WHAT AGE CHILDREN DO YOU SEE?

Drs. Meehan and Schmitt see the typical pediatric population, 0-18 years. Dr. Martin sees patients with pediatric orthopaedic problems but also expands her practice to adults for sports medicine problems.

HOW LONG WILL MY APPOINTMENT TAKE?

We ask that you allow at least one hour for your appointment. Due to the nature of our specialty, we work in emergencies as needed.

HOW MUCH TIME DO I NEED TO COMPLETE PAPER WORK?
On our web site you can download our Patient Information Form (PDF) and have it filled in prior to your appointment or we would be happy to send you a packet in the mail prior to your appointment.

DO YOU BILL OUR INSURANCE?

Yes, we do submit your medical claims to your insurance carrier. If there is any discrepancy with your insurance carrier regarding your claim, we will assist you in resolving the matter. However, you are ultimately responsible for the charges incurred for medical services.

HOW DO I OBTAIN A REFERRAL?

You must contact your primary care physician who will provide you and the specialists office with a referral issued by your insurance carrier. Please bring your copy to the visit.

WHAT AM I EXPECTED TO PAY AT EACH VISIT?

You are expected to pay your co-pay and/or your deductible.

MY CHILD WAS INJURED AT SCHOOL, DO YOU BILL THE SCHOOL DIRECTLY?

We do not bill the school for medical expenses. If you have health insurance through your child's school, we will submit medical claims to their insurance carrier. Anything not covered by the school insurance would then be submitted to your health insurance carrier. However, please remember that you are ultimately responsible for any charges incurred for medical services.

IF I DON'T HAVE INSURANCE, DO YOU BILL ME DIRECTLY?

Payments for services are due at the time of service. Please contact our office for a list of methods in which you can remit your payment.

HOW SOON DOES MY CHILD NEED TO BE SEEN?

If your child has a fracture or possible fracture we ask that you allow 5 to 7 days so that any swelling will have gone and it is safe to remove the splint and cast the area. Exceptions to this rule are some types of different fractures, which may need to be seen earlier in case surgery needs to be performed. Call the office the day you were seen in the Emergency Room and talk with one of the schedulers. They may ask you to come to the office earlier then 5 to 7 days depending on the type of fracture.

DO I NEED TO BRING THE X-RAYS THAT WERE TAKEN AT THE HOSPITAL?
Yes, it is important for you bring your x-rays from the Emergency Room with you to your visit. If they did not give you a copy when you left, you will need to go to the department of radiology and have them give a copy to you.

WHAT DO I DO ABOUT THE PAIN AND SWELLING THAT MY CHILD IS EXPERIENCING FROM THE FRACTURE?

Pain and swelling is normal after a fracture. Make sure that the extremity is elevated, and making sure that the splint is not on to tight is the best way to minimize swelling. You can also put an ice pack directly over the splint at the area of the fracture. Pain that does not respond to elevation, and pain medication should be brought to the attention of the physician.

CAN WE HAVE OUR X-RAY DONE IN YOUR OFFICE?

Yes, we have x-ray capabilities in all of our offices. We have registered radiographers who are able to perform all plain radiographs. Sometimes your doctor will order additional tests such as bone scans, CT or MRI which need to be scheduled, precertified with your insurance and done at either a hospital or imaging center.

CAN MY CHILD PLAY SPORTS WHILE IN A SPLINT OR IN A CAST?

Sports would not be recommended for anyone in a splint or a cast. Falling on the extremity can displace a fracture and perspiration can make the splint or cast loosen or at the very least become extremely itchy. All sports should be avoided at least until your child is seen by the doctor. At that time, it is at the doctor's discretion whether the patient can participate in some sports.

DO YOU HAVE WATERPROOF CASTS?

Yes, we have waterproof casts. The difference between a waterproof and non-waterproof cast is the Gore-Tex lining. All fiberglass is waterproof, but the lining is typically made out of soft cotton-like material. This is not waterproof. The Gore-Tex lining allows the patient to bathe and swim as they usually would. Not all fractures are suited for Gore-Tex. Long-arm and long-leg casts usually don't do well with Gore-Tex because it is hard for the water to drain out of the cast. Also very young children (3 years and under) do not do as well with the waterproof material. Consult your cast technologist for additional fees required for a Gore-Tex cast, or call our office prior to your appointment.

WHERE DO THE DOCTORS DO THEIR SURGERIES?

Our doctors have privileges at many different hospitals. The majority of their surgeries are done at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta (Egleston campus). Dr. Martin does do some of her outpatient procedures at Pediatric Outpatient Surgery Center of Atlanta.