Florence Park Pediatrics

12/04/2023

I'd like to gauge interest in puberty classes. Some of you might remember I conducted these with Florence Park Pediatrics and I'm looking at resuming them as a side venture.

The classes would be in a small-group setting, likely at my current office. I would offer two age-ranges and there would be classes for both boys and girls. Very inclusive and informative!

Let me know your thoughts!

08/26/2023

I've been getting a LOT of questions about Remedy Health and this new and unique practice that I've entered. I understand it's different than what you've ever experienced in medical care, so let me try to clear a few things up!

Q: Why would I pay a monthly fee when I already pay insurance?

A: SO many reasons! If you have a high deductible plan or pay ANY percentage for your medical care in a traditional setting, you will pay NOTHING at Remedy (except your monthly fee)
- NO copays
- NO insurance bills (nothing is ever billed through insurance except for routine vaccines)
- X-rays are $40 in house
- Labs are between $10-$20 in house
- We carry MANY of the most common medications for about $5 per prescription

Q: Can you do ALL the same things you were doing in your previous practice (ie. shots, labs, X-rays, procedures)

A: YES!! We offer everything that any other medical practice offers... and MORE!

Q: What do I get for my monthly fee? (more than what I'd get from a traditional practice)

A: You truly have unfettered access to ME! And also to the amazing staff. There is a fantastic app that you download once you join and it's basically like texting. You can text or call me directly ANY time.

Q: Aren't you just going to get burned out from giving patients 24/7 access to you??

A: My patient panel will remain very limited. In the past, I have typically carried about 3,500 patients (yes... you read that right!) and really TRIED to give everyone individualized attention. In this model, I will take no more than 500 patients. It's VERY doable! Plus, I think we all know, I'm a complete workaholic!

Because I have so much extra administrative time, referrals gets placed instantly; any paperwork you might need filled out gets done right then; there is just SO much extra time for the... EXTRAS!

Q: Can I get a sports physical at Remedy?

A: YES! It's included in your monthly fee - most sports physicals cost about $50, so that pays an entire month of your membership right there!

Q: How is MY experience going to be different at Remedy?

A: You are being given a FULL HOUR for your visits! Typically, I have been allotted no more than 15 minutes - and that was for complex visits!! At Remedy, each patient time slot is 45 minutes to an hour and NO LESS!! In the visits I've had so far, I've experienced such an EASE - I'm no longer having to stress that I'm falling behind, that I have patients waiting for me, that I don't have time for the ONE MORE question - we've got time to cover it ALL! It's really amazing!

I think the biggest barrier I'm seeing is the idea of paying EXTRA for medical care when you already pay insurance. After REALLY thinking on this one, here's the way I see it:
1. It's basically like paying a LITTLE extra per month for health insurance but, in exchange, you have a PERSONAL pediatrician for ALL your needs
2. We pay MUCH more than $49/month (the monthly fee) for SO many other things in our lives - coffee, cable, internet, phone - but this is for something SO much more important!
3. Most of all, you're paying for my TRULY dedicated time. After my first week at work, I'm BLOWN AWAY by the fact that I actually get the time I need to work on the really complex stuff: difficult prior authorizations, research and education, referrals, etc.
4. You are also paying for INCREDIBLE support staff. Remedy's mission in life is truly to CHANGE the patient experience. And now that I've had time to observe... this is TRULY what they are doing!

If you got through all this - and you have decided to give it a try (even if you just want to start with one child), all you have to do is sign up online!

Compassionate care, without limits or barriers, through one simple membership.

08/16/2023

This post is more about being thankful than about discussing change. It's more about being grateful than about dwelling on what is difficult. It's about embracing what is to come and trying hard not to mourn what has passed.

My dear, amazing friends and patients. The last few days... hell... the last few years.... I have been simply blown away by kindness, generosity, caring, and love like I didn't know existed in this world.

Each and every one of you and your children have, in your own ways, been my rock and my anchor to cling to when the seas have threatened to sink me.

And this past week has shown me that more than ever before. Your messages have buoyed me and lifted me from a place that, at times, I wasn't sure I would be able to get out of.

And, of course, it simply shatters me and leaves me heart broken that not every single one of you can join me on this new and exciting adventure. If it were possible to go on as I have the past 13 years, practicing medicine in the traditional sense, I promise I would.

But I think most of you see, even if not able to fully understand, that I need to get my joy back. And my JOY is seeing patients, taking TIME with patients, treating patients as individuals and taking the time to develop relationships as they deserve to be developed. This has become nearly impossible in the traditional medical setting.

So, it's time to let go. But NEVER EVER take this as a time to forget. Every one of you holds a tiny piece of my heart. And without you, my heart is never whole.

I hope those that can, join me in this new way of experiencing medicine. But if you can't, just please know that I'll take you with me in my heart!

In love and health,
Dr. D

08/08/2023

VERY IMPORTANT UPDATES!! PLEASE READ ALL!!

1. If you haven't read my first post, please read :)
2. I have gotten answers to MANY of your questions, and keep them coming, as the people at Remedy Health are hugely responsive and WANT this to be an amazing relationship for ALL!
3. YES - you can use your FSA/HSA money to pay for the monthly membership
4. YES - if you prefer to have your labs sent out and billed to your insurance, we contract with both DLO and RML to make this happen (just like in the past, lab drawn in-house and then sent out)
5. YES - if you prefer to have your X-rays done at an imaging center and billed to your insurance we can do this!!
6. Please remember, CHECK WITH YOUR EMPLOYER to see if they contract with Remedy Health. As it turns out, MANY do and there may be NO out of pocket cost to you to join!!
7. I will be keeping my patient panel small - really small - so just keep this in mind too. LONG visits... RELAXING visits... PEACEFUL visits!!!

Finally, and perhaps MOST importantly, leaving FPP/JKP was NOT my decision and was NOT under my control. It's very important to me that you know this. I would NEVER abandon my patients, certainly not with little to no notice. This turn of events has me reeling as much as you. I assure you, my ONLY hope and wish is that each and every one of you get taken care of the way you DESERVE to get taken care of.

We'll all get through this. Somehow. Some way.

I love each and every single one of my sweet patients like my own. Please never ever forget that.

With LOVE and health,

Dr. D

https://www.remedyhealth.care/ #

Compassionate care, without limits or barriers, through one simple membership.

08/07/2023

Patients and beyond - if you’re reading this, you have, in some way been a part of Florence Park Pediatrics. Maybe you are my patient. Maybe you WERE my patient. Maybe you’re a friend. But, if you’re reading this, you are still following, and for that, I’m forever grateful.

My journey hasn’t been easy. Hard to believe almost exactly three years ago, I achieved a life-long dream - opening my own practice, having the chance to implement some of my unique ideas for how Medicine SHOULD look, not just how is DOES look!

And, assuming you have been following, you know that… well… sometimes life throws you a curve ball. Okay, a LOT of curve balls.

In March, my practice was taken over by a larger corporation. The hope was that this would be a long and happy relationship, but… yet another curve ball!

My relationship with my Harvard location is ending, effective this week.

If you know me at all, you know the past 2 years has done quite a number on me. It’s time I got back to doing what I LOVE, what FUELS me, what DRIVES me, and really what makes me ME!

I’m starting a new chapter at Remedy Health starting August 21. This will be a VERY different experience for many of you, should you choose to take yet another chance on me. It’s something called Direct Primary Care. What does this mean? Let’s break it down:

1. You pay a monthly membership fee for each of your children.
2. You get 24/7 unfettered access to me - phone calls, texts, video visits, as well as unlimited sick visits and all your well visits and immunizations
3. Nothing is billed through insurance (except for immunizations)
4. An experience worth way more than the membership fee - TIME!! My visits with each patient will average 45 minutes or more!
5. I have complete control over my schedule. You call or text - I think you need to be seen - you get seen!
6. A beautiful facility in which your child will be seen - we’re talking local art! A clean, sleek, calming vibe

I truly hope you’ll consider taking a chance on this amazing model of practicing medicine. The best part of all? My JOY in seeing your children will be more apparent than ever!

There’s no contractual commitment, so if this interests you and you even want to give it a month or two - consider signing up by clicking on the following link:

https://remedyhealthdpc.hint.com/signup?practitioner=pct-bDX5V7iihRdZ

As always, I am in awe of the way so many of you have walked with me on this long, complicated journey. I truly have hope that this will be the final stop!

As always, In love and health,

Dr. D

Edited to add: I am overwhelmed by the responses I am getting! I’m trying hard to respond to each person individually, but since I’m still seeing patients, it might take a little time. I promise your comments aren’t going unnoticed. I love you all.

03/28/2023

My dear patients - please don't take my recent silence as a sign that I've forgotten about you - nothing could be further from the truth. You have ALL been at the forefront of my mind and my heart every second of every day since the merge officially took place.

However, I AM having a very difficult time effectively balancing two practices, keeping up with the FPP portal, wrapping up those charts and winding things down while also learning an entirely new computer system, work flow, staff, etc. with JKP.

All that said, it's time to start winding down the FPP portal which, trust me, I know is going to be hard. JKP WILL take care of you - it's just a matter of getting every chart established and making sure we have all medications and problem lists updated. We are all working furiously to make this happen. I understand your frustration when it doesn't happen right away, but it's happening!

I am getting my Updox system going today (this will be my more direct line of communication with patients) - in order to use this, you simply go to the Just Kids Pediatrics website and click on the button that says "send a text" - this will allow you to text me a message!! Just make sure you specify it's for me as it will go through the triage nurses first and then they will tag it to me! This is also how I'll start communicating with you about lab results, etc.

It's going to work, it's just going to take time. I was reminded yesterday of one of the many reasons I had to make this merge happen. My kids need me. Your kids need me. And I was disappearing. So, bear with me, and I assure you, you'll get the best of me out it!!

In love and health,

Dr. D

Just Kids Pediatrics provides access to great pediatric care so every child has the opportunity to live a healthy life. With 9 locations across the state, Just Kids Pediatrics is conveniently located near you.

03/16/2023

I would like to reiterate, the "old" FPP portal is no longer being used to make appointments. While this will take some getting used to, you should be able to easily make an appointment by calling the office. Things you can still use the portal for while we are transitioning:

1. Questions needing direct attention from Dr. D
2. Questions about referrals requested BEFORE March 3rd
3. Some medication refills - although we're gradually trying to get these addressed through the new JKP system as well

If you find yourself feeling frustrated, please consider the following:

1. Have you yet transferred your child's chart to JKP? This will make any needs you have easier to fulfill, especially in my absence.
2. Have you made clear to the JKP staff answering the phones that you are a Florence Park patient?

I'll be back in the office monday and ready to run! I know this has been tough but it's getting better each day!

In love and health,

Dr. D

03/13/2023

There were some phone issues this morning - if you called to make an appointment, please try again as the issue should be resolved. A couple of housekeeping issues:

1. When you call our main number, you will hear a now incoming message and when you press "1" you will be transferred to the amazing staff at Just Kids Pediatrics
2. Remember to identify yourself as a Florence Park Pediatrics/Dr. Dunlap patient so they can make you a Just Kids chart and start the process of a records transfer from our system
3. We are only taking appointment by phone currently (not by portal) so please defer portal appointment requests until further notice.

Speaking of the portal! I will keep my portal active for now (probably for at least a couple of months) but will gradually be reducing its usage and will primarily be using it for questions that need to be directed to me only (ie. not for appointment requests, referral requests, med refills, etc) - all other needs will start being directed through the Just Kids Pediatrics system. For NOW, please make a phone call if these are NEW requests. If you have a question about a referral you are waiting on, feel free to use the old portal.

I will continue to make announcements as I get adapted to the new communication system I will be using with Just Kids Pediatrics at Florence Park, so don't fret! You'll still have that personalized care you've come to love!!

I'll be back in the office Monday. Until then, I'm working remotely!

In love and health,

Dr. D

03/10/2023

The last few days have been quite difficult haven't they? If you've called the clinic, you can tell we are in the throws of the medical practice equivalent of moving across the country with mom out of town. If you've stuck with us this far, this is the final push.

Starting tomorrow, phones will be turned over to JKP (you will note a change on our incoming message) - this might start today. Just make sure you identify yourself as a Florence Park/Dr. Dunlap patient and be patient as we are ALL going through the transition (their end and ours!).

Starting tomorrow, there will be a small JKP staff in our location seeing some walk-in patients, but they will also be in the process of moving, so, again, be patient!

I know so many of you are feeling frustrated and this is being felt and completely understood. We are trying so hard to keep everyone's needs met during this time but are acutely aware it's not always possible. We truly apologize. I hope with all my heart you stick with us as I KNOW it will be a better outcome for you on the other side.

In love and health,

Dr. D

Thank you SO SO much for ALL the kind words. I am overwhelmed by the outpouring of love I have felt. We LOVE our patients like we love our families. If this process has shown me (or reminded me of) one thing, it's this: my calling is a privilege and I would never in a million years choose to do anything else!

03/08/2023

Good morning amazing FPP/JKP patients! I have decided to take some time off before the official merge to rest my mind and my soul. Although I'll be traveling, I will DEFINITELY be working, wrapping up charting, referrals, checking labs, etc. So, rest assured, you're pediatrician is not out of pocket!

The portal is still fully active so if you have less urgent question, as always feel free to message. Just please understand it might take up to 24 hours for a response.

For more urgent questions, phones will be on during regular business hours.

The phones will switch to the Just Kids system effective Saturday, March 11, but you will still call our regular number. You'll just reach one of the amazing JKP triage nurses! Make sure you let them know you're a Dr. Dunlap/Florence Park Pediatrics patient so they will know to make your child a chart.

Finally, starting Saturday, there will be walk-in availability at our current office as well as the ability to make appointments with other providers until I return!

Have a WONDERFUL and HEALTHY spring break!

In love and health,

Dr. D

03/02/2023

Our office will be closed on March 3rd for staff development. If your child needs to be seen please utilize located at 31st and Harvard. As always, our portal is available for non-urgent questions. However, please allow 24 to 48 hours to receive a response for all portal messages received.

02/10/2023

Let’s make this easy ✌️
You have questions and we’ve got answers!
We are just as EXCITED as you are about the merge with . As with all change comes many questions and we’re here for it. Check out the February newsletter (link in bio) for all the details and a special message from Dr. Dunlap!