Policy On Separation and Divorce
At Pediatric Associates of Norwood and Franklin, our focus is on providing high-quality, compassionate pediatric care. We maintain a neutral stance in situations involving parental separation or divorce, as our commitment is solely to the health and well-being of our patients.
Unless otherwise directed by court documents, we assume that both parents share joint custody, including access to medical records and involvement in medical decisions. When a child comes to our office, we assume that the accompanying parent or guardian has the authority to make medical decisions for that visit. We kindly ask that parents establish their own communication system to stay informed about their child’s care, as we cannot mediate between parents or contact each party separately.
Our team communicates directly with parents or legal guardians and will not engage with attorneys regarding custody issues unless legally required. In line with insurance guidelines, a copay is required at each visit. The accompanying adult is responsible for the copay at the time of service, even if the insurance is provided by a non-custodial parent.
Ultimately, payment responsibility lies with the adult present with the child. In instances where custody conflicts impact our ability to provide care or interfere with our daily operations, we may ask families to transition to another practice to ensure a stable and supportive environment for all.
