Category: News

As excitement builds for the upcoming solar Eclipse, we want to ensure your family’s safety during this extraordinary event. Here are five essential safety tips to keep in mind:

1. Eye Protection: You need special solar viewing glasses that meet the ISO 12312-2 international safety standards. Regular sunglasses will not protect your eyes from the intense solar radiation. Welder’s goggles rated 14 or higher are also safe for viewing a solar eclipse.
2. Solar Filters: If you’re using binoculars, a telescope, or a camera to view the Eclipse, you must use a solar filter on the front of the lens. Do not look through these devices without proper solar filters, as they can magnify the sunlight and cause serious eye damage.
3. Indirect Viewing: If you don’t have access to solar viewing glasses or solar filters for your equipment, you can still enjoy the Eclipse indirectly. One method is to use a pinhole projector or eclipse glasses to project an image of the Eclipse onto a surface, such as a piece of paper or cardboard.
4. Skin Protection: Although the sun may be partially obscured during an eclipse, UV radiation can still be harmful to your skin. If you will be outside for an extended period during the Eclipse, apply sunscreen to any exposed skin to reduce the risk of sunburn.
5. Follow Official Recommendations: Pay attention to any official guidance or recommendations from local authorities or astronomical organizations regarding the safe viewing of the Eclipse. They will provide up-to-date information on the best practices for enjoying the event safely.

We will be open during regular business hours and appointments on April 8th, the day of the solar Eclipse. We also have a limited supply of NASA-approved glasses for patients who have appointments during the Eclipse.

PS… Remember to schedule a check-up or sports physical if your child is due this spring or summer! Appointments are going by quickly, and we want to ensure you get an appointment that meets your needs.

• Anderson Location
• Amelia Location

Thank you for entrusting us with your child’s care!

We hope you enjoy a wonderful spring break and Easter with your child/ children! We’ll be open for regular hours during spring and holiday breaks.

We know life can be busy. As a reminder, please schedule your child’s check-ups and sports physicals with us before our schedule availability is limited.

Regular check-ups are vital for your child’s health and development. Our experienced pediatricians provide comprehensive assessments and preventive care, ensuring your child stays healthy in their growth and development. For more information on check-ups, visit the Check-Ups section of our website.

Use the booking links below or call (513) 232-8100 to schedule an appointment  that fits your busy schedule.

• Anderson Location 
• Amelia Location

Thank you for choosing Anderson Hills Pediatrics for your child’s healthcare needs!

Some children may have been exposed to measles at the Disney on Ice performance last Friday, March 8, 2024. In light of this situation, we want to provide reassurance and guidance to help you navigate any concerns surrounding measles.

Understanding Measles:

Measles is a highly contagious viral infection that spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It presents symptoms such as fever, cough, runny nose, sore throat, red eyes, and a distinctive rash. Measles can lead to serious complications, including pneumonia, encephalitis (brain inflammation), and even death, particularly in young children and adults.

Importance of Vaccination:

The good news is that the risk of a fully vaccinated child catching measles is extremely low. The measles vaccine is typically administered as part of the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine, with the first dose given at 12-15 months and the second dose at 4-6 years. Vaccination protects your child and contributes to community immunity, preventing outbreaks and safeguarding those without immunity.

What to Do if Your Child Was Exposed:

If your child attended the Disney on Ice event and was potentially exposed to measles, monitor them for any signs of illness in the 7-21 days following exposure. Symptoms may include fever, cough, runny nose, sore throat, red eyes, and a distinctive rash. If your child develops symptoms consistent with measles, please call us immediately for guidance. Inform us about the potential exposure so that we can provide appropriate care and testing if necessary.

While the news of a measles exposure may be concerning, we want to reassure you that by staying up to date on your child’s vaccinations, you provide them with the best possible protection. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We are here to support you.

Anderson Hills Pediatrics is proud to be a locally owned and operated pediatric practice, striving to provide you with the highest level of care and service that is both personalized and affordable. Here is a list of our most frequently asked billing questions.

I received an additional charge for a check-up appointment. My insurance fully covers check-ups. Why am I being billed?

Sometimes, a child needs a service that is not considered preventative on the same day as a well-child visit. In other words, if there is a medical concern that would have normally prompted a separate appointment, it can be added to the check-up visit rather than requiring you to schedule a separate visit. By adding the appointment to a well care visit, our patients save both time and money (as the cost of this type of visit is lower).

Examples of services that may be billed in addition to preventative services include:

• ADHD or asthma follow-up with medication management
• Work-up for fever or illness at the time of the check-up
• Any procedure such as wart treatment, foreign body removal
• Mental health concerns that require extra time to discuss

My bill for a check-up included several screeners that were billed separately from the visit. Why is that not included in the visit, and why am I getting a separate charge for these?

The screeners billed separately from your check-up serve to provide a more thorough evaluation of your child’s health as recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Some insurance companies require that we bill for all screeners completed during your child’s visit as separate charges, while others bundle them into the visit charge.

My bill for a COVID, RSV, Strep, or Flu test seems high. Why is that?

Anderson Hills Pediatrics is proud to offer in-office molecular testing for flu, strep, COVID-19, and RSV. Apart from its superior accuracy and comprehensive detection capabilities, molecular testing also offers timely results and is considered the gold standard in pediatric medicine. When other providers offer cheaper testing, it is because they utilize antigen testing instead of molecular testing. An example of an antigen test is the over-the-counter COVID test.

Anderson Hills believes in matching the tests we offer to the highest standard of care to ensure your child receives the correct treatment. This is also the type of testing that Cincinnati Children’s uses. For many patients, these tests are relatively inexpensive. Still, the cost can vary significantly depending on the contractual rate of your specific insurance plan.

If you have any concerns or preferences regarding testing during illness visits, feel free to discuss them with your child’s pediatrician.

I took my child to urgent care for illness, and the visit cost appeared cheaper. Why is that?

While it may seem cheaper to seek treatment at an urgent care center, it’s important to consider the differences in the standard of care provided. Urgent care centers often utilize antigen testing, the over-the-counter type of tests as mentioned above, which tends to be less expensive compared to other molecular testing. Additionally, they commonly employ advanced practice providers (APPs), such as nurse practitioners or physician assistants, who can provide care at a lower cost than physicians.

Additionally, we prioritize comprehensive care that includes a thorough understanding of your medical history. Our detailed pediatric knowledge allows us to tailor treatment plans specifically to your child’s needs, ensuring better medical decision-making. This emphasis on personalized care and utilizing a full patient history results in a higher level of care and, ultimately, better outcomes for our patients.

My child was billed for a “detailed” visit, but they were with the physician for 15 minutes. Is this correct?

Billing for medical services involves more than the duration of the face-to-face visit. It also considers factors such as the complexity of care provided, documentation requirements, risk of treatment, and time spent on a patient’s care outside of the visit itself. Even if face-to-face time seems brief, assessments, medication management, care coordination, follow-up on labs or imaging, and counseling contribute to the overall billing level.

How can I know beforehand how much I can expect to pay for care?

Since the cost of care varies significantly by individual insurance plan, it is important to speak with your insurance carrier about your allowed amounts for visits.

These are common medical codes used:

• Most used Office Visits Codes – These codes are generally used during illness, medication, and follow-up appointments. These codes may also be billed if an additional concern is discussed at an annual check-up.
  • 99213 (Expanded)
  • 99214 (Detailed)
  • 99215 (Comprehensive)
• Flu Test – 87502
• COVID Test – 87635
• Strep Test – 87651
• RSV Test – 87807

Who Should I Call with Questions?

If you have any questions regarding billing or coding for services, please don’t hesitate to contact our billing team at (513) 232-8100 option 5.

As always, it is a privilege to provide care for the children of this community.   We sincerely appreciate your trust and loyalty over the years.

We’ve noticed a rise in flu cases lately and received more flu vaccine requests from our patients. Your health is our priority, and we’re here to meet your needs!

We have released new Flu Vaccine Clinics for the next few weeks. We also have a new opportunity for parents and loved ones to get their flu shot alongside their children!

Clinic Dates:

Amelia Clinic:
January 23rd and 31st: 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Anderson Clinic:
January 24th and 30th: 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
January 27th: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Seamlessly Secure Your Flu Shot

Use our  web scheduling links for our Anderson and Amelia locations. Parents and family members should choose “New Patient” when scheduling appointments. Alternatively, you can request a flu shot during your child’s upcoming check-up without needing a separate appointment. If you encounter any difficulty finding an ideal appointment slot, please don’t hesitate to contact us at (513) 232-8100, and we’ll gladly explore additional options tailored to your family’s schedule.

As flu cases rise, getting vaccinated safeguards you and your loved ones, including your children. Anderson Hills Pediatrics remains dedicated to your family’s health, prioritizing accessible preventive care.

It appears there may be a chance for winter weather in the Cincinnati area this weekend.  We love that this time of year often leads to building snowmen, sledding, and other fun-filled outdoor activities.

Since inclement weather may occur soon, we wanted to share information on how our offices handle these conditions.

• Communication: We will contact you if we need to cancel your visit due to weather. You may receive notice from us by phone call, text, or email, depending upon the time of day and the number of appointments needing to be canceled. Rest assured, a team member will communicate with you to find an alternative time to visit your pediatrician safely. It is safe to assume we are open if you do not hear from us.
• Social Media Updates:  We will post on our social media sites as soon as we decide to cancel appointments. Please follow our Facebook or Instagram accounts for this and additional health-related information.
• Telemedicine Alternatives: If you are scheduled for select appointments such as behavioral health visits, medication follow-ups, and simple ill appointments, we may offer a virtual visit as an alternative form of care from the comfort of your home. Unfortunately, visits that require a physical exam or testing are not always appropriate for telemedicine.
• Patient Cancellations: Should you have issues traveling to your visit due to inclement weather, we offer the option to cancel at no charge.

Excellent Links for Winter Tips and Fun:

• Playing Outside in Winter: Tips to Keep Kids Warm & Safe
• Winter Car Seat Safety Tips: Keeping Kids Safe & Warm
• Avoiding Dry Winter Skin in Babies and Toddlers

Anderson Hills Pediatrics wants to inform parents about the voluntary recall from Reckitt/ Mead Johnson Nutrition on select batches of Nutramigen Powder, a specialty infant formula for managing Cows Milk Allergy (CMA). This recall is due to potential contamination with Cronobacter sakazakii, though extensive testing showed no presence of the bacteria. Cronobacter can cause severe infections, but no illnesses have been reported.

The affected Nutramigen in 12.6 and 19.8 oz cans were manufactured in June 2023 and distributed mainly in June, July, and August 2023. The recall applies to specific batch codes and can sizes, with UPC Codes of 300871239418 or 300871239456 and a “Use By Date” of “1 Jan 2025”.

If you’ve purchased this product, check the batch number on the can and dispose of it or request a refund. For more information, contact Reckitt/Mead Johnson Nutrition at 866-534-9986 or consumer.relations@rb.com.

For more information, visit the FDA’s summary of the Reckitt/ Mead Johnson Nutrition posting here.

As the holidays approach, we want to express our deepest gratitude for entrusting Anderson Hills Pediatrics with your family’s healthcare needs throughout the year. It has been our privilege to serve you, and we look forward to providing the best care to you and your family in the coming year.

Holiday Hours:

Anderson Location:

December 23rd – 25th & December 30th – January 1st: We will be closed except for a limited number of appointments for urgent needs. Please call our office between 8:30 AM and 9:30 AM to schedule.

Amelia Location:

December 23rd – January 1st: Closed

We understand that medical concerns can arise, even during the holiday season. Please be assured that our dedicated physicians and clinical team will be available by phone at 513-232-8100 for urgent needs 24/7, even when our office is closed for the holidays.

Once again, thank you for choosing Anderson Hills Pediatrics as your healthcare partner. We wish you and your loved ones a joyful and heartwarming holiday season filled with love, laughter, and cherished moments!

Sincerely,

Anderson Hills Pediatrics

We are excited to announce an exciting addition to our services: RSV testing! At our offices, we are committed to providing the best care for you and your family, and this new service is another step towards that goal.

Before we dive into the details, it’s essential to clarify that routine RSV testing is not necessary, especially for children older than six weeks. However, there are specific situations where having the option of RSV testing can make a significant difference in a patient’s life and offer peace of mind to their family.

What is RSV?

RSV stands for Respiratory Syncytial Virus, a common respiratory virus affecting people of all ages. In most cases, RSV causes mild cold-like symptoms, but it can be more severe, especially in young children, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems.

Information About RSV Testing:

• Our team is now equipped to diagnose RSV right here in our offices. This means you can receive results and valuable information before you leave your appointment. No more waiting for test results from an external lab, which can be stressful and time-consuming.
• For some parents and caregivers, knowing whether their child has RSV or not can offer peace of mind. It can help alleviate concerns and provide clarity, especially during the colder months when respiratory infections are more common.
• We understand that you may have questions about RSV testing and whether it’s suitable for your child. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Our dedicated team is here to support you every step of the way, providing information, answering your questions, and helping you make informed decisions about your child’s health.

At our offices, we are committed to staying at the forefront of healthcare technology and services to offer you and your family the best care possible. RSV testing is just one more way we’re working to keep you and your loved ones healthy and happy.

We wanted to address the recent reports about “white lung syndrome” that have been circulating in the news regarding Warren and Butler Counties.

First and foremost, “white lung” is not a new condition; it’s a term used for pneumonia because it often appears as a white cloudy spot on an X-ray. The reason it’s being labeled an “outbreak” is because health authorities have observed an increase in cases beyond the usual numbers reported in a specific area.

Common symptoms of pneumonia include cough, cold-like symptoms, fever, and fatigue. It’s essential to remember that these symptoms can also be linked to various illnesses, including the common cold and flu.

If you or your family members experience any of these symptoms, please follow the usual guidelines we have shared with you for managing such conditions. Additionally, if you have not already done so, we highly encourage you to get the flu vaccine as soon as possible. This can be an effective way to protect yourself and your loved ones from seasonal illnesses.

If your child has been diagnosed with pneumonia, it’s important to follow your pediatrician’s prescribed treatment plan, including antibiotics if it’s a bacterial infection. Ensure they get plenty of rest, stay hydrated, and manage fever with appropriate medications. Monitor their symptoms closely and seek medical attention if they worsen. Practice good hygiene to prevent the spread of illness.

Your child’s health and well-being are our top priorities, and we are here to support you every step of the way. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you believe your child may be ill with pneumonia and need care.

Stay healthy and take care!