Biography: G. Kirk Walker, MD, grew up in a small town where there were only two physicians. He always admired their commitment to others and the impact they had. Dr. Walker wanted to have a similar impact on his patients and his community. He chose pediatrics because of the opportunity to be involved with his patients from the very beginning of their lives as well as with their families. Dr. Walker provides comprehensive pediatric care for patients from birth through adolescence. He especially enjoys helping children through developmental issues and school problems. After more than a quarter century in practice and after having raised three sons of his own, he can confidently say he knows kids and could not find a more fulfilling career.

- Appt. wasn't rushed (2)
- Listened/answered questions (2)
- Explains conditions well (2)
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- Offers Telehealth
Biography: I am committed to forging meaningful connections with families, fostering long-lasting relationships built on trust and compassion. My approach is centered around being a calming presence, using kindness, and a bit of humor, to create an environment where children feel at ease. I have a passion for pediatric care, and strive to make every visit a positive and reassuring experience for both parents and their little ones. This passion and consistency has allowed me to practice pediatrics for over a decade. \n Outside of the office, I enjoy spending time with my wife Kate, our four children, and many pets. In my free time, I enjoy running, golf and cherishing moments with family and friends.

- Appt. wasn't rushed (7)
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- Appt. wasn't rushed (3)
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- Appt. wasn't rushed (8)
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- Explains conditions well (7)
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- Offers Telehealth

- Appt. wasn't rushed (2)
- Explains conditions well (2)

- Offers Telehealth

- Appt. wasn't rushed (1)
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- Appt. wasn't rushed (2)
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- Appt. wasn't rushed (1)
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- Appt. wasn't rushed (7)
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- Appt. wasn't rushed (4)
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- Appt. wasn't rushed (1)
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- Appt. wasn't rushed (1)
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Biography: Certified pediatric nurse practitioner Heather Herring has devoted her career to improving the lives of children and their families. Prior to joining Novant Health over a decade ago, Heather worked at UNC Children's Hospital as a pediatric nurse. Heather provides comprehensive pediatric care to children of all ages, guiding care through illnesses, injuries and routine well exams. She loves watching the children she cares for grow into healthy young adults. Heather's work with children does not stop when she leaves the office. She and her husband have two daughters and a son that keep them quite busy. They enjoy taking trips to the beach, traveling, attending sporting events and concerts and cooking out with family and friends.

- Offers Telehealth

- Appt. wasn't rushed (6)
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- Appt. wasn't rushed (1)
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Biography: Certified pediatric nurse practitioner Tammy Shimfessel has devoted her career to caring for children for the past three decades. She began her career in a pediatric intensive care unit before moving into a primary care role. She loves the diversity of the ages and the medical conditions of the patients she sees. She especially enjoys helping patients with developmental issues, behavioral challenges and nutritional difficulties. Regardless of medical condition, she offers compassion and listens to both her patients and their parents. Being outdoors, reading and enjoying the arts are all pastimes for Tammy. She is married and has two stepchildren. In her free time, she loves cooking, traveling and going to musical events with her family.


- Appt. wasn't rushed (3)
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- Offers Telehealth

- Appt. wasn't rushed (1)
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- Offers Telehealth



Biography: My career in medicine began unconventionally. While working as a music therapist in Western North Carolina in the late 1980s, I often found my patients' medical histories varied and complex. Although I was able to help them, I wanted to learn more and help more. So, with the support of the medical staff where I worked, I entered physician assistant school at Wake Forest University in 1991. \n As a physician assistant, I make sure your child is the central focus of every visit with me. Their happiness and well-being are my top priorities. Families deserve an empathetic, open-minded healthcare clinician who will support their children as they grow and develop - and I strive to be just that. While not every visit is fun, we almost always find something to laugh about together. \n I'm proud to work for Novant Health Forsyth Pediatrics, where we embrace diversity, inclusion and acceptance for all our patients and their families. I'm also proud of my past service on the board of the Guilford Green Foundation, an LGBTQ organization, and of an article I co-authored that was published in the Journal of Adolescent Health called "Confidential Billing Accounts for Adolescents in Private Practice." \n My family includes two children and my spouse of nearly three decades. I love spending time outdoors and watching college football in the fall. Additionally, there always seems to be at least one DIY project going on somewhere in our home.




- Offers Telehealth
Biography: For more than three decades, certified pediatric nurse practitioner Susan Grainger has devoted her career to serving children. She worked as a nurse in the neonatal intensive care unit before becoming a nurse practitioner. Susan loves the variety of working with patients of all ages. She wants her patients and their families to know she enjoys caring for them as they grow and develop. Married for nearly as long as she has been in the medical field, Susan has five grown children, so she can relate to most of what her patients and their parents encounter. She loves staying busy with her family whenever they can be together. She also loves reading, gardening, running and spending time with her husband and their dogs.

Biography: Lauren Jones, FNP is a Pediatrics Specialist who practices in Oak Ridge, NC. Lauren Jones, FNP is affiliated with Novant Winston-Salem NC.

Biography: Heather Koonts, PNP is a Pediatrics Specialist who practices in Kernersville, NC. Heather Koonts, PNP is affiliated with Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center.


Biography: Melissa Ridings, PNP is a Pediatrics Specialist who practices in Kernersville, NC. Melissa Ridings, PNP is affiliated with Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center.

- Offers Telehealth
Biography: Bill Ricketts has over thirty years of experience taking care of children as a physician assistant. He feels the most important and rewarding part of his job is watching children grow into healthy adults. Bill is happily married, with two sons in college. Away from work he enjoys woodworking and assisting Boy Scouts as an assistant scoutmaster.

Biography: Martha Clay, PA-C is a Pediatrics Specialist who practices in Kernersville, NC. Martha Clay, PA-C is affiliated with Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center.

- Offers Telehealth
Biography: Jamila Palmer, pediatric nurse practitioner, chose pediatrics because she enjoys watching children grow and lead healthy lives. She graduated from Winston Salem and Duke Universities. She has a special interest in pediatric obesity. Jamila is married and has one son. Outside of work she enjoys watching movies and spending time with her family.

Biography: Anna Wehland, PA-C is a Pediatrics Specialist who practices in Kernersville, NC. Anna Wehland, PA-C is affiliated with Novant Health Kernersville Medical Center.

Biography: Madison Kosier, PA-C is a Pediatrics Specialist who practices in Kernersville, NC. Madison Kosier, PA-C is affiliated with Novant Health Kernersville Medical Center.

Biography: Mark Gregson, FNP is a Pediatrics Specialist who practices in Walkertown, NC. Mark Gregson, FNP is affiliated with Novant Health Kernersville Medical Center.







- Offers Telehealth




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Learn more about Pediatricians and how to choose the right one for you
A pediatrician specializes in the physical, developmental, emotional and social health needs of children from birth to 21 years. Pediatricians provide infants, children and adolescents with a wide scope of care that includes comprehensive well-child care as well as prevention, diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic diseases and injuries.
A pediatrician typically:
- Examines the patient and evaluates their medical history
- Provides primary healthcare services and immunizations
- Provides health risk assessments and counseling
- Diagnoses and treats acute and chronic diseases and conditions
- Assesses growth and development
- Orders and interprets laboratory and imaging tests and prescribes medications
- Educates patients and their caretakers about wellness and disease prevention
- Consults with other members of the patient’s medical team
- Provides ongoing pediatric care in the doctor’s office, clinic and hospital
Pediatricians may also be known by the following names: pediatric physician, pediatric doctor, children’s doctor, primary care doctor, kids doctor, and primary care physician.
There are 63 specialists practicing Pediatrics in Oak Ridge, NC with an overall average rating of 4.1 stars. There are 20 hospitals near Oak Ridge, NC with affiliated Pediatrics specialists, including The Moses H. Cone Memorial Hospital, Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center and Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I find a top-rated Pediatrics Specialist in Oak Ridge, NC?
How can I find a top-rated Pediatrics Specialist in Oak Ridge, NC?
Healthgrades gives you the tools and information you need to find high-quality care, including top-rated Pediatrics Specialists in Oak Ridge, NC. You can filter your search results to a specific Rating threshold, or go to “Top Rated” to quickly view Pediatrics Specialists with our highest patient ratings.
Every Healthgrades profile includes information about the factors that matter most when choosing care, including a Pediatrics Specialist's education, board certification, and experience. You can even see which specific conditions a doctor treats most often.
Healthgrades also spotlights high-quality healthcare professionals by identifying them as “Healthgrades Choice.” This badge indicates that a physician has above average experience, good patient ratings, no healthcare sanctions, and affiliations with quality hospitals.
Finally, you can read reviews and ratings from verified patients about their experiences with a doctor.
Together, all of these factors provide a comprehensive picture of Pediatrics Specialists in Oak Ridge, NC so you can make an informed, confident decision about the care you receive.
How can I share my experience after visiting a Pediatrics Specialist through Healthgrades?
How can I share my experience after visiting a Pediatrics Specialist through Healthgrades?
Patient ratings and reviews are an important tool in helping other people like yourself make informed healthcare choices. If you read patient reviews as part of your decision-making process, you can pay it forward by sharing your own experience with a Pediatrics Specialist.
After your visit, you can visit your Pediatrics Specialist's profile and go to “Leave a Review.” From here you will be required to provide a star rating from 1 to 5 to reflect how likely you are to recommend that doctor. You can also leave an optional text review about your experience.
You will be required to submit your email address so Healthgrades can confirm your review, and you must verify that you received treatment from the physician and agree to Healthgrades terms and conditions.
How can I find a Pediatrics Specialist in Oak Ridge, NC who speaks a specific language other than English?
How can I find a Pediatrics Specialist in Oak Ridge, NC who speaks a specific language other than English?
Finding a Pediatrics Specialist in Oak Ridge, NC with whom you can communicate effectively is an essential part of finding quality care. You can go to “All Filters” on your Healthgrades search results and scroll to “Language.” From there, you narrow your search to physicians who speak your selected language(s).
Healthgrades lets you filter by more than 100 languages, including Spanish, Chinese, Arabic, Hindu, Urdu, Tagalog, and American Sign Language.
How can I find Pediatrics Specialists within a specific distance from my location?
How can I find Pediatrics Specialists within a specific distance from my location?
Go to “Distance” on your Healthgrades search results page and select the distance range you would be willing to travel for your visit, such as 1 miles, 5 miles, 10 miles, 25 miles, 50 miles, 100 miles, or nationwide.
You can also go to “Top Rated” to quickly view a list of 4-star and above-rated Pediatrics Specialists within 10 miles of your selected location.
Keep in mind: The right specialist for you may not be among the ones closest to you, and it may be worth expanding your search to find the highest-quality care.
How can I search for Pediatrics Specialists in Oak Ridge, NC specializing in a specific sub-specialty or niche area?
How can I search for Pediatrics Specialists in Oak Ridge, NC specializing in a specific sub-specialty or niche area?
After your initial specialty search, Healthgrades allows you to narrow your search to specific conditions or practicing areas within that specialty.
On your Healthgrades search results page, go to “Practice Area.” From here you can select specific conditions or subspecialties that more directly reflect the type of care you need.
How can I find Pediatrics Specialists in Oak Ridge, NC with availability that aligns with my schedule?
How can I find Pediatrics Specialists in Oak Ridge, NC with availability that aligns with my schedule?
You can filter your Healthgrades search results based on appointment availability, including options such as same-day, tomorrow, or within 2 weeks. Under “All Filters,” scroll to “Availability” and select the appointment timeframe you need.
You can also contact a Pediatrics Specialist's office directly to ask about appointment availability, including same-day availability or unexpected cancellations that may have opened up new appointments in your desired timeframe.
How can I locate Pediatrics Specialists in Oak Ridge, NC affiliated with a specific facility or hospital?
How can I locate Pediatrics Specialists in Oak Ridge, NC affiliated with a specific facility or hospital?
Finding a Pediatrics Specialist in Oak Ridge, NC with affiliations at high-quality hospitals is key to a successful treatment outcome. Healthgrades lets you filter your search to doctors who have admitting privileges at the hospital(s) you prefer.
Go to “All Filters” on your Healthgrades search results, then scroll to “Affiliated Facility.” From here you can select one or more preferred hospitals to narrow your search to specialists with affiliations at those facilities.
How can I find Pediatrics Specialists in Oak Ridge, NC who offer LGBTQ+ affirming care on Healthgrades?
How can I find Pediatrics Specialists in Oak Ridge, NC who offer LGBTQ+ affirming care on Healthgrades?
Finding a Pediatrics Specialist in Oak Ridge, NC who affirms your identity is an essential part of a successful healthcare partnership. For people who identify as LGBTQ+, you can filter your Healthgrades search results to physicians who designate themselves as LGBTQ+ affirming.
Go to “All Filters” in your search results, then scroll down and select “LGBTQ+ affirming.”
Is it possible to filter Pediatrics Specialists in Oak Ridge, NC based on their age on Healthgrades?
Is it possible to filter Pediatrics Specialists in Oak Ridge, NC based on their age on Healthgrades?
Some people feel more comfortable seeing a Pediatrics Specialist in a specific age range. You can filter your Healthgrades search results by going to “All Filters,” and then scrolling down to “Healthcare Professional’s Age.” From here, you can select age ranges from under 40, 41-50, 51-60, 61-70, or over 70 years old.
How do Pediatrics Specialists in Oak Ridge, NC stay connected with their patients between appointments?
How do Pediatrics Specialists in Oak Ridge, NC stay connected with their patients between appointments?
A Pediatrics Specialist's office in Oak Ridge, NC may offer a variety of resources for patients who need care or medical advice between appointments. These may include an answering service, nurse or physician assistant helpline, or text support through a patient portal.
When scheduling your appointment, or during your visit, ask your Pediatrics Specialist's office about available care options between scheduled appointments.
How do Pediatrics Specialists in Oak Ridge, NC approach patient education and empowerment during appointments?
How do Pediatrics Specialists in Oak Ridge, NC approach patient education and empowerment during appointments?
Each Pediatrics Specialist has their approach to educating and empowering patients. As a patient, you should feel comfortable asking questions and have confidence in your understanding of the answers. A strong partnership with your Pediatrics Specialist helps you work together to find a treatment plan that's right for you, which improves the likelihood of a successful outcome.
Patient ratings and reviews can be particularly helpful in learning about a doctor's communication style. By reading about other people's experiences with a Pediatrics Specialist, you can get a sense of how that specialist approaches patient education and empowerment to decide if they're a fit for you.
Can I request electronic prescriptions or medication refills from Pediatrics Specialists in Oak Ridge, NC for convenience?
Can I request electronic prescriptions or medication refills from Pediatrics Specialists in Oak Ridge, NC for convenience?
Many medical practices provide electronic prescriptions or medication refills as a quick, convenient way for you to receive your medications. Ask your doctor's office about whether they provide electronic prescriptions or refills, and check with your health insurance provider about prescription services they may offer.
How do Pediatrics Specialists in Oak Ridge, NC facilitate seamless transitions of care for patients transitioning between healthcare settings?
How do Pediatrics Specialists in Oak Ridge, NC facilitate seamless transitions of care for patients transitioning between healthcare settings?
If you need to change healthcare settings, such as being discharged from the hospital to a rehabilitation center or transitioning to home care, your team of healthcare professionals will work together to ensure continuity of care. They will communicate your medical records, history, and any other important information to the next care team so everyone can be equipped to provide high-quality care.
It is also important that you understand and feel confident about each step of your care. Don't hesitate to ask questions, and offer honest communication with your healthcare professionals so they can tailor your treatment to your needs.
Can I access remote monitoring or telehealth services provided by Pediatrics Specialists in Oak Ridge, NC for ongoing care management?
Can I access remote monitoring or telehealth services provided by Pediatrics Specialists in Oak Ridge, NC for ongoing care management?
Your Pediatrics Specialist may recommend that you use new technologies called Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) to monitor your condition or symptoms between appointments. This may include tracking factors such as your weight, heart rate, blood oxygen level, blood pressure, temperature, or glucose levels. RPM devices can provide real-time updates to your physician or care team so they can keep track of trends or determine if you need more immediate care.
During your appointment, ask your Pediatrics Specialist about the potential use of RPM and the possible benefits for your individual treatment plan.
How do Pediatrics Specialists in Oak Ridge, NC address patient feedback and quality improvement initiatives to enhance their practice?
How do Pediatrics Specialists in Oak Ridge, NC address patient feedback and quality improvement initiatives to enhance their practice?
Patient feedback is an important and helpful factor for Pediatrics Specialists as they work to improve and maintain the quality of their practice. Ratings and comments from patients can provide guidance for office staff, process efficiencies, and physician communication. Healthgrades also publishes hospital quality data and awards the top facilities in the nation as America's Best Hospitals. These data-driven reports help specialists choose affiliations with high-quality hospitals that offer a higher rate of successful outcomes.
What role do Pediatrics Specialists in Oak Ridge, NC play in addressing public health challenges and epidemics affecting the local community?
What role do Pediatrics Specialists in Oak Ridge, NC play in addressing public health challenges and epidemics affecting the local community?
As physicians offering first-hand care to patients, Pediatrics Specialists have a unique perspective and influence on public health. Routine screenings for diseases or conditions can help prevent more complicated care down the line, reducing the risk of healthcare-associated infection for patients. By counseling patients on preventive lifestyle habits, such as routine exercise and nutrition, doctors can lower the risk of chronic conditions in the population and ease the demand for critical care. Local physicians may also participate in community health programs or offer volunteer care, which helps increase access to healthcare for those who may not otherwise receive it. Through these types of initiatives and others like them, specialists can contribute to their community's overall public health.
What support resources are available for caregivers of patients receiving care from Pediatrics Specialists in Oak Ridge, NC?
What support resources are available for caregivers of patients receiving care from Pediatrics Specialists in Oak Ridge, NC?
Acting as a caregiver for a loved one can be a stressful and often emotional role. Caregiver burnout is common, and the challenges of caring for someone with a serious condition may be overwhelming. Fortunately, help is available.
Your Pediatrics Specialist's office in Oak Ridge, NC may be able to provide information about local support groups for caregivers, or there are several online communities you can access. Local respite services can provide quality, short-term care for your loved one and allow you to take needed time for yourself.
Caregivers of veterans enrolled in the Veterans Affairs health system can receive support through the VA, including legal and financial planning services. If your loved one has a disability and already receives Medicaid, your City may allow you to become a paid caregiver. Contact your state's Medicaid office for more information.
What measures do Pediatrics Specialists in Oak Ridge, NC take to address patients' financial concerns or facilitate access to affordable healthcare services?
What measures do Pediatrics Specialists in Oak Ridge, NC take to address patients' financial concerns or facilitate access to affordable healthcare services?
Your Pediatrics Specialist's office can provide information about financial assistance, which may be referred to as charity care. Some doctor's offices also offer payment plans that allow you to pay your bill over a certain period of time.
If you need to receive care at a hospital, you may qualify for financial assistance through that hospital. If you receive care at a non-profit hospital, you must be offered financial assistance if you cannot afford to pay. If you participate in a government program, such as Medicaid or Medicare, those programs' websites can offer guidance about coverage for the care you need.
Your hospital may also have a patient advocate on staff who can help guide you through your coverage or your financial assistance options. You can also find your own guide through the Patient Advocate Foundation.
How can patients effectively advocate for themselves during appointments with Pediatrics Specialists in Oak Ridge, NC?
How can patients effectively advocate for themselves during appointments with Pediatrics Specialists in Oak Ridge, NC?
It is important to remember that you are a partner with your Pediatrics Specialist as you find the right treatment plan for you. You have a voice in your healthcare decisions, and it is important to communicate your goals and preferences clearly to get the highest quality of care.
Ways to advocate for yourself during appointments include: preparing questions in advance to ask your doctor, bringing someone with you to listen and take notes, asking your Pediatrics Specialist to clarify when you do not understand something, and being honest when you have concerns.
If you are unsure about a recommended treatment, tell your doctor you want to seek a second opinion. A quality Pediatrics Specialist will not take offense at this; rather, a good doctor wants to get as much information as possible to make the right treatment choice. If your Pediatrics Specialist does question your interest in a second opinion, it may be a sign that another Pediatrics Specialist may be a better fit for you.