Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the questions parents ask most about appointments, visits, communication, and general care at Northpointe Pediatrics. If you need more help, our team is always here to support you.
Visits and Care
What is the difference between a well visit and a sick visit?
Well visits focus on prevention, development, and screenings. Sick visits focus on diagnosing and treating illness.
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What if my child is behind on vaccines?
We can create a safe catch up plan to bring your child up to date as quickly as possible.
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How do teen well visits work?
During yearly teen checkups, providers spend a short portion of the visit talking with teens privately about health or social concerns. These conversations are confidential unless there is concern for self harm or harm to others.
Do you prescribe antibiotics over the phone?
We do not routinely provide antibiotics over the phone. We want to make sure we treat your children appropriately, please call the office for further questions.
Appointments
How do I schedule an appointment?
You can call our office during phone hours or request an appointment through the Patient Portal. Same day sick visits are available with the first available provider.
Can my child come with another adult?
A parent or legal guardian must be present.
What is your late policy?
We ask that you arrive 5 minutes before your scheduled appointment time. We understand sometimes things happen beyond your control that may cause you to be late. However, we reserve the right to ask you to reschedule if you arrive late for your appointment. Our practice makes every effort to run on time with appointments, as we believe everyone’s time is equally valuable.
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Northpointe Pediatrics provides multiple courtesy reminders ahead of a scheduled appointment. Appointment arrivals past the scheduled time may result in the need to be rescheduled. We do not guarantee a “grace period” and cannot honor all late appointments. All appointments must be canceled by 5pm the day prior to the scheduled appointment time or are subject to a cancellation fee of $25.00 for sick/same day visits, and $50 a well check/medication check.
Do I need to bring anything to the appointment?
Please bring your insurance card, a list of current medications or supplements, and any required forms.
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What is your cancellation policy?
You may cancel an appointment before 5 PM on the day prior at no charge. Same day cancellations or missed appointments will result in a fee.
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Patient Portal
What can I do through the Patient Portal?
The Patient Portal allows you to request or book appointments online, request prescription refills and referrals, view immunization records, visit summaries, and send secure messages to our team.
Can I request medication refills through the portal?
Yes. Refill or renewal requests can be submitted through the portal 24 hours a day.
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Is the Patient Portal secure?
Yes. It is part of our electronic health record system, eClinicalWorks, and meets all privacy and HIPAA standards.
How do I schedule an appointment online?
Log in to the Patient Portal and select Request Appointment. You can submit your request anytime, even after hours.
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Can I see my child’s medical records?
Yes. You can view immunization records, visit summaries, current medications, allergies, and more.
Communication
When should I call instead of using the Patient Portal?
Call for urgent medical questions or concerns that require same day evaluation. Use the portal for non urgent messages, form requests, and follow up communication.
How do I reach the on call physician after hours?
For urgent medical concerns outside of office hours, please call (586) 558-2111.
Your call will be directed to our answering service, and the on-call provider will be notified.
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What are your phone hours?
Monday - Thursday: 8 AM to 5 PM
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Friday: 8 AM to 4:30 PM
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Saturday: 8 AM to 12 PM​​
Why can’t you accept families who decline all vaccines?
Caring for unvaccinated children increases the risk of exposure for newborns, immunocompromised patients, and vulnerable children. To maintain a safe environment for all families, we require vaccination.
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Forms and Records
Where can I find patient forms?
All online and printable forms are available on our Patient Forms page.​​​​
How do I request medical records?
You can complete a Release of Medical Records form, available on our Patient Forms page.
Can I email completed forms?
Yes, completed forms may be submitted via email to frontdesk@nppeds.com.
Our system is secure and designed to protect your personal health information.
Billing and Insurance
What insurance plans do you accept?
We accept many major insurance plans. Visit our Insurance and Billing page or contact our billing team for details.​​​
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When is payment due?
We expect payment at the time of service. Statements are sent out at the beginning of every month. We accept Visa, MasterCard, and Discover cards at the time of service, over the phone or by mail with your statement coupon.
After Hours & Urgent Care
What should I do if my child gets sick after hours?
For urgent but non life threatening concerns, call (586) 558-2111 to reach the on call physician. They can help you determine whether home care, an urgent care visit, or an emergency department visit is needed.
Where should we go for urgent care?
For after hours needs that require prompt evaluation but are not emergencies, we recommend pediatric focused urgent care center:
• Pediatric After Hours Clinic, Troy Beaumont
When should I go to the emergency room?
If your child is having trouble breathing, showing signs of severe illness, has a serious injury, or you believe the situation is an emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately.
Whenever possible, we recommend pediatric emergency departments such as:
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Henry Ford St. John Hospital, Detroit
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Corewell Beaumont Hospital, Royal Oak
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Children’s Hospital of Michigan, Troy
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Corewell Beaumont Hospital, Troy
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Children’s Hospital of Michigan, Detroit
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Henry Ford Emergency Medicine - Macomb Hospital
How do I contact the office after hours?
Please call the office on the main line at (586) 558-2111 and you will be directed from there.