Tis the season for reflecting on from where we have come and to where we are going. From a fast paced, rapidly changing 2017, we now jump into the New Year.
Center City Pediatrics is 6 months away from the 10 year anniversary of our grand opening. I’m amazed. First of all, I’m amazed that my son is turning 10. I vividly remember pushing him in his stroller to our newly built-out, 6 exam room office on the 3rd floor, and placing him in his “office nursery” – otherwise known as “exam room 6”. I’m amazed that we have grown from 1 doctor to 8 doctors. I’m amazed that we have we have been able to retain so many great doctors, staff, and of course, patients, as we have managed this extraordinary growth. I hope that this is because we have remained true to the vision we imagined back in 2008 – to be a community-based, “medical home” practice, even as we have tried to accommodate the enormous growth in the number of families and children remaining in the city.
As 2018 dawns, the “Iron Triangle” of practicing medicine in America-Quality, Access, and Reimbursement/Cost-continues to challenge us and forces us to make decisions that are sometimes difficult. This year, we made a decision to open additional appointment slots by no longer rounding at Pennsylvania Hospital. We also decided to add provider capacity by hiring a nurse practitioner, Amanda Naumann (whom we love!). Most recently, we have decided that we need to adjust the way we handle nurse triage calls. Due to the ever-increasing volume of phone calls, the absence of any insurance reimbursement for calls, and the challenge of finding qualified nurses to staff this service, we must now reduce the hours that we have our CCP nurses answering calls each day. Of course, our “nurse extraordinaire” Julie Zink still will take the lead on phone consultations throughout the day, and we will continue to engage nurses to help her in this task. After the New Year, we will also be using a third-party Pediatric Nurse Call Service to help the nurses and doctors with calls during certain times and when the volume is especially high.
Managing an independent primary care practice in today’s medical climate is fraught with twists and turns. I hope that 10 years from now we will still be on this road with innumerable grown, healthy kids in our rear-view mirror. If you are interested in learning more and helping us navigate, consider joining our Parent Advisory Group. We meet 3 times a year, including an upcoming discussion in February. Read on for details and information about how to participate.
In Health,
Eric
Join Our Parent Advisory Board
Our Parent Advisory Board (PAB) is comprised of parents, caregivers, and family members of our patients and charged with helping shape new policies and initiatives. This collaboration helps inform our ability to better serve our community.
Members of the PAB meet 3 times each year to share their perspective and expertise regarding proposed practice improvements. Anyone is welcome to participate, with a requested participation of a 1 year term. Contact our Quality Manager for more information and to join.
Our next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, February 8th at 8:00am in the classroom at our Center City office. RSVP and join us!
We Want to Hear From You
As a recognized Patient-Centered Medical Home, we are committed to continually monitoring our families’ experiences and identifying areas for quality improvement. Your feedback is critical to making that process meaningful and reflective.
Next month, patients seen in our Bala office will receive an email link with a brief survey after their visit is complete. Thank you in advance for taking a moment to share your thoughts. Patients seen in our Center City office will be surveyed in the early spring.
Resolve to Learn Something New
Registration is now open for our winter groups and parent education workshops. Visit our website for more detailed class descriptions, information about our facilitators, availability and registration. Dates marked with an * will be held in our Bala Cynwyd office. Others are offered at our Center City location.
NEW WORKSHOP: Food Allergy Workshop & Support
Friday 1/19 9:30am
Saturday 3/17 9:30am
Following an elimination diet under the guidance or a physician? Have had a reaction to food? Tested positive for a food allergy? Join us for support, a chance to meet others and a moderated Q&A.
Why Won’t My Child Sleep?
Sat 1/6 10am
*Sun 2/4 10am
Understand the most common causes of pediatric sleep issues and naptime struggles and learn how to overcome them.
Newborn Sleep 101
Tues 1/16 11am
*Tues 2/13 11am
Master the habits needed to fall asleep more easily and stay asleep longer. Demystify motion sleep, swaddling & more.
Dates marked with an * will be held in our Bala Cynwyd office. Others are offered at our Center City location.
Infant & Toddler CPR
Sat 1/20 9:30
*Sun 2/11 9:30am
Learn proper CPR and rescue procedures for choking, cardiac arrest & respiratory arrest for infants through age 8. Be prepared!
New Parent + Postpartum Support
Wednesdays at 9:30am
1/17 – 2/21 & 3/7 – 4/11
During this exciting time, come find space to vent, a chance to share and a system to support as you navigate the surprising challenges of becoming a parent.
SPECIAL PRICING: $79 for a 6-week series (or $15 per session)
Play Your Way To Developmental Milestones
Fridays at 11am
1/26 – 3/2
Tummy time starts on day 1! This class targets newborns through 3 months in order to promote early, healthy gross motor development. Each week will include a warm-up activity and a focus on a different skill.
NEW 6-WEEK SERIES: Parenting Teens
*Thursdays at 7pm
3/1 – 3/22
Learn how to handle the pressures facing teens today, and how to support them as they navigate these changes.
Registration is for the entire 4-week series
Dates marked with an * will be held in our Bala Cynwyd office. Others are offered at our Center City location.
VISIT OUR WEBSITE
Come Meet Us – Prenatal Visits
If you’re expecting, we’re expecting you!
Mondays 7:00pm
Center City & Bala Cynwyd
Check our website for dates.
During your baby’s first year, you will spend a lot of time with your pediatrician. It’s important to feel comfortable with your practice and at home when you visit.
Come meet our staff, tour our offices and hear about our philosophy. Bring your questions!
Lactation Support Group Thursdays
Breast or Bottle – All Are Welcome!
Most Thursdays, join Linda Derbyshire, BS, IBCLC
at our Center City office and get all your lactation questions answered, while meeting new moms from the neighborhood. There will be a scale available for weight checks.
You don’t have to be a patient of CCP to attend.
$20 per week – preregistration is strongly encouraged, as space is limited. Walk-ins will be accommodated on a first come, first served basis. Check our website – under the classes tab – for a full list of dates and to reserve your space.
The Lara + Joe Show Tuesdays
The Lara and Joe Show rock out at our Center City office most Tuesdays from 10:00 -10:45 a.m. This music group is appropriate for ages 0-4 and is different every week.
From Wheels on the Bus to Yellow Submarine, The Lara and Joe Show bring their guitars, drums, and shakers and cover it all.
The cost is $10 / family. This is a drop-in class and registration is not required. Everyone is welcome! Check our website – under the classes tab – for a full list of dates.
VISIT OUR WEBSITE
