FAQ

FAQ

What is included in a Pediatric Eye Exam?

When setting up an eye exam for a child it is important to have a doctor like ours who is certified in developmental optometry. Pediatric eye exams are important to assure normal development of both the eyes and vision. They are also important in ensuring the best possible potential in academic performance. Our pediatric eye exams are extremely thorough in checking for vision problems that could hinder learning, especially in the areas of reading, writing, and testing in school. Children do not normally complain of vision issues simply because they believe their vision is just like everyone else’s vision. Vision and learning are closely intertwined. In fact, over 80% of what is learned in school is visual in nature. Parents do not always correlate troubles in school with having a vision-related issue that could be helped or fixed relatively easily.

How is Acupuncture used to treat infertility?  

Scientific studies support the use of acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine as a treatment for infertility and other reproductive disorders. This growing body of evidence has shown that acupuncture, and other TCM protocols can be used to help prepare for and enhance conception in ART cycles for IVF, IUI and other ART protocols. Research has demonstrated that acupuncture is an ideal complementary therapy for IVF preparation and to support IVF treatment protocols.

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What is a Pediatrician?

A pediatrician is a physician whose specific specialty is caring for children from birth through adolescence and early adulthood. Pediatricians address acute and chronic illnesses, learning disabilities, behavioral issues and the growth and development of children. Our goal is to help ensure that children grow into mentally and physical healthy, productive, and happy adults.

If I have family here, do I still need additional support?

Having family and support nearby is amazing, but sometimes having a non family member available to answer your questions is important for your confidence and sanity. Everyone has their own opinion and advice when it comes to parenting. I bring my unbiased knowledge and experience to help you form whatever parenting philosophy works best for your family.

What does a typical shift look like with a postpartum doula?

I typically work in 4 hour shifts, however, some exceptions do apply. If a task is taking longer to master then I will stay until it is completed for that day. My minimum shift is 2 hours long. So much bonding and attachment is happening at night that I do not want to interfere with this beautiful process, however, I can recommend other resources for your family to use.  I will occasionally work in the evenings to help with fussiness that inevitably happens when everyone is tired from the day’s activities.  I will offer tips to help increase sleeping for parents but until babies are about 4 months, their internal clocks are still developing. For more information on helping with sleep read this article: http://sleeplady.com/newborn-sleep/newborns-wake-night-10-things-can/

Can I use my FSA/HSA to cover these services?

Some FSA’s and HSA’s cover for postpartum and breastfeeding services while others do not. I encourage family’s to call and check in with their insurance provider prior to delivery. Once that has been determined, I can give you an invoice with my NPI number on it so you can submit it to your insurance for reimbursement.

My child has never done dance/gymnastics. Will that be a problem for class at Heart & Soul?

Not at all! The Heart & Soul program is designed for children to be able to build a strong foundation in dance and gymnastics and is perfect for children new to these activities. Our goal is to help children develop life-long confidence in their abilities and a love for fitness. If you are unsure of where to start, talk to us! We will get your child into the best fit class for their age group and experience level. We want to make sure they love what they’re doing while being challenged at an appropriate level! (Keep in mind that it is a lot harder to move your child down a class than it is to move them up.)

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What is a Doula?

“The word “doula” comes from the ancient Greek meaning “a woman who serves” and is now used to refer to a trained and experienced professional who provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support to the mother before, during and just after birth.”

– DONA International

A professional birth doula is trained in how to support families during pregnancy, labor, and the immediate postpartum period.  A doula provides unbiased, evidence-based support so that you can make your

own informed decisions that are in-line with your family’s goals and values.

A certified doula’s skills include pain relief techniques, effective positioning for labor and birth, massage, relaxation techniques, the use of various acupressure points, breastfeeding support, and much more.  A doula is attentive to your hopes and fears and is respectful of your choices.

 

Why Use a Doula?

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine (SMFM) recently released a joint statement:

“Published data indicate that one of the most effective tools to improve labor and delivery outcomes is the continuous presence of support personnel, such as a doula.”

“…the presence of continuous one-on-one support during labor and delivery was associated with improved patient satisfaction and a statistically significant reduction in the rate of cesarean delivery.”

Studies of laboring women who are attended by a Doula have shown to: 

Shorter Labor

A higher satisfaction with birth experience, reduced levels of fear and anxiety, and shorter labors.

Higher Rate of Successful Breastfeeding

Higher rate of successful breastfeeding, improved parent-baby bonding, and lower rate of postpartum depression.

Reduced Pain Meds and Epidural Rate

Improved communication with medical team, reduced use of pain medications and epidurals, and lower cesarean birth rates.

 

If my partner is available to help, why would I need a birth doula?

While your partner will be there to support you, you may not realize how emotionally and physically exhausting it can be for the both of you. The language that is used in a hospital environment can be intimidating as well. A birth doula’s role enhances the birthing experience to help alleviate stress for you, your baby, and your partner.

Why should I use a diaper service?

The main reasons for using a diaper service over using single-use diapers or washing your own cloth diapers are for your baby’s health, concerns with waste, resource consumption and economics. Click on the links to learn more.

How can I sign up for the service?

Click here to sign up and proceed with the payment.

How much is the service?

Our service is $25.00 per week and that includes pickup and delivery. Check out our different options / packages

What is the Registration Fee?

One-time, nonrefundable fee includes:
• Account Set up
• Prepare and deliver your first bag of diapers and accessories
• One diaper pail rental
• Two cloth pail liner rental (in rotation)
• One monthly deodorizing disc
• One Snappi Fastener
• 4 Weeks Grace period (Details below)

4 Week Grace Period

After you sign up with the service we will schedule/deliver your first delivery of diapers and accessories around 2 weeks before your due date.

If you don’t immediately start using the diapers you will have a 4-week Grace Period to allow for delays in starting the service. During this time, we will not be delivering diapers nor charging your pre-paid week of service.

At any point when you’re ready to activate your service you have to call or email us, and we will schedule your next pickup and delivery. If you have not activated service within 4 weeks after your baby’s due  date, your weekly recurring billing will automatically begin the 5th week.

What is the First Smiles Matter Program?

The First Smiles Matter Program (FSM) provides free dental screenings and topical fluoride treatments for children ages 0-5 years. Those needing help finding a dental home or needing assistance enrolling in government insurance can contact our office and we will direct them to the available resources.

Do pregnant women qualify for the First Smiles Matter Program?

Pregnant woman receive free dental screening and oral health education about caring for their oral health, as well as their new baby’s oral health. All screenings and preventive treatments are provided by licensed medical or dental professionals in childcare centers, preschools, and other places where young children and their families visit.

What other educational resources does First Smiles provide?

Our Program also offers education on “Oral Health in Early Childhood” to medical/dental professionals, students, parents, and childcare staff. Our trained program staff can help childcare centers implement a tooth-brushing program to help children build good oral hygiene skills at a young age.

What is First Things First?

First Things First (FTF), approved by Arizona voters, works to ensure that our youngest children have access to quality early childhood experiences so they will start school healthy and ready to succeed. The First Things First, North Regional Partnership Council and South Pima Regional Partnership Council, bring First Smiles Matter Program (FSM) to our community.

What is involved in an evaluation?

  • A history is taken- the how, what, where, when and why
  • We have you do motions/movements for us
  • We do special tests and palpate
  • We review your tests- x-ray, MRI reports
  • We communicate with your healthcare provider and set up a Plan of Care with you on how best to tackle your problem

At BODYCENTRAL Physical Therapy, your goals help guide our treatment approach. We believe that you as a patient have a specific set of problems that need INDIVIDUAL attention. You will receive a specialized program based on your evaluation.

What Are Physical Therapists?

A Physical Therapist is trained at the University level and has received a Masters or Doctorate degree at graduation. They must have also passed a rigorous board exam in the state in which they practice. At Bodycentral, we hire Doctors of Physical Therapy, and/or Board Certified Clinical Specialists.

What education and qualification do Physical Therapists have?

Physical Therapists are professionally educated at the college or university level and are required to take a rigorous Board examination in the State in which they practice. At Bodycentral Physical Therapy, we require our Physical Therapists to be a Doctor of Physical Therapy and/or a Board Certified Clinical Specialist.
Physical Therapists may choose to be certified as clinical specialists through the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties. These therapists must have a number of hours of practice in the specialty, and must pass an additional Board examination in their chosen specialty.
Clinical Specialization requires knowledge, skill, and clinical expertise that exceed that of the physical therapist upon entry into the profession.
The Physical Therapists at Bodycentral are all Board Certified Specialists in one or more areas, or they are currently seeking Board Certification in a Specialty area.

How Can Physical Therapists Help?

If you have a specific illness or injury, Physical Therapists can help decrease pain, improve motion, improve strength and balance, and improve overall function- getting you back to the things you love to do. Physical Therapists are here to help you overcome those obstacles.
What most people don’t know is that Physical Therapists are musculoskeletal experts who are also trained to improve your health- at all levels. Physical Therapists work with high level professional and Olympic athletes to improve performance and to lessen the chances of injury. They work with Dance companies to improve the health of Dancers and increase performance. Physical Therapists can be found on the sidelines of professional sporting events, backstage at the professional Ballet, and in High School and College Training Rooms across the country.
A Physical Therapist can help you with your personal fitness goals, help you prepare your body for an upcoming surgery, and even help you with a weight loss program. Physical Therapists can give you information about how to avoid some of the common chronic disease processes. They can be a wealth of information for the communities they serve.

What is a pediatric dentist?

A pediatric dentist is a dentist who completes an additional 2 or 3 years of training specific to the growth, development, and treatment of children. Serving families in and surrounding Tucson and Oro Valley, children’s dentists Dr. Marshall and Dr. Bunch specialize in oral care for all children (including those with special needs) from birth to 18 years of age.

At Northwest Children’s Dentistry, our primary goal is to focus on prevention and early detection of dental disease rather than just focus on dental disease. We tailor each child’s dental visit to their current level of emotional and overall development. Our hope is that by providing a positive environment with great prevention tools, our young patients will grow up enjoying the dentist and dental visits as well as practice healthy oral habits.

Why are healthy baby (primary) teeth important?

Primary teeth are very important for a variety of reasons. They are beneficial for chewing properly, speech development, and creating a beautiful smile. They also hold a space for the permanent teeth and guide them as they come in. Early loss of primary teeth can have lasting negative effects on the alignment of your child’s adult teeth.

Decay in primary teeth can result in pain and infection and may decrease your child’s quality of life. Children ought to be in school, playing, sleeping well, and not dealing with tooth pain. We believe healthy baby teeth are important and we’re committed to helping your child achieve and maintain good oral health.

At what age should my child first visit the dentist?

Our recommendation follows the recommendations of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the American Academy of Pediatrics. Every child should visit their dentist after the eruption of their first primary tooth and prior to 12 months of age. The hope is that parents receive prevention-based information prior to the development of any dental disease.

For parents, that first visit is a great opportunity to ask any questions regarding their child’s oral health and development. For dentists, it’s a great opportunity start the process of helping your child establish a lifetime of good oral health habits.

What should I expect for my child’s first dental visit?

At Northwest Children’s Dentistry, we provide a caring environment focused on a positive introduction to dentistry for your child. Each child’s first dental visit is tailored according to the child’s age, behavior and oral needs as well as any keeping in mind any concerns by the parent.

In addition to the traditional visual and radiographic examination (if needed), our office will discuss the following topics: oral hygiene techniques and recommendations, the child’s diet with recommendations, common oral trauma and how to handle it, your child’s specific risk for dental disease and recommendations, the child’s oral habits and recommendations, and current growth and development tendencies with referrals as needed.

Does my child need x-rays and are they safe?

Radiographs (x-rays) are an important tool in providing your child with a thorough examination. In our office, we use digital radiography and shielding. This state-of-the-art technology minimizes your child’s exposure to radiation. The number and frequency of radiographs is tailored to each child’s individual risk assessment.

Does every particiapant need to wear Wild Katz Grip Socks?

Yes. This is safer for the participants and allows for better control and use of the playground equipment. Save your Wild Katz grip socks for use with future visits.

What kind of cleaning protocols are in place?

Cleanliness is one of our top priorities. Our playground equipment has hourly and nightly cleaning schedules to ensure a clean environment for our guests. If you see something that needs attention please let an associate know and it will be addressed immediatley.

What steps are being taken due to Covid-19?

The CDC has recently reported that Covid-19 is not easily spread on surfaces, and that person to person contact is the primary cause of infection. Nevertheless, we have sourced CDC approved cleaners and disinfectants from our vendors to use in conjunction with our cleaning schedules throughout the playground. Additionally, we ask all guests to take proper precautions such as washing hands, using the hand sanitizer stations throughout the playground, respecting other’s personal space and not entering the playground if they are feeling sick or have flu-like symptoms.

Are face masks required?

Masks are required for guests over the age of 5, due to the City and County ordinance.

What are your prices?

wldktz.com/open-play

Do you take insurance?

We don’t accept insurance. We aren’t paid by insurance companies. We are paid by you. And we have the same goals as you: reach optimal health, use as few medications as possible, avoid unnecessary care, and save time and money.

Why might Thrive Life Center be the best medical experience of my life?

You will receive a generous time allotment with every visit. This means you can thoroughly discuss your concerns with doctor and not feel rushed.

We have created a homey and comfortable environment so you don’t have to have sensitive discussions in a room that is cold and sterile.

We take a holistic approach to health. Through a thoughtful and evidence based approach to medicine, we combine the best of conventional, traditional, eastern, and western, wisdom, including acupuncture.

You will always speak directly to and communicate with the MD.

Our scheduling practices lead to minimal wait time.

It’s easy to get in and see your doctor. You’re not faced with a month long wait list every time you have a health concern. 

We maintain a low volume practice. This means we have a small panel of patients so we can get to know you through and through.

Our prices are transparent and simple. You always get a quote prior to any work we do, so there are never surprised unlike with an insurance model. 

You will work with an MD who lives and breathes a healthy lifestyle to collaborate with your healing.

We offer VIP Medicine without VIP cost. (VIP medicine annual cost is minimum $7000-$12000 per year.)

So what is “direct primary care”?

The idea is that the patient pays the physician directly, rather than relying on the very complicated reimbursement system organized by a third party payer – your insurance company. Your insurance company is incentivized to limit payments. That leads physicians to see as many patients as possible in as little time as possible.

As a direct care physician, Dr. Petralba sees fewer patients and spends more time with each one – whenever the patient needs it.  Without the hoops that insurance companies force the traditional primary care physician to jump through, she can spend more time doing what she signed up for in the first place – providing fantastic quality healthcare.

Is this concierge medicine?

There are several differences between DPC and Concierge medicine. Concierge  practices charge retainer fees ranging from $ 4,000  to $15,000 per year.  But in addition to the retainer fee, concierge practices also usually bill you for all of your medical services and collect copays and deductibles. DPC practices, on the other hand,  charge an average of $75.00 per month for membership which includes office visits, the full scope of primary care, and in most cases, wholesale pricing for drugs, lab tests and imaging. 

I rarely see a doctor, why should I pay for a retainer fee?

The foundations of good health must be nurtured from early on or poor health in later years is the certain result. Fortunately, by addressing possible cracks in the foundation now, whether they be genetic, environmental, or lifestyle in nature, you’ll probably feel a lot better, too! Also, when you do need a doctor for a new problem or sudden illness, you’ll have someone that already knows you well, and is quickly available.

WHAT IS REIKI?

Reiki is a Japanese system of natural healing based on channeling energy through the hands. This gentle touch therapy is non-invasive and non-manipulative. Reiki is a complete method for activating and learning to use universal energy to promote healing, personal growth, and transformation. The word Reiki is a combination of two Japanese words – Rei which means “the Higher Power” and Ki which is “life force energy”. So Reiki is actually “spiritually guided life force energy.”

WHAT IS A SOUND BATH?

A sound bath is an immersion of sound waves created by Himalayan & crystal bowls and gongs.  Your body feels like you are floating on the sound waves in the room.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A VIBRATIONAL SOUND SESSION AND A SOUND BATH?

I am often asked what the difference is between Vibrational Sound session and a Sound Bath. The simplest explanation is a Vibrational Sound session is felt and a Sound Bath is heard. Another difference between them is a Vibrational Sound session is individual and a Sound Bath is a private or public group activity.

WHAT CAN I EXPERIENCE DURING A REIKI OR VIBRATIONAL SOUND EXPERIENCE?

Each experience is individual and very personal. A session feels like a wonderful glowing radiance that flows through and around you. Reiki and/or Vibrational Sound treats the whole person including body, emotions, mind, and spirit creating many beneficial effects that include relaxation and feelings of peace, security, and wellbeing. Some people report a deep sense of relaxation like during meditation while others fall asleep during the session. While some clients notice significant improvements after a session, others may not realize they actually experienced anything at all.

HOW LONG IS A REIKI OR VIBRATIONAL SOUND SESSION?

The first session usually takes 75 minutes. The client will complete intake forms and receive a brief overview of a Reiki or Vibrational Sound session. The following sessions are typically 60 minutes.

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How do I schedule an appointment?

Click here for an appointment request or call 520-780-8413 and leave a message with a name and phone number.

What happens at the initial consultation?

The initial consultation is typically a 60-90 minute consultation, to determine if the services offered at Tucson Outpatient Psychiatry are the right fit for you. It is important that you and your doctor are on the same page when it comes to your health and well-being. This consultation time will give us an opportunity to identify your needs and goals. It does not establish a patient-doctor relationship unless we mutually agree on a treatment plan. If Tucson Outpatient Psychiatry is not the best fit for you, then you can rest assured you will be provided with alternative resources in Tucson and Southern Arizona.

What age group does Tucson Outpatient Psychiatry see?

12 years old and up. Minors will require consent from their guardian/parent(s) for treatment and consultation will include speaking with the child only, guardian/parent(s) only, and both child and guardian/parent(s).

Does Tucson Outpatient Psychiatry take insurance?

No, T.O.P. is considered Out-of-Network. The advantage of private pay is that your treatment plans will be determined by you and your doctor rather than your insurance provider. No authorizations are necessary to start therapy or medications and no private medical records are shared with insurance companies.

Can I be reimbursed by my insurance?

Yes, a superbill can be generated at your request. You can submit the superbill to your insurance company for reimbursement. Unfortunately, Medicare does not reimburse for superbills at this time.

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