Our focus is the wellbeing of your child(ren).
We are unable to mediate between any personal issues concerning the child’s parents or guardians. Please make decisions regarding treatment of your child (vaccinations, medications, circumcision etc.) prior to the appointment. Either parent or legal guardian can schedule an appointment for their child, be present for the visit, and/or sign for release of the child’s medical records. Any restrictions on parental involvement in the child’s care must be clearly presented via a court issued document.
Split Family Policy (Online Version)
- It is recommended that both parents have their own Patient Portal account, so that each has access to their child’s medical information.
- Payment (co-pays, deductibles, etc.) is due at the time of service regardless of which parent is responsible for medical expenses. We are not a party to your divorce agreement. We will collect payment due from the parent who brings the child to the visit. If the divorce decree requires the other parent to pay all or part of the treatment costs, it is the authorizing parent’s responsibility to collect from the other parent.
- Either parent/legal guardian can sign for permission to treat. This means other persons (grandparents, nannies, step-parent, the other parent, etc.) are authorized to bring your child to our practice, and can consent for treatment during that visit.
- Step-parents married to a biological or legal parent are not considered legal guardians unless there is something in place from the other biological parent that gives up guardianship rights of the child such as adoption.
Requests for a parent to be removed or denied access must be:
- Submitted In writing via portal, mail or in person.
- Accompanied by legal documentation with reference to the page that contains the information that substantiates the request.
- Once received, these documents will be sent for legal advice.
Additionally, EPPC providers and staff cannot:
- Initiate a call to the non-attending parent before or after a child’s visit for
- consent prior to treatment
- to inform the other parent whenever visits are scheduled
- to communicate care information
- Tolerate appointment scheduling/cancelling patterns of behavior between parents.
- Prevent another parent from making demographic account changes unless legally specified.
