Are We a Good Fit?
New Patient Checklist
Choosing a pediatrician means finding a practice that aligns with your family’s needs and expectations. Review our checklist, office policies, and services to see whether Kessler Pediatrics is the right fit for you.
We strive to create a welcoming environment where families feel heard, respected, and supported. We look forward to partnering with you in your child’s care.
Vaccines
At Kessler Pediatrics, we follow the immunization schedule recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics to ensure your child receives safe, effective, and timely protection against preventable diseases.
We do not offer delayed or alternative vaccine schedules, as following the recommended timeline is the best way to protect your child and our community.
We understand that families may have questions about vaccines, and we are always happy to discuss any concerns with you.
However, if you prefer not to follow the recommended schedule, we respectfully ask that you seek another practice that is a better fit for your needs.
Antibiotics
We strive to avoid overusing antibiotics by educating families on their proper use and following evidence-based guidelines to ensure responsible prescribing. Many cases are viral and do not require antibiotic treatment. Instead, our pediatricians take the time to explain alternative approaches and the importance of allowing the body to heal naturally when appropriate.
Additionally, we do not routinely prescribe antibiotics over the phone, as we strongly believe it is not sound medical practice to do so without a proper assessment. Antibiotics are only prescribed when deemed necessary and appropriate after a thorough evaluation, prioritizing the well-being of our patients while avoiding the risks of antibiotic resistance and unnecessary side effects.
Medical Home
We work hard to provide comprehensive medical care and serve as your medical home. To that end, we urge you to contact our office FIRST before seeking specialty care or heading to another provider for urgent care. We want to be involved in either providing care in our office where appropriate or referring you to the most appropriate specialist and helping coordinate your care.
Whenever you do see a specialist, we ask that you request a report be sent directly to our office so we may stay informed and have the most up-to-date information in your child’s medical record.
Technology
Our practice prides itself on efficiency through the use of technology. Where applicable, you will be encouraged to consult our website, register for and use our patient portal, and effectively use automated reminders for appointments and routine care/immunizations that are due.
Office Hours
Our office hours are designed to provide convenient access to care for your family:
Monday – Thursday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Friday: 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM
We look forward to caring for your child during these hours.
After Hours
If you need assistance outside of regular office hours, our team is available 24/7/365 to support your child’s urgent care needs. For urgent concerns, you may contact our after-hours nurse advice line at 214-941-6691. This service is staffed by experienced pediatric nurses who use physician-developed protocols to guide care. A physician is always on call to provide additional support when needed.
Please save non-urgent concerns like mild illness, appointment requests, and prescription refills for regular office hours.
We encourage you to visit our child health resources for helpful information before calling our after-hours clinician.
We are committed to ensuring your child has access to trusted pediatric guidance at any time.
Insurance
Please confirm that our office participates with your insurance plan prior to your visit. It is your responsibility to understand your plan’s coverage, benefits, and any limitations.
We ask that you bring your current insurance card to each visit and be prepared to pay any required copays at the time of service.
While our billing team is happy to assist with general questions, we recommend contacting your insurance company directly for detailed information about your specific coverage.
We make every effort to help you avoid unexpected charges; however, all services are billed in accordance with federal guidelines and the care provided.
For additional information, please review our Financial Policy.
Billing
Payment is due at the time of your visit. We will collect your copay, coinsurance, deductible, and any outstanding balance at check-in. Charges for services not covered by your insurance will also be your responsibility at that time.
Scheduled Appointments
Regular well visits are an important part of keeping your child healthy and on track. During these visits, we monitor growth and development, provide recommended immunizations, help prevent illness and injury, and answer any questions you may have. We follow the American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines, with visits starting in infancy and continuing annually after age 3. We strongly recommend vaccinations to protect your child from preventable diseases—please feel free to discuss any questions or concerns with your doctor.
For sick visits, our team is available to help you each morning starting at 8:30 am. If you are unsure whether your child needs to be seen, our staff can connect you with a nurse or medical assistant who will guide you on the best next steps.
Timeliness & Missed Appointments
We value your time and strive to see your child as promptly as possible. Please arrive on time for your appointment. If you are running late, call our office so we can try to accommodate you. Patients arriving more than 15 minutes late may need to be rescheduled, and while we will do our best to offer a same-day option, this may not always be possible.
If you are unable to keep your appointment, please notify us as soon as possible so we can offer that time to another patient. Appointments not canceled or rescheduled at least 30 minutes in advance will incur a $75 no-show fee.



