SO IT'S SORE THROAT AND STREP SEASON ...(FEBRUARY E-NEWS)

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Westwood-Mansfield Pediatrics

February E-News
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So It's Sore Throat and Strep Season.....

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Below are questions and comments we have heard about the Home strep program and whether it is of value to you.

1) Why should I do the strep test at home? If I perform the test at home and it is positive, then I have to pay for the strep test plus my copay.

This is true- however 50-75% of the time the test is negative, thus saving you a copay and time on the phone calling for an appointment, and waiting in the crowded office this time of year.

2) I am afraid I may not do it right or I might hurt my child.

Remember to look on your instruction card with the strep kit- it will explain everything from how to swab your child's throat to how to process the swab. If you need a visual demonstration - go to YOU TUBE and type in "Westwood-Mansfield Pediatrics". Dr Hartman shows you how to perform the test and actually has his throat swabbed! If you also need the visual on how to process the swab and interpret the test go to the online training video.

3) I can't do the test - I am afraid my child won't hold still or I might gag.

Talk with your child and if you have a dog or a cat have them hold them (not too tight) in their lap during the process. If you have a sensitive gag reflex, then have your spouse perform the test- often times after seeing the YOU TUBE VIDEO parents feel more comfortable performing the test. IN FACT some have said this is like the new pregnancy test!

4) This is the doctor's job to do.

Some parents feel this way and we are more than happy to see your child- please be patient with us as this time of year is very busy.

PLEASE PURCHASE A STREP KIT A YOUR CHILD'S CHECK UP- ESPECIALLY AGES 6-12.

DR HARTMAN IS FIGHTING HARD FOR STREP TESTS TO GO OVER-THE-COUNTER. A PILOT STUDY MAY BE APPROVED FOR A STUDY ON 75,000 CHILDREN AND THEN TAKEN TO THE FDA IF ALL GOES WELL.

WEEKEND HOURS CHANGING ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Please note that as of March 6th our weekend office hours are changing as follows:

Saturday office hours will now be in the MANSFIELD OFFICE from 9:00 am to Noon.

Sunday office hours will continue to be in the WESTWOOD OFFICE from 9:00 am to Noon.

All holiday hours will still be in the WESTWOOD OFFICE.

All patients may be seen in either office.

Patient Portal Coming Soon

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We will soon have a patient portal for our patients at Westwood-Mansfield Pediatrics! Appointment requests, refill requests, referral requests and the potential for email contact will be available on this new system. More information to follow....

Appointment Reminders for Chronic Care Visits

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If you receive a card in the mail from our office, please read it carefully. We
are now sending out postcards to remind you to make your recheck appoinments
for Asthma, ADHD or HLP+ (Healthy Lifestyle). We no longer send out postcards
to remind you to make your yearly well check.