Policies

We believe very strongly that vaccination with currently available vaccines is absolutely the right thing to do for all children and adults. Therefore we endorse the following statement from the Georgia Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics.

“The risks of the diseases that vaccines prevent are far greater than the unproven concerns about their safety. We encourage all parents to ensure their children’s health by immunizing them on time."

Since 2015, we have not accepted families into our practice who do not plan on vaccinating their children or who may want to follow a delayed vaccine schedule. Effective January 1, 2025, any additional newborn or adopted siblings of existing PAMPA families must intend to become vaccinated or be fully vaccinated per the vaccine schedule in order for that child to remain in our practice.

Routine childhood vaccination produced a tremendous decline in serious infections. Lives have been saved and suffering has been prevented. Before a vaccine was available, nearly everyone developed measles during childhood. Each year in the U.S., about 50,000 people were hospitalized with measles, 1,000 of which would go on to develop cases of permanent brain damage and 500 of which would die. Polio paralyzed 20,000 people per year, causing 1,000 deaths. Vaccines do a wonderful job of preventing illness, complications, and saving lives.

Immunizations are safe. Vaccines are extensively studied to show that they provide protection. Part of this research includes testing new vaccines along with existing vaccines that are given at the same time. The new vaccine must show that it does not decrease the effectiveness of the other vaccines and does not result in higher reactions. Vaccine safety is monitored by the Food and Drug Administration.

Parents who delay or decline vaccination put their children and others at risk. Measles is a growing health risk in the United States. As of April 2, 2026- there have been 1,671 confirmed measles cases in the U.S. in 2026. This includes cases in Georgia. 92% of cases have been in unvaccinated individuals or individuals with unknown vaccination status. 

The vaccine schedule recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) gives vaccines when they are most effective. Multiple vaccine doses over time are necessary to provide adequate protection. Delaying vaccines puts children and the community at unnecessary risk. Giving the vaccines on the recommended schedule ensures that children have immunity at the age when they are most susceptible to a preventable disease. When immunizations are delayed, we lose the opportunity to prevent diseases that occur in infancy and early childhood.

There has never been any scientific evidence that showed a child has been harmed by thimerosal, the mercury-based preservative that had been used in vaccines in the past. Major studies in Sweden, Denmark, the United Kingdom, and the United States have shown no association between thimerosal-containing vaccines and autism. Other studies provide evidence that MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine does not cause autism.

A recent study in California looked at cases of autism and other brain disorders. They compared the diagnosis of autism prior to 2001 (the year thimerosal was removed from vaccines, except some influenza vaccines) with the rate of diagnosis after 2001. If thimerosal in vaccines caused autism, the rate should have fallen after the preservative was removed. The study showed that the rate increased.

Parents are faced with a seemingly overwhelming amount of information about vaccines and possible side effects. We encourage them to look for sources that are based on scientific evidence rather than anecdote and emotion. A list of useful internet sites is provided for parents who desire more information.

• Immunization Action Coalition - Immunize
• Children's Hospital of Philadelphia - Vaccine Education Center

If you have any additional questions or concerns about vaccines, please discuss them with your provider at your next office visit.

Georgia School and Daycare Requirements

• Vaccine Requirements for Attending Facilities and Schools in Georgia

PAMPA Pediatrics Financial, Billing and Privacy Policies

The information listed below is provided to avoid any misunderstanding and provide you with an understanding of our expectations. Please note that the party that brings the child to the office will be responsible for the visit’s copay or deductible plans deposit on service of $50.00. We will NOT be involved in parental disputes.

• I authorize PAMPA to treat my child (children) and to release medical and billing information to the insurance company so that payment for charges can be processed.
• I understand that for PAMPA to file my insurance, I MUST present a valid insurance card at the time of each visit. I understand that my insurance is a contract between myself and the insurance company, not the provider/ office and my insurance company. I am responsible for balances after the primary insurance has paid, and payment in full is due with the receipt of the statement.
• All unpaid claims after 60 days will be turned over to the patient so that you can follow up with the insurance company for payment. After 90 days, any unpaid balances will be prepared to be sent to the collection agency unless financial arrangements have been made with the office.
• We accept cash, check, MasterCard, Visa, Discover or American Express. There will be a $25 fee for all returned checks.
• We offer office visits to our patients on Saturdays and Federal Holidays. Please note an additional charge will be applied to the visit on these dates.
• I understand that PAMPA has an annual Administrative Service Fee of $25 per child. This yearly fee is intended to cover the cost of certain administrative services which are not covered by my insurance. This fee does not cover the cost of copying medical records.
• If you find it necessary to cancel your appointment, we require AT LEAST 24 hours’ notice prior to the appointment. Failure to cancel the appointment will result in a $50 cancellation fee for well visits and medication checks. As always, emergencies and unforeseen circumstances are taken into consideration.
• Concerns that fall outside of a routine checkup will be an additional problem visit that can be done with your checkup unless you would like to schedule a return visit for the concern. This would include, but is not limited to: ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Asthma, Ear infection,etc. Copays and deductibles will apply.

***We do not file Automobile, General Liability or Homeowner’s insurance***

Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, P.A.

NOTICE OF PRIVACY PRACTICES TO THE PARENTS OF OUR PATIENTS AND TO OUR PATIENTS

As Required by the Privacy Regulations Created as a Result of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA)

THIS NOTICE DESCRIBES HOW HEALTH INFORMATION MAY BE USED AND DISCLOSED, AND HOW OUR PATIENTS CAN GET ACCESS TO THEIR INDIVIDUALLY IDENTIFIABLE HEALTH INFORMATION. PLEASE REVIEW THIS NOTICE CAREFULLY.

A. OUR COMMITMENT TO YOUR PRIVACY

Our practice is dedicated to maintaining the privacy of your identifiable health information (IHI). In conducting our business, we will create records regarding your child’s treatment and services provided. We are required by law to maintain the confidentiality of health information that identifies your child. We also are required by law to provide our families with this notice of our legal duties and the privacy practices that we maintain in our practice concerning IHI. By federal and state law, we must follow the terms of this notice of privacy practices that we currently have in effect.

We realize that these laws are complicated, but we must provide you with the following important information:

• How we may use and disclose IHI
• Privacy rights in IHI
• Our obligations concerning the use and disclosure of IHI

The terms of this notice apply to all records containing IHI that are created or retained by PAMPA. We reserve the right to revise or amend this Notice of Privacy Practices. Any revision or amendment to this notice will be effective for all records that our practice has created or maintained in the past, and for any records that we may create or maintain in the future. Our practice will post a copy of our current Notice in our offices in a visible location at all times and on our Web sites, and anyone may request a copy of our most current Notice at any time.

B. IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS NOTICE, PLEASE CONTACT:

• Pamela DeLancey, Practice Manager @ 770-973-4700

C. WE MAY USE AND DISCLOSE YOUR CHILD’S IDENTIFIABLE HEALTH INFORMATION (IHI) IN THE FOLLOWING WAYS

The following categories describe the different ways in which we may use and disclose your IHI.

1. Treatment. Our practice may use IHI for treatment purposes. For example, we may ask our patients to have laboratory tests (such as blood or urine tests), and we may use the results to help us reach a diagnosis. We might use IHI in order to write a prescription for your child, or we might disclose IHI to a pharmacy when we order a prescription for your child. Many of the people who work for our practice – including, but not limited to, our doctors and nurses – may use or disclose IHI in order to treat or to assist others in your child’s treatment. Additionally, we may disclose IHI to others who may assist in your child’s care, such as your parents/guardians, other relatives, caretakers. Finally, we may also disclose IHI to other health care providers for purposes related to treatment.
2. Payment. Our practice may use and disclose IHI in order to bill and collect payment for the services and items received from us. For example, we may contact a health insurer to certify eligiblility for benefits (and for what range of benefits), and we may provide the insurer with details regarding treatment to determine if the insurer will cover, or pay for, your child’s treatment. We also may use and disclose IHI to obtain payment from third parties that may be responsible for such costs, such as family members. Also, we may use IHI to bill you directly for services and items. We may disclose IHI to other health care providers and entities to assist in their billing and collection efforts.
3. Health Care Operations. Our practice may use and disclose IHI to operate our business. As examples of the ways in which we may use and disclose your information for our operations, our practice may use your IHI to evaluate the quality of care you received from us, or to conduct cost-management and business planning activities for our practice. We may disclose your child’s IHI to other health care providers and entities to assist in their health care operations.
4. Appointment Reminders and Test result calls. Our practice may use and disclose IHI to remind our patients of an appointment and test results, either by phone, mail, or e-mail. (This includes leaving messages on voice mails and answering machines.)
5. Treatment Options, Health-Related Benefits/Services. Our practice may use and disclose IHI to inform our families of potential treatment options or alternatives as well as health-related benefits/services that may of interest to them.
6. Release of Information to Family/Friends. Our practice may release IHI to a friend or family member that is involved in a patient’s care. For example, a parent or guardian may ask that a babysitter or neighbor take their child to the office for treatment of a cold. In this example, the babysitter or neighbor may have access to your child’s medical information.
7. Disclosures Required By Law. Our practice will use and disclose IHI when we are required to do so by federal, state or local law.

D. USE AND DISCLOSURE OF YOUR CHILD’S IIHI IN CERTAIN SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES

The following categories describe unique scenarios in which we may use or disclose identifiable health information:

1. Public Health Risks. Our practice may disclose IHI to public health authorities that are authorized by law to collect information for the purpose of:

• maintaining vital records, such as births and deaths
• reporting child abuse or neglect
• preventing or controlling disease, injury or disability
• notifying a person regarding potential exposure to a communicable disease
• notifying a person regarding a potential risk for spreading or contracting a disease or condition
• reporting reactions to drugs or problems with products or devices
• notifying individuals if a product or device they may be using has been recalled
• notifying appropriate government agency(ies) and authority(ies) regarding the potential abuse or neglect of an adult known to our patient (including domestic violence); however, we will only disclose this information if the patient agrees or we are required or authorized by law to disclose this information
• notifying your employer under limited circumstances related primarily to workplace injury or illness or medical surveillance.

2. Health Oversight Activities. Our practice may disclose IHI to a health oversight agency for activities authorized by law. Oversight activities can include, for example, investigations, inspections, audits, surveys, licensure and disciplinary actions; civil, administrative, and criminal procedures or actions; or other activities necessary for the government to monitor government programs, compliance with civil rights laws and the health care system in general.

3. Lawsuits and Similar Proceedings. Our practice may use and disclose IHI in response to a court or administrative order and if you are involved in a lawsuit or similar proceeding. We also may disclose IHI in response to a discovery request, subpoena, or other lawful process by another party involved in the dispute, but only if we have made an effort to inform our families of the request or to obtain an order protecting the information the party has requested.

4. Law Enforcement. We may release IHI if asked to do so by a law enforcement official:

• Regarding a crime victim in certain situations, if we are unable to obtain the person’s agreement
• Concerning a death we believe has resulted from criminal conduct
• Regarding criminal conduct at our officesIn response to a warrant, summons, court order, subpoena or similar legal process
• To identify/locate a suspect, material witness, fugitive or missing person
• In an emergency, to report a crime (including the location or victim(s) of the crime, or the description, identity or location of the perpetrator)

5. Research. Our practice may use and disclose IHI for research purposes in certain limited circumstances. We will obtain your written authorization to use your child’s IHI for research purposes except when an Internal Review Board or Privacy Board has determined that the waiver of your authorization satisfies the following:

• the use or disclosure involves no more than a minimal risk to your privacy based on the following:
• an adequate plan to protect the identifiers from improper use and disclosure;
• an adequate plan to destroy the identifiers at the earliest opportunity consistent with the research (unless there is a health or research justification for retaining the identifiers or such retention is otherwise required by law); and
• adequate written assurances that the PHI (patient health information) will not be re-used or disclosed to any other person or entity (except as required by law) for authorized oversight of the research study, or for other research for which the use or disclosure would otherwise be permitted;
• (the research could not practicably be conducted without the waiver; and
• (the research could not practicably be conducted without access to and use of the PHI.

6. Serious Threats to Health or Safety. Our practice may use and disclose your child’s IHI when necessary to reduce or prevent a serious threat to your child’s health and safety or the health and safety of another individual or the public. Under these circumstances, we will only make disclosures to a person or organization able to help prevent the threat.

7. National Security. Our practice may disclose IHI to federal officials for intelligence and national security activities authorized by law. We also may disclose IHI to federal officials in order to protect the President, other officials or foreign heads of state, or to conduct investigations.

8. Workers’ Compensation. Our practice may release IHI for workers’ compensation and similar programs.

E. YOUR RIGHTS REGARDING YOUR CHILD’S IHI

You have the following rights regarding the IHI that we maintain about your child:

1. Confidential Communications. You have the right to request that our practice communicate with you about health and related issues in a particular manner or at a certain location. For instance, you may ask that we contact you at home, rather than work. In order to request a type of confidential communication, you must make a written request to Pamela Delancy, Practice Manager, 770-973-4700, specifying the requested method of contact, or the location where you wish to be contacted. Our practice will accommodate reasonable requests with consideration to your child’s confidentiality. You do not need to give a reason for your request.
2. Requesting Restrictions. You have the right to request a restriction in our use or disclosure of your child’s IHI for treatment, payment or health care operations. Additionally, you have the right to request that we restrict our disclosure of your child’s IHI to only certain individuals involved in your care or the payment for your care, such as family members and friends. We arenot required to agree to your request; however, if we do agree, we are bound by our agreement except when otherwise required by law, in emergencies, or when the information is necessary to treat your child. In order to request a restriction in our use or disclosure of IHI, you must make your request in writing to Pamela Delancy (see above). Your request must describe in a clear and concise fashion: (a) the information you wish restricted; (b) whether you are requesting to limit our practice’s use, disclosure or both; and (c) to whom you want the limits to apply; and (d) what period of time the restrictions are to apply.
3. Inspection and Copies. You have the right to inspect and obtain a copy of the IIHI that may be used to make decisions about your child consistent with confidentiality guidelines, including patient medical records and billing records, but not including psychotherapy notes. You must submit your request in writing to Pamela Delancy, Practice Manager, 770-973-4700 in order to inspect and/or obtain a copy of your child’s IHI. Our practice may charge a fee consistent with state guidelines for the costs of copying, mailing, labor and supplies associated with your request. Our practice may deny your request to inspect and/or copy in certain limited circumstances; however, you may request a review of our denial. Another licensed health care professional chosen by us will conduct such a review review.
4. Amendment. You may ask us to amend your child’s health information if you believe it is incorrect or incomplete, and you may request an amendment for as long as the information is kept by or for our practice. To request an amendment, your request must be made in writing and submitted to Pamela Delancy, Practice Manager, 2155 Post Oak Tritt Rd., Suite 100, Marietta, GA 30062. You must provide us with a reason that supports your request for amendment. Our practice will deny your request if you fail to submit your request (and the reason supporting your request) in writing. Also, we may deny your request if you ask us to amend information that is in our opinion: (a) accurate and complete; (b) not part of the IHI originated and kept by or for the practice; (c) not part of the IHI which you would be permitted to inspect and copy; or (d) not created by our practice, unless the individual or entity that created the information is not available to amend the information.
5. Accounting of Disclosures. All of our patients have the right to request an “accounting of disclosures.” An “accounting of disclosures” is a list of certain non-routine disclosures our practice has made of your child’s IHI for non-treatment, non-payment or non-operations purposes. Use of your child’s IHI as part of the routine patient care in our practice is not required to be documented or accounted for. For example, a doctor sharing information with the nurse; or the billing department using your child’s information to file your insurance claim. In order to obtain an accounting of disclosures, you must submit your request in writing to Pamela Delancy, Practice Manager, 770-973-4700. All requests for an “accounting of disclosures” must state a time period, which may not be longer than six (6) years from the date of disclosure and may not include dates before April 14, 2003. The first list you request within a 12-month period is free of charge, but our practice may charge you consistent with state guidelines for additional lists within the same 12-month period. Our practice will notify you of the costs involved with additional requests, and you may withdraw your request before you incur any costs.6. Right to a Paper Copy of This Notice. You are entitled to receive a paper copy of our notice of privacy practices. You may ask us to give you a copy of this notice at any time. To obtain a paper copy of this notice, contact Pamela Delancy, Practice Manager, 770-973-4700.
6. Right to File a Complaint. If you believe your child’s privacy rights have been violated, you may file a complaint with our practice or with the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services. To file a complaint with our practice, contact Pamela Delancy, Practice Manager, 770-973-4700. All complaints must be submitted in writing. You will not be penalized for filing a complaint.
7. Right to Provide an Authorization for Other Uses and Disclosures. Our practice will obtain your written authorization for uses and disclosures that are not identified by this notice or permitted by applicable law. Any authorization you provide to us regarding the use and disclosure of your child’s IHI may be revoked at any time in writing. After you revoke your authorization, we will no longer use or disclose your child’s IHI for the reasons described in the authorization. Please note, we are required to retain records of your care. Again, if you have any questions regarding this notice or our health information privacy policies, please contact Pamela Delancy, Practice Manager, 2155 Post Oak Tritt Rd., Suite 100, Marietta, GA 30062.

Our Marietta Office is open on Saturdays for your convenience. Saturday hours are 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., and patients are seen by appointment only. Parents may preschedule well-visits on Saturday or call same day to schedule appointments for sick patients. Routine requests for future appointments and medication refills are handled Monday through Friday.

Please note that Saturday and Federal Holiday office charges are more than weekday charges.

If an urgent situation should arise during regular office hours, please call our office and someone will help you immediately.

If an urgent situation should arise after hours, call any of our regular office numbers and your call will be forwarded to a Pediatric Nurse-on-Call.

The nurse will return your call within one hour or, if necessary, will contact a physician to return your call. For emergencies that do not permit such call back time, dial 911 and get immediate help.

Prescriptions and refills for medications are issued weekdays during office hours, except in emergency situations. For a routine prescription refill, please contact your pharmacy, and, if necessary, the pharmacist will call our office.

For a refill of chronic or controlled medications we ask that you submit the request through your patient portal. Please give the office ten days notice to allow your doctor an opportunity to review your child's health record.

At PAMPA, we understand that issues related to divorce are very difficult to naviagte for the entire family. However, we will not be party to custodial, separation or financial disputes relating to individuals with regard to minor children to whom services are provided.

All co-pays, co-insurance, and deductibles will be collected at the time of service from the individual accompanying the child at the visit.

Both parents have access to the minor child’s medical records unless we are provided with a copy of a court order that mandates otherwise. We maintain that divorce, separation, and custody agreements should not enter into the medical care of a child; such matters should remain between the parents.

Our office is a smoke-free environment. We ask that you do not smoke on the premises.