Welcome Letter
If you are the parent of a newborn, congratulations on this wonderful blessing for your family. We are here to act not only as your child’s physician, but also to help you through some of the baby issues that inevitably arise when you bring a new life into your home. If you are new to the practice with an older child or children, again we hope to live up to your expectations as your children’s doctor. I would like to recommend some resources for you that can help with all sorts of issues that come up as you strive to raise a happy and healthy family. You will find these resources on this website for you to explore. We will be adding new sites and information over time.
Although I am a solo doctor, I am fortunate to be affiliated with other pediatric professionals. Barbara Gardener MD will be in the office in my place every Thursday morning and on some Friday afternoons. She and other pediatricians occasionally cover for me in the office when I am away. Doctors Jack Blanco, Jerry Wexler, Suzanne Laskas, and Peter Averkiou are kind enough to share call with me on Thursday afternoons, at night and on weekends, at their east Boca office. Our office receives a complete doctor report including labs, by fax whenever a patient is seen there from our practice. On nights and weekends, Miami Children’s Hospital Nurse Triage service takes after hours calls first, with the doctor on call (either myself or one of the four pediatricians from Boca Raton Pediatric Associates) available for backup. The number to call is always the same: 39CHILD (561-392-4453.)
Our pediatric nurse, Alice has been with us for many years and has been a real asset to our families both in the office and on the phone. Jennifer handles the front desk and all administrative duties along with Kelly, our billing specialist. One recent change in our office procedures entails the introduction of an annual fee of $250 per family (NOT per patient) as of Jan 1, 2008. We are attempting to maintain a personal, small private practice in order to give patients the time they need without the pressure of having to overschedule in order to make ends meet.
I look forward to working together with you toward your child’s good health! Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to discuss them with me.
Sincerely,
Paul Christakis, MD