New Patients

New Patient Checklist

Choosing the right physician is an important decision for your family. At Advocare Edison Pediatric and Adult Medicine, we believe that aligning with your family’s values and approach to care is essential for building trust and ensuring high-quality, collaborative care.


To help you determine if we’re the right fit for your family, we’ve created a comprehensive checklist. This will guide you through our office policies, services, and what you can expect from our team. Whether you’re looking for pediatric care for your child or internal medicine for adults, we’re here to provide the best possible care for everyone in your family.


Please take a moment to review our policies and services. We are dedicated to creating a welcoming, supportive environment and look forward to building a long-lasting partnership with your family.

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  • Antibiotics

    At Advocare Edison Pediatric and Adult Medicine, we are committed to promoting the responsible use of antibiotics. Our goal is to avoid over-prescribing antibiotics by educating families about their proper use and following evidence-based guidelines to ensure safe and effective care for both children and adults.


    Many illnesses are caused by viruses and do not require antibiotics. For these cases, our team takes the time to discuss alternative treatments and emphasize the importance of allowing the body to heal naturally when appropriate.


    Additionally, we do not routinely prescribe antibiotics over the phone. We believe it is crucial to assess patients in person or via telehealth for a proper evaluation. Antibiotics are only prescribed when necessary, ensuring their use is both appropriate and beneficial, while minimizing the risks of antibiotic resistance and unnecessary side effects.

  • Vaccines

    Our Vaccine Policy follows the schedule outlined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American Academy of Pediatrics.

  • Medical Home

    At Advocare Edison Pediatric and Adult Medicine, we are proud to be your family’s medical home. Whether caring for your child or managing your own health, we provide comprehensive, personalized care for all ages. We focus on prevention, health education, and coordinating care to ensure your family’s well-being at every stage of life.

  • Technology

    Our practice prides itself on efficiency through the use of technology. Where applicable, you will be encouraged to consult our website, register for and use our patient portal, and effectively use automated reminders for appointments and routine care/immunizations that are due.

  • Office Hours
    Stethoscope on medical forms with a pen.

    We strive to meet the needs of our patients by offering both routine well-child and sick visits, as well as comprehensive care for adults. To ensure the most efficient care, please call ahead to schedule an appointment for either your child or yourself when you need to be seen in our office.

    Appointments
  • After Hours

    If you need assistance after hours, our dedicated team is available 24/7/365 to provide after-hours care for both pediatric and adult urgent concerns. For urgent matters, please call our main office number.


    For non-urgent concerns, such as mild illness, appointment requests, or prescription refills, we ask that you wait until regular office hours to contact us.


    Before calling our after-hours clinician, we encourage you to visit our health resources for helpful information.

  • Insurance

    Please ensure we participate with your insurance plan. It is your responsibility to understand the limits and coverage of your health insurance policy. Please present your insurance cards at each visit and be prepared to pay any copays at the time of service.


    While our billing staff can assist with insurance inquiries, it's best to contact your insurance company directly for specific coverage questions. We strive to avoid any billing surprises, but we must bill your health plan according to federal guidelines and the actual services rendered.


    For more details, please review our Financial Policy.

  • Billing

    Insurance copays should be paid at the time of service. If that's not possible, please contact the billing department before your visit to arrange a payment plan.

  • Scheduled Appointments

    For sick visits, please contact our office directly. Our staff is available to assist you and provide guidance without the need for an appointment. If necessary, our clinical team will consult with your child’s pediatrician or your internal medicine provider and follow up with you.


    For well-child and adult check-ups, please use our routine appointment line. These visits can be scheduled in advance, allowing you to select a date and time that works best for your schedule.

  • Timeliness & Missed Appointments

    We value everyone's time equally. Please arrive 5 minutes before your appointment. 


    While we understand that delays can happen, we may ask late arrivals to reschedule. 


    Our practice strives to run on time, and missed appointments affect our clinicians, staff, and other patients. A fee may be charged for canceled or missed appointments if 24 hours' notice is not given.