Divorce/Split Family Policy

The providers and staff at Island Kids Pediatrics are devoted to giving the best care to children. Our focus is on their health whether it be medical, psychological or emotional. We are NOT here to discuss legal issues regarding divorce, separation, or custody agreements. We cannot be put in the middle of domestic issues or disagreements over the phone or in the office.

• When a minor child visits our office accompanied by either parent, we will assume that parent has full legal custody and authority to make medical decisions for the child, unless we are instructed otherwise, in writing, by a Court Order.
• Only in situations where there is a confirmed documented Court Order will one of the parents be denied access to the minor child’s health records or visit at the office. Cove Pediatrics must have a copy of this Court Order on file in the minor child’s electronic chart.
• It is the parents’ responsibility to communicate with each other regarding the patients’ care, office visit dates and any other pertinent information relevant to the patient. It is not the responsibility of the pediatrician to communicate visit information to each custodial parent separately. Our providers will not call the non-attending parent following visits. They can have access to the visits in writing with a signed medical release form. We reserve the right to charge an administrative fee for copying records should the requests become excessive.
• Additionally, we will not call the other parent for consent regarding appointments scheduled, restrict either parent’s involvement in the patients’ care unless authorized by law. We will not tolerate appointment scheduling/cancelling appointments patterns of behavior between parents.
• Please make decisions regarding vaccinating your child(ren), circumcision, reproductive education, etc. prior to visiting our practice. Our policy is to communicate our medical assessments and recommendations with the parent who accompanies the child to the office.
• We cannot mediate financial disputes between the two parents. When children visit our office, we hold the accompanying parent or guardian responsible for any payments required. Any disputes about reimbursement for medical expenses need to be settled between parents privately.
• Should the issues that come between parents become disruptive to our practice or impede the care of child(ren), we reserve the right to discharge your family from further treatment.