FAQs

Answers to these frequently asked questions are intended to provide brief information relevant to your child's health and how our practice is run. If you would like to speak with us regarding any of these topics, do not hesitate to call us.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Are you accepting new patients?

    Yes, we always welcome new patients to our practice! Please see the list of insurances that we accept under the "Office Info-Insurances" Menu Tab. If your child is new to the practice and needs a well visit, please note to bring an updated vaccine record.   Thank you and welcome aboard!

  • What days are you open?

    At iCARE Pediatrics, we’re committed to providing flexible and convenient care for your child. Our office is open Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. On Fridays, we offer appointments from 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM. For added convenience, we also offer Saturday appointments from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM. We look forward to caring for your little ones during these times and encourage you to schedule ahead to ensure availability.

  • How do I make an appointment?

    To schedule an appointment, please call our office. While walk-ins are welcome, we highly recommend making an appointment to ensure the best use of time for both our patients and providers.


    We kindly ask that you arrive 10 to 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment to complete any necessary paperwork and update your demographic or insurance information.


    If you need to cancel your appointment, please notify us as soon as possible. Cancellations made without notice may result in a $10.00 no-show fee.


    Emergencies arise. We will advise you if there is going to be a delay in seeing you. If your schedule won't allow you to wait, we will be happy to reschedule your appointment. We do appreciate your patience and cooperation during our busy times and we will make every effort to keep your wait time to a minimum.


    Thank you for choosing our practice!

  • Do you accept my health insurance?

    Please refer to our insurance page to review a list of accepted insurance providers.

  • How do we contact the after hours doctor?

    Our practitioner is on call 24 hours a day for emergency purposes only. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, please call our office at 832-284-7083.


    PLEASE NOTE: After-hours calls are not intended for:


    Scheduling or rescheduling appointments


    • Medication refills
    • Referral requests

    These matters will be handled during regular office hours.


    IN THE EVENT OF A LIFE THREATENING EMERGENCY, CALL 911.


    Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

  • What is a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner?

    A Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP) is a healthcare provider who specializes in the care of infants, children, adolescents, and young adults. Like pediatricians, PNPs receive advanced training focused on the unique medical needs of growing children.


    Pediatric nurse practitioners are trained in diagnosing and treating a wide range of childhood illnesses, both acute and chronic. At iCare Pediatrics, our pediatric nurse practitioner is board-certified by the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board (PNCB) and remains committed to ongoing education and training. By staying current with the latest research and advancements in pediatric healthcare, our provider ensures that your child receives the highest quality of evidence-based care.


    In addition to treating illnesses, pediatric providers focus on preventive care, helping to ensure children stay healthy as they grow. They offer guidance and support to parents on topics such as:


    • Growth and development
    • Nutrition
    • Safety and injury prevention
    • Emotional and behavioral wellness

    Their goal is to promote a strong foundation for a lifetime of good health.

  • May I request a specific Pediatrician for my visit?

    At iCare Pediatrics, our clinic is overseen by a single dedicated provider, who is also the owner and founder of the practice. This model allows for a more personalized and consistent experience for your family.


    Every effort is made to ensure your child’s well-care and follow-up visits are scheduled with our trusted provider. In the event your child is ill, we do our best to accommodate them promptly and provide the care they need.


    You can trust that your child will be seen by a provider who is familiar with their medical history and genuinely invested in their health and well-being.

  • How often does my child need to be seen in the office?

    At iCare Pediatrics, we follow the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) guidelines for routine health maintenance visits and vaccinations. These visits are essential for monitoring your child’s growth and development, addressing any concerns, and keeping them up to date on recommended immunizations.


    Our commitment is to provide evidence-based, preventative care to help your child thrive at every stage of life.

  • Why does my child need to receive vaccinations?

    Immunizations are a series of carefully scheduled vaccines given to children at various ages to protect them from serious and potentially life-threatening diseases. Staying on schedule with your child’s vaccinations is one of the most effective ways to support their long-term health.


    At iCare Pediatrics, we follow the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) guidelines, which report that vaccines have reduced the number of infections from preventable diseases by over 90%.


    However, at iCare Pediatrics, we are a pro-choice practice when it comes to vaccinations. We do not pressure or force any parent to vaccinate their child. Instead, we aim to educate, recommend, and inform, providing the most up-to-date information to help you make the best decision for your child’s health and your family’s values.


    If you have any questions or concerns about vaccinations, please don’t hesitate to contact our office. We are here to support you with compassion and care.

  • What immunizations will my child receive?

    To help protect your child from many serious infectious diseases, iCare Pediatrics follows the immunization schedule recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).


    We welcome open conversations and encourage you to discuss any questions or concerns about vaccinations with our provider. Our goal is to inform and support you in making the best decisions for your child’s health.


    Recommended Childhood Immunization Schedule:


    Birth


    Hepatitis B (HepB) – 1st dose


    1–2 Months


    Hepatitis B (HepB) – 2nd dose


    2 Months


    DTaP (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis) – 1st dose


    IPV (Polio) – 1st dose


    Hib (Haemophilus influenzae type b) – 1st dose


    PCV (Pneumococcal) – 1st dose


    RV (Rotavirus) – 1st dose


    4 Months


    DTaP – 2nd dose


    IPV – 2nd dose


    Hib – 2nd dose


    PCV – 2nd dose


    RV – 2nd dose


    6 Months


    DTaP – 3rd dose


    IPV – 3rd dose (can be given between 6–18 months)


    Hib – 3rd dose (if needed)


    PCV – 3rd dose


    RV – 3rd dose (if needed)


    HepB – 3rd dose (can be given between 6–18 months)


    Influenza – yearly (starting at 6 months)


    12–15 Months


    MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) – 1st dose


    Varicella (Chickenpox) – 1st dose


    Hib – booster


    PCV – booster


    HepA – 1st dose


    15–18 Months


    DTaP – 4th dose


    18–24 Months


    HepA – 2nd dose (6 months after 1st dose)


    4–6 Years


    DTaP – 5th dose


    IPV – 4th dose


    MMR – 2nd dose


    Varicella – 2nd dose


    11–12 Years


    Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis) – booster


    HPV (Human Papillomavirus) – 2-dose series


    Meningococcal (MenACWY) – 1st dose


    16–18 Years


    Meningococcal booster (MenACWY – 2nd dose)


    Meningococcal B (MenB) – based on risk and provider recommendation

  • My child needs to see a specialist. What do I do?

    All referrals—urgent and non-urgent—are completed electronically within 24 hours and submitted directly to the specialist’s office. Please allow up to 2 business days for the specialist’s office to contact you to confirm or schedule the appointment.


    If you have any questions about the referral process, our team is happy to assist you.

  • When will I receive lab or test results?

    At iCare Pediatrics, your child’s health is our top priority.


    You will receive a call promptly for any lab results that require urgent attention.


    Abnormal results that are not urgent will be addressed in a timely manner by the provider who ordered the test.


    Normal lab results are also reviewed and documented by the ordering provider.


    Please note: For any abnormal lab results, we require an in-person visit to discuss findings and next steps. This allows us to provide thorough explanations and ensure your child receives the appropriate care.


    If you have questions about lab results or need to schedule a follow-up visit, please contact our office.

  • How do I obtain a prescription refill?

    For all medication refill requests, please call our office or send a message through the patient portal.


    Please allow 1 business day for routine prescription refills to be processed.


    If your child has not been seen within the last 90 days, an in-person visit will be required before a refill can be approved.


    Asthma, ADHD, and seizure medications cannot be refilled without a scheduled office visit, due to the need for ongoing monitoring and evaluation.


    We appreciate your understanding as we work to ensure safe and effective care for your child.

  • Does your practice support breastfeeding mothers?

    At iCare Pediatrics, we proudly promote and support breastfeeding. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six to twelve months, as it helps protect babies from infections, reduces the risk of allergies, and supports long-term health by lowering the risk of chronic conditions.


    While breast milk is considered the ideal source of nutrition for infants, we understand that breastfeeding may not be possible or preferred for every family. Medical conditions, discomfort, work demands, or lifestyle preferences may lead some parents to choose formula feeding. In these cases, an iron-fortified, milk-based infant formula is a safe and healthy alternative.


    Our compassionate team is here to support you—whether you're breastfeeding, formula feeding, or doing both. Our experienced provider offers hands-on breastfeeding guidance for new moms and will gladly discuss feeding concerns during your child’s well-care visits. You may also call during office hours to speak with our knowledgeable nursing staff.


    Your feeding journey is personal, and we are here to help you every step of the way.

  • Can I meet my pediatrician before my baby is born?

    Yes, we strongly encourage parents-to-be to schedule a prenatal visit with us at iCare Pediatrics. This is a wonderful opportunity to become familiar with our office, meet our provider, and ask any questions you may have about your baby’s care.


    During your prenatal visit, we will:


    Introduce you to our practice and pediatric care approach


    Answer your questions about newborn care, feeding, and what to expect after delivery


    Provide helpful information to prepare you for your child’s first visit


    Scheduling is easy—simply call our office and let us know you're a new or expecting parent interested in a prenatal consultation. These visits are typically brief, informative, and offered at no charge.


    To learn more, please visit our Expectant Parent’s Page or call us directly to schedule your visit. We look forward to welcoming you and your growing family to iCare Pediatrics!

  • I just gave birth. When should I schedule my baby's first doctor visit?

    At iCare Pediatrics, we recommend that your newborn be seen in our office within 1–2 days after discharge from the hospital. This early visit is essential to evaluate your baby’s health, feeding, weight, and overall adjustment to life at home.


    Our team understands how important this first visit is, and we will make every effort to schedule your appointment promptly to ensure your baby receives timely and attentive care.


    If your delivery is approaching or you’ve recently given birth, please contact our office to schedule your newborn’s first check-up. We’re here to support you every step of the way.

  • When should my baby start solid foods?

    At iCare Pediatrics, we understand that every child is unique, and their nutritional needs may vary based on age, development, and readiness. We encourage parents to discuss their child’s diet with our provider during each well-care visit, so we can help guide you through each stage of feeding with confidence.


    One of the most common questions we receive is: When can my baby start solid foods?


    According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP):


    Most babies are ready to begin solid foods around 6 months of age.


    Signs of readiness include:


    • Good head and neck control
    • Sitting up with minimal support
    • Showing interest in food (reaching or opening mouth when food is near)
    • Ability to move food to the back of the mouth and swallow

    We typically recommend starting with single-grain cereals, pureed fruits, vegetables, and iron-rich foods, introducing one new food at a time every few days to monitor for allergies.


    Breast milk or formula should remain the primary source of nutrition during the first year of life, with solid foods gradually becoming part of your baby’s daily routine.


    If you have questions or concerns about when and how to introduce solids, we are here to provide personalized guidance during your baby’s check-ups. Let’s work together to ensure your child is on a healthy feeding journey from the very beginning.