Patient Information
Referral Process
Here at Pediatric Pulmonary Services we accept referrals from your child’s primary care provider, or any specialty health care provider they are seen by. There is a referral form that can be obtained by calling our office, or downloading here on our website. Referrals can also be placed through EPIC, if referring health care provider is an EPIC user.
Health care providers can also refer your child here for Pulmonary Function Testing only. We will conduct the breathing test, read and report on it, and send over the information to the primary care provider. From there, if your PCP would like further consultation for you, we can provide that.
Families can also call our office directly to make self-referrals, and we can decide together if of our services are necessary based on a brief history obtained via the phone.
Forms & Downloads
Nutmeg Pediatric Pulmonary forms are listed below and can be printed for your convenience.
The Patient Registration Form, New Patient Questionnaire may be completed in advance and brought to the office during your first visit. This will save you time by not having to complete these forms while in the office.
Download:
Other Resources
This site provides an excellent overview of PCD – remember, “immotile cilia syndrome” is a term sometimes used in place of PCD.
An additional website provided by PCD researcher at University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. The site has excellent videos of ciliary activity in people with normal ciliary activity and people with PCD.
The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, is the primary site for research in the United States. This site provides information about PCD and links to individual researchers websites and other resources.
The PCD Foundation (PCDF) is the only North American patient education, research and advocacy organization dedicated to PCD. The PCD website has information about diagnosis and treatment, upcoming events and a patient forum where affected individuals and their families can communicate with each other. There is a special forum site just for children, teens and young adults.
Frequently Asked Questions
We understand stepping into the digital world can be daunting. Our FAQs are here to guide you through our collaborative process, ensuring a seamless and supportive experience.
How can I schedule an appointment for my child?
Appointments can be scheduled by calling our office at 203-208-2395. Our administrative staff is available to schedule your child’s appointment on Monday from 9am-3pm, Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday from 9am-5pm and Friday from 9am-11am.
What age range of patients do you treat?
We treat patients from infancy through the age of 25
Do I need to fill out any forms before my child's first visit?
Yes, we do ask for the new patient paperwork as well as our Cancel Policy to be completed prior to your initial visit.
What should I bring to my child's first appointment?
For your child’s first appointment you will need to bring the new patient paperwork, this will be emailed to you by the office staff or can be downloaded from the link in question #3. You will also need a copy of your child’s insurance card, photo identification of the parent or legal guardian for children under 18 and any inhalers that have been previously prescribed in a sealed ziploc bag.
Do you offer telehealth services for consultations or follow-ups?
Telehealth appointments are available for follow up appointments based on circumstance and individual patient needs. However, for an initial consultation, it is best for your child to be seen in person by one of our providers.
How do you handle after-hours emergencies or urgent care needs?
One of our providers is on call after business hours and can be reached through our answering service. In the event of an emergency it is always best to call 911
Can I request a specific provider for my child's appointments?
You can request the provider you would like but … the needs of all the patients in our practice, including you, will always be the priority of the providers. Our providers are always in communication with one another and we strive to make sure that all of our providers are fully up to date on each of our patients. This allows for continuity of care to take place for your child in the event that your regular provider may not be available.
What types of diagnostic tests can be performed on-site?
Oximetry, spirometry, before & after bronchodilator, lung volume measurements, measurements of oxygen exchange, 6 minute walk, exhaled nitric oxide (looking at asthmatic inflammation.) Bronchoprovocation (the definitive test for asthma). Measurements of respiratory muscle strength.
Keep in mind, the ability to perform these tests is age dependent.
How do you coordinate care with other specialists if my child needs additional treatment?
To start, we work with a referring pediatrician around involving other sub-specialists. When other sub-specialists are already involved, they are included in all communications.
Because of the nature of pulmonary, gastroenterology, ear nose and throat (ENT) and allergy & immunology, most pediatricians who refer to our practice, are comfortable with us making those referrals directly.
How do you support children with special healthcare needs or chronic conditions?
We have a substantial program for children who have tracheostomies and who may also be on home ventilators. Additionally, we have a number of patients on non-invasive mechanical support for their breathing at home.
Children with complex medical needs require the support of a medical home. Many pediatricians provide a medical home for these children. There are some pediatricians or family practitioners who rely on our practice for the medical home coordination. This is a service we happily provide.
Children with complex medical needs periodically require interventions in the operating room. In these instances we go out of our way to ensure that any other sub-specialist involved, who may be considering procedures, can coordinate with us to limit the frequency of general anesthesia to which these children are exposed.
How are parents involved in the decision-making process for their child's treatment plan?
In our practice our patients and their parents/caregivers are always considered an integral part of the treatment team.
How can I access my child's medical records or test results?
Should be Nutmeg Pediatrics utilizes MYChart. You can access all chart notes and test results performed by Nutmeg Pediatrics by creating an account in MyChart. We will be happy to assist with this.
What policies do you have regarding missed appointments or late cancellations?
Missed appointments, no shows and cancellations not made 24 hours or more prior to the appointment are subject to a $50.00 cancellation fee.