Opening Schedule to Pediatrics

To have your schedule opened to pediatric patients, you must first complete Nourish's pediatrics training and review our policies on treating minors. This training will cover session structure, billing guidelines, communication best practices, mandatory reporting, and scheduling considerations.

Once completed, you will be able to update your profile to accept pediatric patients.

Pediatric sessions can be structured in one of three ways:

1. Child and parent/guardian present: A joint session where both participate in the discussion.

2. Parent/guardian only: A session focused on the child’s care, conducted without the child present.

3. Child only (with parental consent): The patient attends independently, provided their guardian has given consent.

• The child does not need to be present for billing purposes.

• As long as the discussion and documented interventions focus on the pediatric patient’s care, meeting only with the parent/guardian is acceptable.

• The session is billed under the patient's name, even if the parent/guardian is only present.

• Before each session, ensure that all required documentation is completed in accordance with HIPAA regulations and company policies:

• Confirm that the patient’s legal guardian has signed the Nourish Information, Consent, HIPAA & Release Agreement form.

• If a Release of Information form is required, it must also be signed by the legal guardian.

• Maintain the legal guardian’s contact information on file for ongoing communication.

• Use clear and empathetic language when discussing the child’s nutrition care plan with the parent/guardian.

• When speaking with pediatric patients, use age-appropriate language and resources to ensure understanding.

• Always document who attended the session (e.g., parent/guardian only, child and parent together) for clarity.

As a healthcare provider, you are legally required to report concerns regarding a child's safety. While these situations are rare, you may need to act quickly when they arise.

Key points to remember:

• If you suspect an issue, report it. It is not your responsibility to determine whether an investigation is needed—leave that to the authorities.

• Trust your instincts. If something feels off, err on the side of caution and report it.

• You are not alone. If you have any doubts, reach out to a Clinical Quality Manager (CQM) for guidance.

• Reporting can be difficult, but it saves lives. You will remain anonymous in the reporting process.

Additional resources and state-specific reporting guidelines are available in the attached PDF documents.

When working with children (under 18), sessions should include time with both the patient and their parent/guardian. Parents must receive regular updates on their child’s progress.

Recommended session structure:

• Allocate time for both private discussions with the child and conversations with the parent.

• If needed, schedule an additional session specifically for the parent. This ensures all necessary education and updates are provided.

Considerations for structuring future sessions:

• Is the parent available for private discussions without the child overhearing?

• How much time is needed to educate the parent?

• Is the child engaged and talkative, or will they require a more structured approach?

Clear communication expectations should be established in the first session to ensure effective information-sharing while maintaining boundaries.

• Email is best for brief updates when the parent is not in the session.

• If a parent’s email inquiry requires a detailed response or follow-up questions, inform them that it will be discussed in their next session to avoid miscommunication.

• Determine urgency:

  • True urgent matters put the child at immediate risk and should be addressed immediately.

  • Most concerns can be handled in the next scheduled session.

• If an issue cannot wait and requires more than a brief phone call, schedule an additional session specifically for that concern.

If a patient turns 18 while receiving care, they must take the following steps to continue services:

• Complete a new Nourish Information, Consent, HIPAA & Release Agreement form and Release of Information form with their own signature, as they are now a legal adult.

• If they wish to continue parental involvement in their care, they must sign a Release of Information form authorizing communication with their parent/guardian.

1. Parent communication is essential—keep them informed while maintaining a structured session approach.

2. Set communication expectations early to prevent unnecessary follow-ups.

3. Establish boundaries to ensure effective and efficient patient care.

Before updating your profile to accept pediatric patients, complete the knowledge check here!

Once you have completed this training, update your profile to accept pediatric patients:

1. Go to Provider Portal

2. Navigate to Profile > Specialties

3. Adjust Minimum Patient Age to include pediatric patients