Policies
For care needs outside our regular business hours, we provide an automated phone system that connects you with our on-call provider.
For urgent medical concerns: Call our main office number and follow the prompts to leave a message for the on-call provider. The provider will call you back promptly.
For non-urgent matters: Leave a message through our automated system, and we will return your call during the next business day.
For emergencies: Call 911 immediately or go to the nearest emergency room.
We're committed to ensuring you receives appropriate care when needed while maintaining a sustainable practice environment for our providers.
At Foundation Pediatrics, we value your time and are committed to providing timely, high-quality care for every child. To help you keep track of your upcoming visits, we offer courtesy appointment reminders.
Late Arrivals for Appointments
If running late, please call us—we may accommodate you if the schedule permits. Otherwise, we'll need to reschedule.
Cancellations
Please give 24 hours' notice when canceling or rescheduling. This allows us to offer the appointment to other patients. If canceling with less than 24 hours' notice, you may be charged a cancellation fee.
Here’s how our reminder system works:
- Reminders via Text, Email, or Phone: You will receive a reminder 48–72 hours before your child’s appointment. Please ensure we have your most current contact information on file.
- Confirmation Required: We kindly ask that you confirm your appointment by responding to the reminder message. Unconfirmed appointments may be subject to cancellation to accommodate other families in need.
- Need to Reschedule? If you are unable to keep your appointment, please contact us at least 24 hours in advance so we can offer the time to another patient.
- Missed Appointments: Missed appointments without prior notice (no-shows) may result in a fee and can impact your ability to schedule future visits.
Thank you for partnering with us to provide timely and excellent care to all the families we serve!
Well Visit Scheduling
write-up that also includes a clear explanation about appointment requirements, how far in advance to schedule, and availability of same-day sick visits:
Scheduling Appointments at Foundation Pediatrics
At Foundation Pediatrics, every visit—whether for a check-up or a sick concern—requires an appointment. This helps us ensure your child receives the time, attention, and care they deserve.
Well Visit Appointments
Routine check-ups are essential to monitor your child’s growth, development, and overall health. These visits are also a great time to stay current with immunizations and to address any questions or concerns.
Recommended Schedule:
- Infants & Toddlers: At regular intervals (newborn, 1, 2, 4, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 24, and 30 months)
- Ages 3 and up: Yearly well visits
Plan Ahead!
- We recommend scheduling your next well visit at the time of your current one or at least 4–6 weeks in advance, especially during busy seasons like summer or back-to-school.
- Forms for school, camp, or daycare can be completed at your child’s well visit.
Sick Visits
People don’t always get sick on a schedule—and we’re here when you need us.
- Same-day appointments are available for urgent concerns.
- We encourage you to call early in the day if your child is ill, so we can best accommodate your needs.
- Please note that all visits, including for minor illnesses, require an appointment—**no walk-ins, please**.
How to Schedule:
📞 Call or text our office during business hours
Thank you for helping us provide efficient, timely care for all our families. We look forward to seeing you at your child’s next visit!
CONFIDENTIALITY AND DISCLOSURE
We are committed to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of all patient information while providing comprehensive, age-appropriate care. Your medical information is kept confidential and will only be shared with your healthcare team, insurance providers as necessary for billing purposes, and others as required by law or with your written permission.
For patients under 18, parents/guardians generally have access to their child's medical information, though as adolescents mature, certain healthcare services (such as reproductive health, mental health, and substance use treatment) may be provided confidentially in accordance with New Jersey state law. We may disclose information without consent in certain limited circumstances, including when there is risk of serious harm to self or others, suspected abuse or neglect, or as required by law for reportable conditions. We encourage open communication between patients, families, and healthcare providers, and we are always available to discuss any questions or concerns about our confidentiality practices.
ADOLESCENT HEALTHCARE AND INFORMATION DISCLOSURE POLICY:
Private Conversations During Well or Sick Visits
- Foundation Pediatrics will offer private conversations with adolescent patients during routine well visits and sick visits
- Per American Academy of Pediatrics recommendations, this practice typically begins around age 12, though there is no specific age mandated by New Jersey law
- Parents/guardians will be asked to step out of the exam room for part of each visit to allow confidential discussion between provider and adolescent
- Parents/guardians will be informed of this policy when their child reaches adolescence
- After the private portion, parents/guardians will be invited back to discuss general findings and recommendations, while respecting adolescent confidentiality
- Private examination without parent/guardian present will be offered to adolescent patients, with appropriate chaperoning per practice policy
NEW JERSEY CONSENT AND DISCLOSURE FRAMEWORK
Health Service | Consent Required From | Information Disclosure |
Well visits | Parent/Guardian | Full access to parent/guardian |
Sports physicals | Parent/Guardian | Full access to parent/guardian |
Immunizations | Parent/Guardian | Full access to parent/guardian |
Mental health screening | In NJ: Adolescents 14+ may consent; <13 requires parent consent | In NJ: Limited protection for adolescents 14+; therapist discretion applies |
STI testing/treatment | In NJ: Minors of any age may consent | Protected from disclosure without minor's permission |
Contraception | In NJ: Minors of any age may consent | Protected from disclosure without minor's permission |
Pregnancy care | In NJ: Minors of any age may consent | Protected from disclosure without minor's permission |
Substance use treatment | In NJ: Age 13+ may consent | Protected from disclosure; limited exceptions for treatment progress |
Emergency care | Consent presumed in emergencies | May be limited disclosure |
To ensure the safety and proper care of our pediatric patients, Foundation Pediatrics requires a valid photo identification (such as a driver’s license, state ID, or passport) from a parent or legal guardian at the first visit for all new patients. This helps verify guardianship, prevent insurance fraud, and maintain accurate medical records. In cases where a legal guardian is not present, appropriate documentation (e.g., custody agreement or notarized consent) may be required.
At Foundation Pediatrics, we follow the immunization schedules recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics and CDC. We require all patients to receive recommended vaccines, with exceptions only for documented medical contraindications.
This policy reflects our commitment to evidence-based medicine and protects vulnerable patients in our practice. We welcome discussions about vaccine concerns and are committed to partnering with families through education and transparent communication. To ensure the health and safety of our patients and community. Our minimum requirements are:
- DTaP (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis): 3 doses by age 1, 1 booster by age 2.
- Prevnar 20 (Pneumococcal): 3 doses by age 1, 1 booster by age 2.
- HIB (Haemophilus Influenza B): 3 doses by age 1, 1 booster by age 2.
- MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella): 1 dose by age 2.
- New Patients: Those joining after age 1 must complete required vaccines within 6 months.
We respect parental concerns but believe not vaccinating puts children at risk for serious diseases and compromises community immunity.
There is no charge for the release of medical records to another care provider; and there is no charge for a copy of your child’s immunization records. If you transfer care from Foundation Pediatrics to another doctor for any reason and later want to re-establish care, you may do so by calling the office to schedule an appointment.