Merchantville Pediatrics

Frequently Asked Questions

We know you've got questions, so this is the place to get those answered. Here you'll find information on office visits, schedules of well visits, and payment and insurance information. If there's anything here that needs clarity, please feel free to give our office a call!

All You Need to Know

  • What days are you open?

    Our office is open:

    Monday-Thursday 9AM-6PM
    Friday 9AM-4PM
    Saturday 9AM-12PM
    Sundays for emergencies only
  • Are you accepting new patients?

    Yes, we are always accepting new patients. We welcome any inquiring families to stop by the office to meet the doctors and learn more about our practice.

    Expectant parents are invited to request a prenatal consultation.
    We are no longer accepting patients who are choosing not to vaccinate.
  • Do you accept my health insurance plan?

    Advocare participates with most major insurance plans. As participation varies by region, specialty, and physician, we recommend that you contact either our office or your insurance company representative to verify that your insurance plan is accepted.

    The state plans we participate with are Wellpoint and Horizon NJ Health.
  • Does your practice support breastfeeding mothers?

    Yes, we promote breastfeeding. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends breastfeeding babies for the first six months. Breastfeeding helps defend children against infections, prevents allergies, and protects against a number of chronic conditions. While experts believe that breast milk is the best nutritional choice for infants, breastfeeding may not be possible for all women. Some women have specific medical considerations that impede breastfeeding; others choose to feed by formula because of discomfort, work schedule, or lifestyle choices. In these cases, infant formula is a good alternative. We will gladly discuss your diet and feeding concerns at your well care visit, or please call during office hours to speak with our experienced nursing staff.
  • How do I obtain a prescription refill?

    Please call our main office number and follow the prompts for our prescription refill line. Allow one business day for all routine prescription refills. For prescriptions that require prior authorization from your insurance company, please plan ahead to allow at least three to five days for refill approval. Prescription refills for ADD and ADHD medications are refilled Monday through Friday only.
  • How do we contact the doctor after hours?

    Our medical providers are available 24 hours a day. Call the office at (856) 665-7337 and follow the prompts to be routed to either our nurse triage service, which operates until 12 midnight daily, or to our answering service after midnight. Please be aware that after-hours calls are intended for urgent medical issues that cannot wait until the next business day. Referral and appointment requests will not be addressed by the on call doctor or nurse triage. Calls are typically returned within 20 minutes. Please call back if you have not received a timely response.

     

    IN THE EVENT OF A LIFE THREATENING EMERGENCY, CALL 911.

     

  • How often does my child need to be seen in the office?

    Our routine health maintenance visit schedule follows the American Academy of Pediatrics vaccine guideline for children.

    Children are seen every six months between the ages of 18 months and 3 years. Once your child is 3 years old, they should be seen yearly.
  • I just gave birth. When should I schedule my baby's first doctor visit?

    We recommend that your newborn be seen in our office the first week after discharge from the hospital. Our staff understands the importance of this first visit and will make every effort to schedule this visit promptly.
  • May I request a specific pediatrician for my visit?

    Every effort is made to arrange your child's well care and follow up visits with the physician of your choice. When your child is ill, he or she may see any one of our physicians or nurse practitioners..
  • My child needs to see a specialist. What do I do?

    For non-urgent referrals: when one of our doctors refers you to a specialist, please schedule your appointment with the specialist, then call our office within five business days of your appointment. Your referral will be available in 72 hours. Most referrals are completed electronically and submitted directly to the specialist's office. Please check with our office staff to determine if your insurance plan processes referrals electronically.

     

    For urgent referrals: when one of our doctors determines that you need an urgent referral, your referral will be initiated immediately. Please remain in our office while your referral is processed, then proceed to your specialist.

     

  • 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. Please discuss your immunization questions and concerns with any of our pediatricians.

    If you have any reservations about immunizing your child, please visit  CHOP's Facts about Childhood Vaccines.
  • When should my baby start solid foods?

    As all children are different, we advise following several appropriate steps to advance your child's diet based on age and development. Please discuss these steps with our providers at your well care visit.
  • When will I receive lab or test results?

    You will receive a call quickly with any lab results that require urgent attention. Other abnormal lab results will be addressed promptly by the provider that ordered the labs or tests. Please call our office if you have not heard back from us within 3 business days for test results.
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