Thank You for choosing our office

We understand and appreciate the confidence this choice presents. At Fertile Crescent Pediatrics, we strive to provide state-of-the-art pediatric services in a caring and comfortable environment. To assist us in providing the best service possible, we request the following:

• Arrive 15 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment time.
• If your insurance requires it, obtain a referral and/or authorization from your primary care provider in time for your scheduled appointment. If you do not obtain a referral and/or authorization, your appointment may be rescheduled.
• Bring medical records, prior x-ray films or x-rays on CD Rom, and any diagnostic test results.
• Your co-payment and/or deductible are due at the time of service. If you are unable to pay your co-payment and/or deductible, your appointment will be rescheduled. For co-payments under $20.00 cash or check is preferred. For co-payments and deductibles over $20.00 we also accept American Express, Discover and Visa/Mastercard.
• A scheduled appointment means that this time is reserved only for you. We request that if you cannot make your appointment that you give us 24 hours advanced notice. As a courtesy, we will remind you of your appointment the day before it is scheduled. If an appointment is missed without giving the office notice, a $25.00 charge will be billed to your account. This is an administration fee, not a charge that will be billed or paid by your insurance carrier. Future appointments will not be made until this balance is settled. We also request 24 hours advanced notice to reschedule an appointment.

Please complete the enclosed patient registration form in advance. When you arrive at our office, present this completed form along with your insurance card and one form of identification to the receptionist.

We employ excellent techniques and apply advanced technology in an effort to quickly diagnose/treat illnesses.

Here are some the the services we provide:

Same Day Sick Visits

We provide an ample amount of slots in our schedule to accommodate sick visits. During flu season, we open our schedule up for more sick visits. If by chance you are unable to obtain a same day appointment o'r unsure if you really need to come in, our highly trained Advice Nurses will assess your child's chief medical complaint and offer assistance in the most appropriate course of action which, in some cases may be to go directly to the emergency room.

Well-Child Checkups

If your child is 24 months or younger, they are most likely on a checkup schedule. After 2 years of age, your child should have a yearly check-up. Well-child checkups focus on health and developmental issues. These checkups are also our best opportunity to vaccinate your child against common "childhood illnesses". If you would like to schedule a check-up, you may use our online forms.

The Teen Center

At "The Teen Center" we try and balance the desire of the teen to move to a more mature location for his/her health care needs with the desire of the parents to remain with a provider they trust... Fertile Crescent Pediatrics.

Our Teen Center has a completely separate location with it's own waiting area, exam rooms with special tables, and a decor that appeals to our teen and young adult patients.

The Teen Center Specializing in ... Well Teen Annual Check-ups, Sports Physicals, Acne, Adolescent Development, Adolescent Immunizations, and other Adolescent concerns.

Sports Physicals

Most schools require some sort of a physician's certification in order for your child to participate in a schoolsponsored athletic program. Your child's sports physical will be conducted quickly and efficiently in an environment which is suitable to his or her needs. If your child has had a recent physical at Fertile Crescent Pediatrics, an additional exam may not be necessary.

Immunizations

The last twenty years have seen many of the "childhood illnesses" greatly diminish in this country. This is mostly due to the development and expansion of a strong childhood immunization program through such entities as the American Academy of Pediatrics and the U.S. Communicable Disease Center (CDC). Please see our immunization policy.

Newborn Circumcision

We offer outpatient circumcision for newborns from birth through 2 months of age. Call our front office to schedule 225.924.7343.

Ear Piercing

We offer ear piercing for all individuals older than 4 months and who are up to date on all immunizations. Call our office to schedule. 225.924.7343.

Complimentary Neonatal visits

Dr. Despinasse enjoys speaking to and getting to know the parents prior to delivery. Expectant parents and families have many questions regarding the delivery process and what is to come after the baby arrives.

After Hours or Urgent Care Hours from November through February

Dr. Despinasse is offering an alternative to the Emergency Room or traditional "After Hours" Clinic.

This service is geared for third party insurance and self pay clients and you don't need to be a current patient to utilize our after hours clinic. Co-pays for office visit are traditionally less than for ER or Urgent Care Services

We will treat Fever, Cough and Cold symptoms, Flu, Sore throats, Nosebleeds, Earaches, Vomiting/diarrhea, Lacerations or cuts that may require stitches. We also have capability to do basic labs (CLIA waived) and provide Nebulizer treatments as well as EKG and Pulmonary Function Testing.

Unlike others clinics you will see a caring Pediatric Physician by appointment or walk in. We will have office hours from 5 pm to 8pm Monday through Thursday from November 2009 to February 2010.

If you are not a currnet patient we will send office notes to your regular pediatrician.