Next Step Pediatrics' Statement on COVID-19 Vaccination and Your Children
If you were around someone diagnosed with COVID-19
If you are waiting for a COVID-19 test result
If you had close exposure to someone with COVID-19 and you do not have symptoms
If a parent or a sole caregiver has COVID-19
Keep Children Healthy During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Returning to Sports After COVID-19
When is everyone finished with their home quarantine?
COVID TESTING AT NEXT STEP PEDIATRICS
Next Step Pediatrics has a Rapid COVID-19 Antigen Test. This test allows us to get same-day results for COVID-19. We recommend testing at least 5-7 days after exposure or when the patient has symptoms. This is when testing is most accurate, and it will preserve testing materials for other patients.
This test is NOT the Molecular/PCR test. Our test is 100% accurate when positive but has a 15-20% false negative rate. For this reason, we recommend that if you have had known direct exposure and the rapid test is negative, remain quarantined as per CDC guidelines. Also be aware that some facilities may not accept it as a screening test. If you need a Molecular/PCR test specifically for your child, please let us know. If you are a parent and need a Molecular/PCR test, please refer to the Maryland Department of Health or Pennsylvania Department of Health websites linked below. These will help you find low, or no cost testing sites near you.
Pennsylvania Department of Health
WHAT WE ARE DOING TO HELP STOP THE SPREAD
We wanted to share with you the changes we have made to our physical space and protocol in order to optimize the safety of our families and staff.
We are scheduling well AND sick visits in office. We still offer telemedicine visits, but we do feel the art of medicine is best practiced in person. However, if you feel that your child may be sick at the time of their well visit, we ask that you call us so we can reschedule appropriately. We also ask that only one parent and one patient be present during your visit.
We recognize that COVID-19 can spread even though the carrier shows no symptoms. For this reason, we are requiring a mask be worn by our staff as well as our patients at all times. We have also implemented a more vigorous cleaning policy which includes spraying disinfectant on all surfaces, including furniture, at the end of each shift.
In our Towson Office, our Sick and Well children are separated by space. Half of our suite is dedicated to Sick visits including a dedicated provider, medical assistant, rooms, and equipment. Our goal is to keep our Sick and Well patients from sharing any space or equipment. Our Hereford Office is separated by time. Sick and Well patients are seen at different times of the day to give us time for a thorough cleaning to prevent cross-contamination.
We are also requiring that all patients have a credit card on file, and we offer most of our forms online. We want to make our office as contactless as possible while still providing the highest quality care.
We hope that the measures described above will help you feel more comfortable bringing your child to the office for their routine Well Visits.
At Next Step Pediatrics, we still feel it is very important to vaccinate children during this time. We have seen disturbing numbers from the American Academy of Pediatrics showing a large drop in the rate of vaccination. This is understandable with the expectation of social distancing and self-quarantine. Our concern is potentially opening up the door to a second infectious disease problem because of not vaccinating appropriately.
Lastly, we have been seeing an increase in the rates of anxiety and depression as well as behavioral concerns. We would like to make ourselves available if any of these issues arise.
If you have any concerns, please call the office so we could arrange your visit in a way that would address your concerns.
We hope you and your families stay safe and healthy during this crisis. Let us know if we can be of any assistance.