All About The ABC Patient Portal

THANK YOU ABC FAMILY!

We are so excited to announce nearly 3,500 patient portal accounts have been activated! Thank you for the confidence you've placed in us and for allowing us to communicate with you in a new way!

As you might know, calls have drastically increased for our office due to an increase in sickness in the community. And, while our multi-line phone system is very nice and allows many more calls to come in, busy signals have been replaced by longer hold times and voicemail pickups. To assist in alternative, efficient and secure communication, the patient portal was implemented to maximize our ability to respond efficiently to our families.

Users of our PATIENT PORTAL are able to do the following:

View LAB RESULTS
Request an APPOINTMENT
Review Upcoming APPOINTMENT DETAILS
Send MESSAGES/QUESTIONS to our staff
SEND/RECEIVE FORMS
Make PAYMENTS to your account
And MUCH MORE!

View our Patient Portal FAQ's below

If you have a current patient portal account or plan to activate one, the following Questions and Answers might help.

Q~ How do I request an INVITATION to the patient portal?
A~ > Complete a PORTAL INVITE FORM. Click here: https://abcpediatrics.org/forms/

> Submitting your invite form from the link securely submits your request to us. We'll respond quickly.

> Wait for your portal invitation from us via email. Once received, parents/guardians or patients over age 18 should verify their details as prompted. Example: If Mom is requesting an invite for her child(ren), the platform will require Mom's first and last name, date of birth and zip code. DO NOT use the PATIENT's Name.

> Once proper verification is made, a username and password is set up by the user.

> That's it! The new portal account is ready to use!

Q~ How do I access my secure PATIENT PORTAL ACCOUNT?
A~ Log in with your username & password at: www.myhealthrecord.com

Q~ How do I COMMUNICATE with the ABC Pediatrics' staff?

A~ Click the "My Messages" Icon.

> Click "NEW" to create a message to us.
> Select "NO PREFERENCE" in the provider field.

(This ensures the message always goes to a member of the healthcare team logged in to our EHR software at the time that the message is sent. Selecting specific healthcare team members might delay messages because if that provider or healthcare team member is not in the office at the time that the message is sent, the message would not be reviewed until that provider or team member is back in the office.)

> Choose from the pull down menu for "I would like to...."

> ask a medical question
> request a medical record
> ask an insurance question
> ask a general question
> Provide a few words about your request in the "How can we help you? field.
> Provide any additional information in the "Anything else you would like us to know?" field.
> Attach a file? Ex. picture of a rash, school form

(Blue button directly below the two fields above.)
> Click SEND to submit the message to our staff.

> Monitor your email for our notice that we have responded to your request and there is a message waiting for your attention in the portal.

Q~ How do I request a PRESCRIPTION REFILL?

A~ > Under "My Health", click Medications then "Request Medication Refill"

> Select the appropriate medication from the history.

> Confirm Pharmacy

> Provide any additional information in the "Anything else you would like us to know?" field.

> Click Submit to send your refill request to our staff.

> Monitor your email for our notice that we have responded to your request and there is a message waiting for your attention in the portal.

Q~ How do I request an APPOINTMENT?

A ~ > Click My Appointments, then "Request", then "New"

> Complete prompts: Provider?, How soon?, Day of the week?, Time Preference?

> Select from the "What is most important to you?" field.

> Physician

> Day

> Time

> Complete the Reason for visit field.

> SUBMIT your request.

> Monitor your email for our notice that we have responded to your request and there is a message waiting for your attention in the portal.

Q~ How do I pay a bill?

A~ > Click "PAY MY BILL"

> Click the blue "pay my bill" button to transition to our payment partner, Instamed.

> Complete the "Make A Payment" window:

> email

> patient ID

> last name

> zip

> Click PAY NOW.

> Monitor your email for our notice that we have received your payment.

Benefits of Breastfeeding for Mom and Baby

Happy World Breastfeeding Month!

Every year in August we celebrate World Breastfeeding Month! In addition to the full month, there's also a Breastfeeding week that runs the first week in August traditionally. This year it ran August 1th through August 7th. In order to raise some awareness of the benefits of breastfeeding, ABC Pediatrics' own Dr. Mary Ann Chiodo provided some benefits of breastfeeding for both Mom and Baby!

Breastfeeding Benefits for BABY:

- access to nutrients that strengthen baby's immune system

- breast milk contains perfect nutrition- exactly the right proteins, fat, vitamins, minerals and other elements for baby's growth and development

- better response to immunizations against Polio, Tetanus, Dipththeria and Haemophilus influendza

- better oral development due to jaw movements, nutrients in breast milk decrease risk of tooth decay

- lowers risk of allergies

- lowers risk of obesity and diabetes

- lowers risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome)

- lowers risk of ear infections and gastroenteritis

- enhances baby's brain development

- better protection against respiratory infections including those cause by rotaviruses

- reduced risk of hospitalizations with pneumonia and bronchiolitis

- enhance performance on cognitive development tests

Breastfeeding Benefits for MOM:

- reduces mom's risk of ovarian, uterine and breast cancer, as well as osteoporosis

- helps mom burn up to and extra 500 calories a day

- reduces post-delivery bleeding and the chances of mom developing anemia

- breast milk is free, convenient, sterile, the correct temperature and environmentally friendly

ABC voted Best Pediatric Clinic in Best of Harnett 2022 Competition!

Thanks for your Votes!

We are super proud to announce this year’s 2022 Best of Harnett results. Due to all your support and votes, ABC Pediatrics has once again been voted Best Pediatric Clinic in Harnett County!

We also won several other accolades this year including some wonderful individual awards as well.

🥇🥈🥉They are as follows:

Practice Awards

1st Place- Best Pediatric Clinic
1st Place- Best Medical Facility
3rd Place- Best Customer Service

Individual Awards

2nd place Best Pediatrician-Dr. Mary Ann Chiodo, MD
2nd Place Best Dr/PA-Rhonda Torchio, PA-C
3rd Place Best Pediatrician-Rhonda Torchio, PA-C

Help us congratulate our team and individuals in comments!👏

🙏We would like to sincerely thank all of you that voted in this year’s competition. We obviously could not celebrate this without you! Your ABC Family looks forward to servicing your healthcare needs in the 22/23 year ahead!

Sincerely, The ABC Staff and Team 🩺

🔗Full online magazine link from The Daily Record website:Special Edition Best of Harnett Magazine Link

ABC’s “Star of the Week” Program on Social Media!

Hey Abc Fam! We are starting a new program where we will highlight members of our ABC Family’s achievements on social media. 💫📸 They will be recognized as our “ABC Social Star of the Week!” 🤩
✳️ Here’s how it works:
1. Submit your child’s achievement using our form located here:
https://form.jotform.com/221984778487983

2. We will post one kid a week on our Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. If they happen to have their own social media, provide those links using the form and we can try to tag them and/or you the parent(s) as well.

3. Achievements can include really anything you are proud of, so long as it took place RECENTLY and outside of your home activities. Additionally, your child should have been awarded or selected by someone other than yourselves. (Unless you’re a Coach or Teacher, for example, that was responsible!)

4. Please understand that we will work on posting each child, but the posts will be organized by the time they were received and also, at times, the accolade they received.

That’s it for now! We will see where the program goes from here. We are looking forward to seeing some submissions!
Sincerely,
The Abc Staff and Team 🩺😊

Schedule your Wellness Visits for the 2023-24 School Year!

It’s School Preparation Time at ABC Pediatrics!

Our staff is READY to help school-age students complete all the requirements for their health assessments for the 2023 – 2024 School Year!

Every year we face a flood of appointment requests in the two to three weeks leading up to the first day of school for physicals, medication management, and immunization updates. Unfortunately, we cannot often accommodate the last minute requests because our providers schedules fill up quickly as the new school year approaches.

Why would I do this now!?

If you come in now, it's a major step out of the way when school is closing in, taking this off your plate.
If any potential issues arise from the checkup, you've got more time to resolve them!
Because patients are less sick during the summer months, our providers are less busy at the moment. This ensures you will be able to schedule with who you want to see, and most likely, choose the time and day that works best for your family.
Insurance companies are becoming very strict about ensuring patients get preventative services every year. Summertime is the absolute best opportunity to get this requirement taken care of.

Not sure when your child is due for a physical or a maintenance visit? Our staff is available to check your child’s visit history, immunization status, and discuss just what he/she may need for the upcoming school year.

Call TODAY! (910) 892-1333

Below is a list of services provided by our ABC Pediatrics’ Health Care Team that may be performed to ensure he/she is ready for school!

Check to see how tall he/she is
Check his/her weight
Check his/her Blood Pressure
Obtain a urine specimen and a small sample of blood from him/her for lab testing
Test his/her hearing
Check his/her ability to see by performing acuity and depth perception vision assessments
Review responses to age-appropriate questions to evaluate and confirm his/her readiness for school
Review current medication regimens and if needed, provide refills
Perform an EKG (measures heart activity)
Perform Spirometry (lung capacity and function) test
Perform a complete physical exam to make sure he/she is healthy
Make recommendations that will allow for the best possible school year performance
Administer any necessary and required vaccines
Complete his/her required school forms
Give stickers, hugs and best wishes to him/her for a fantastic year in school!

New Phase Update Effective 03.10.22

NEW PHASE EFFECTIVE Thursday, March 10th, 2022

OFFICE HOURS: Monday thru Friday, 7:45am until 4:15pm

For nearly two years, the ABC Pediatrics’ team has kept you informed of the ever-changing global COVID pandemic. We’ve monitored transmission and case rates for COVID-19 and its variants and made adjustments to our workflow while remaining committed to ensuring our patients received well care, immunizations, medication management, mental health care and allergy immunotherapy. Simultaneously, we invested in In-Office COVID PCR testing capabilities and COVID antibody testing capabilities as well as COVID vaccine administration as soon as the services could be made available to our area. We effectively processed sick patients and provided In-Office COVID related services in isolated areas of our office to mitigate the possibility of spread.

With North Carolina’s transmission and positivity rates well under 5%, ABC Pediatrics will eliminate some of the strict protocols we have had in place for nearly two years.

● ALL PATIENTS will once again be welcomed through our front entrance.
● ALL PATIENTS will be processed face to face by our Front Office staff and directed to either the SICK or WELL waiting area.
● NEWBORN INFANTS will be prioritized and processed in a separate triage area and roomed in only designated newborn exam areas.
● Exam rooms will continue to be sanitized after patient visits.

New Phase Update Effective 02-07-22

NEW PHASE EFFECTIVE Monday, February 7th, 2022

OFFICE HOURS: Monday thru Friday, 8:00am until 4:15pm

ABC Pediatrics has evaluated and revised our approach in caring for the health care needs of our patients. We remain committed to ensuring patients receive well care, medication management, mental health care and allergy immunotherapy, while maintaining service for sick patients and testing during this ever-changing COVID pandemic. Our new process will go in effect Monday, February 7th, and is described below.

Second Entrance

NO WALK-INS ACCEPTED. Appointments can be scheduled at 910-892-1333.

Our SECOND ENTRANCE and processing area will be designated for SICK PATIENTS every morning from 7:45am until 11:15am. At the time of scheduling, instructions will be provided for arrival and check-in procedures. Lab results, school and work correspondence will be handled via our secure patient portal. Designated care providers will respond to patients who need care for the following:

● Exposure to Covid 19
● Change in sense of taste or smell
● COVID Testing
● Cold Symptoms
● Fever
● Sore Throat
● Cough
● Vomiting
● Diarrhea
● Shortness of Breath
● ER Follow Up
● Body Aches/Fatigue

New Electronic Health Records System

Hello ABC Family!

Exciting news! We’re currently implementing a new Electronic Health Records system at our office! Behind the scenes work has been underway for months and the transition is coming VERY SOON as we bring state of the art electronic services to our patients and their families! There are some especially important dates we would like to bring to your attention.

Monday, 05.17.21 through Friday, 05.21.21- STAFF TRAINING

● Our office will be OPEN!

● Staff training each day from 11am-1pm

● Appointments for sick and urgent concerns and newborn infant care will be available.

● Appointments for well care and non-urgent care will be limited due to staff training.

● Our staff will remain fully available for phone calls, prescriptions refills, general questions and concerns.

● Our patient portal services, unfortunately, will not be available after 05.20.21. Until we get our new patient portal up and running, please call us (910.892.1333) for your healthcare needs.

Monday, 05.24.21 through 05.25.21- SYSTEM CONVERSION WEEK

● Our office will be OPEN!

● Appointments for sick and urgent concerns and newborn infant care will be available.

● Appointments for well care and non-urgent care will not be scheduled due to system unavailability.

● Our staff will remain fully available for phone calls, prescriptions refills, general questions and concerns.

Monday, 05.31.21 & Tuesday, 06.01.21- OFFICE CLOSED

● Our office will be CLOSED for Memorial Day and remaining system conversion and activation work.

Wednesday, 06.02.21 through Friday, 06.04.21- GO LIVE

● Our office will be OPEN! Please bear with our staff as we navigate a totally different work flow in our new system.

¡Medicaid está cambiando en Carolina del Norte!

A partir del 1 de julio de 2021, los servicios de Medicaid estarán disponibles a través de planes de salud prepagados (PHPs). Un PHP es un grupo de médicos, hospitales y otros proveedores que trabajan juntos para proporcionar todo tipo de atención médica. Esto incluye: salud física, salud conductual y medicamentos. A partir del 1 de julio de 2021, CADA receptor de NC Medicaid debe elegir un PHP o uno será elegido para usted por NC Medicaid. ¡QUEREMOS AYUDARLE A TRAVÉS DE ESTE PROCESO!

Elija un proveedor de atención primaria (PCP)

Su PCP es ABC PEDIATRICS

Elija un plan de salud

ABC PEDIATRICS trabaja con todos los planes de salud disponibles.
Adjunta a este aviso hay una lista de sus planes disponibles. La lista le informa sobre los planes de salud y los diversos servicios que ofrecen. Elige el mejor para su familia.

Inscríbase de una de estas maneras

Vaya a ncmedicaidplans.gov
Utilice la aplicación móvil NC Medicaid Managed Care. Para obtener la aplicación gratuita, busque NC Medicaid Managed Care en Google Play o App Store.
Llame a NC Medicaid al 1-833-870-5500 (TTY: 1-833-870-5588).
Envíe por correo el formulario de inscripción utilizando el sobre de devolución que vino en su paquete. O envíelo por fax al 1-833-898-9655.
Elija su plan de salud antes del 14 de mayo de 2021 o se elegirá uno para usted. Es mejor si elige un plan de salud, porque es quien mejor conoce sus necesidades de atención médica.

Después de seleccionar un PHP, se enviará por correo información y una nueva tarjeta de identificación. La tarjeta de identificación debe utilizarse para los servicios de atención médica a partir del 1 de julio de 2021. Las preguntas pueden ser respondidas por el número de servicios para miembros de su plan de salud en la tarjeta de identificación.

Si decide más adelante que desea cambiar su plan de salud:

Los planes de salud se pueden cambiar hasta el 30 de septiembre de 2021. Después de eso, a menos que haya una razón especial, los planes de salud no se pueden cambiar hasta la fecha de recertificación de Medicaid. Aquellos que sienten que no deben estar inscritos en un plan de salud porque necesitan ciertos servicios para abordar una discapacidad del desarrollo, salud conductual, lesión cerebral traumática o trastorno por consumo de sustancias, se puede solicitar reconsideración. Esta es una revisión de la decisión. Para solicitar una reconsideración, llame al 1-833-870-5500 (TTY: 1-833-870-5588).

¿Preguntas? Vaya a ncmedicaidplans.gov. También puede utilizar la herramienta "chat" en el sitio web. O llame al 1-833-870-5500 (TTY: 1-833-870-5588), 7 a.m. a 8 p.m., 7 días a la semana. Después del 14 de mayo de 2021, el horario está abierto de 7 a.m. a 5 p.m., de lunes a sábado.

Adjunto es una MUESTRA del paquete de inscripción. Algunas de las áreas se rellenan como un ejemplo para ayudarle a completar su formulario. Llame a un miembro de nuestro PERSONAL DE OFICINA DE NEGOCIOS si necesita ayuda: (910) 892-1333, luego presione 4.

Medicaid is changing in NC!

1- Choose a primary care provider (PCP)

Your PCP is ABC PEDIATRICS

2- Choose a health plan

ABC PEDIATRICS works with all available health plans.
Attached to this notice is a list of your available plans. The list tells you about the health plans and the various services they offer. Choose the best one for your family.

3- Enroll in one of these ways

Go to ncmedicaidplans.gov
Use the NC Medicaid Managed Care mobile app. To get the free app, search for NC Medicaid Managed Care on Google Play or the App Store.
Call NC Medicaid at 1-833-870-5500 (TTY: 1-833-870-5588).
Mail the enrollment form using the return envelope that came in your package. Or fax it to 1-833-898- 9655.
Choose your health plan by May 14, 2021 or one will be chosen for you. It is better if you choose a health plan, because you know your health care needs best.

After a PHP is selected, information and a new ID card will be mailed. The ID card should be used for health care services beginning on July 1, 2021. Questions can be answered by your health plan’s member services number on the ID card.

If you decide later that you want to change your health plan:

Health plans can be changed until September 30, 2021. After that, unless there is a special reason, health plans cannot be changed until the Medicaid recertification date. Those who feel they should not be enrolled in a health plan because they need certain services to address a developmental disability, behavioral health, traumatic brain injury or substance use disorder, reconsideration can be requested. This is a review of the decision. To request a reconsideration, call 1-833-870-5500 (TTY: 1-833-870-5588).

Questions? Go to ncmedicaidplans.gov. You can also use the “chat” tool on the website. Or call 1-833-870-5500 (TTY: 1-833-870-5588), 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., 7 days a week. After May 14, 2021, hours are open from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday.

Attached is a SAMPLE enrollment package. Some of the areas are filled in as an example to help you complete your form.

Please call a member of our BUSINESS OFFICE STAFF if you need any help: (910) 892-1333, then press 4.

NEW PHASE Update from ABC Pediatrics

NEW PHASE EFFECTIVE Monday, March 1st 2021

OFFICE HOURS: Monday thru Friday, 8:00am until 4:15pm

As we become more familiar with COVID-19 and the impact on our community, ABC Pediatrics is continuing the evolution of our approach in caring for the health care needs of our patients. We remain committed to ensuring patients receive well care, medication management, mental health care and allergy immunotherapy, while still maintaining service for our sick patients during this ever changing COVID-19 environment. Our process is described below.

ALL persons requesting entrance to our building are being screened by our clinical personnel utilizing COVID-19 CDC guidelines. A front entry screener will ensure the following questions are appropriately answered before a guest may enter the main entrance.

ROUTINE MEDICAL CARE: Patients who are cleared by the screening process will be directed to the front office for check-in processing. A specified waiting area will be reserved for newborns and infants. However, patients that DO NOT clear the screening process WILL NOT be permitted in the main entrance. Options for care include, changing the appointment to a sick or telehealth visit or rescheduling the appointment. All patients over the age of two will be required to wear a face mask.

SICK CARE: Provider/Nurse teams are designated daily for our SICK CLINIC. Call 910-892-1333 for an appointment time. Sick patients are processed through a different building entrance and isolated to a specific area of the building. All patients over the age of two will be required to wear a face mask.

TELEPHONIC & VIRTUAL CALLS: Patients needing provider advice and/or medication management but do not pass screening can maintain their child’s healthcare needs by scheduling a telehealth visit when appropriate. Telehealth (video call) appointments can be coordinated with the patient’s primary care provider by calling 910-892-1333.

MENTAL HEALTH CARE: Our mental health department is fully staffed. Counselors are providing face to face sessions or connecting to patients via telehealth (video call). For scheduling, questions or additional information, please call our Mental Health Department directly at 910-892-1333, ext 2277 and speak with Maria or Victoria.

ALLERGY DEPARTMENT: We will continue to support our patients receiving IN-OFFICE allergy injections on your regularly scheduled visits. For scheduling, questions or additional information, please call our Allergy Department directly at 910-892-1333, ext 2241 and speak with Sandra or Jennifer.

Your patience, support, and continued trust in what we do here at ABC PEDIATRICS are sincerely appreciated.

ABC’s Rapid Covid-19 Testing is “Real-Time PCR”!

Some of the more recent discussions regarding COVID-19 are centering around TESTING. Rapid testing. Antigen testing. Antibody testing. Molecular testing. PCR testing.

Has your employer or your child’s school or daycare presented you with questions or guidelines concerning COVID testing that has you scratching your head?

It is our hope that the following will provide you some general knowledge and clarification regarding COVID TESTING as we continue to work together to manage and conquer this ongoing COVID CHAOS!

Let's clarify:

Although originally meant to simply indicate that results would be available the same day as the test, RAPID TESTING can have different meanings in today’s discussions. In the past, RAPID TESTING generally referred to “antigen testing”. However, with today’s new technology, RAPID TESTING can also be used to describe MOLECULAR Testing.

With “Antigen Testing”, a nasal sample is used to determine if specific COVID 19 PROTEINS found on the virus’ surface are present in your nasal secretions. If this test is POSITIVE, it is likely that you currently carry the virus. However, if this test is NEGATIVE, most experts recommend that this test is “FOLLOWED UP or CONFIRMED BY A MOLECULAR TEST”.

“MOLECULAR TESTING” is a more definitive test which looks for specific parts of the viral genome from a swab of your nasal secretions. MOLECULAR TESTNG is readily available in two forms: NAAT and RT-PCR. NAAT stands for Nucleic Acid Amplification Technique and is the methodology employed in the Abbott testing platform. This test utilizes a nasal swab and takes approximately 15 minutes to get a result. RT-PCR stands for Real Time - Polymerase Chain Reaction and is the methodology employed in the Cepheid testing platform. This test utilizes a naso-pharyngeal swab and takes approximately 45 minutes to get a result. NAAT testing recommends a RT-PCR test to CONFIRM any negative result whereas RT-PCR is the “Gold Standard” test for COVID and does NOT require any confirmatory testing. In the early days of COVID testing, it would take several days to get results back from MOLECULAR TESTING. However, advances in technology have resulted in “RAPID MOLECULAR TESTING” that can provide results in as little as 15 minutes for NAAT testing and 45 minutes for RT-PCR testing. ABC Pediatrics EXCLUSIVELY utilizes RT-PCR testing (The “GOLD STANDARD”) to evaluate, diagnose, and counsel our patients regarding COVID infections, and this testing does NOT require that it be followed up or confirmed by an additional test.(There is a link to the FACT SHEET for the RT-PCR testing that is performed at ABC Pediatrics which gives more in-depth information on this test.)

“SEROLOGY TESTING”, also referred to as ANTIBODY TESTING, is a test that utilizes a fingerstick blood sample to look for your body’s response to the COVID virus or the COVID vaccine. If you have been exposed to or diagnosed as having COVID, or received one of the COVID vaccines, your body should respond by making ANTIBODIES to the virus. Antibodies come in two types: IgM or immediate and IgG which is delayed. IgM antibodies usually develop 7 - 21 days after exposure to the COVID virus (or vaccine) and only last a few weeks. IgG antibodies tend to develop after 14 - 28 days and stay around in your body for a lengthy period (months to years) to help protect your body and fight off any future exposures to the COVID virus. At this time, we do NOT know how long these IgG antibodies will be around OR how long they will offer protection in the future. More studies will be performed in the months ahead to give us a clearer picture of these antibodies.ABC Pediatrics is able to perform the test for COVID antibodies in our office lab with results available in 15 - 25 minutes.

At ABC PEDIATRICS, we have the technology, equipment, and the capability to perform RAPID RT-PCR COVID testing, MOLECULAR FLU and RSV testing and COVID ANTIBODY testing on our patients with results available within 15 - 45 minutes of the collection of the nasal sample OR fingerstick blood sample.

Our In-House testing methodologies and results have been verified by the NC Department of Health and Human Services to be acceptable for testing in children who have been or are at risk of being excluded from school or daycare due to COVID exposure or illness.

If you are concerned that your child may have been exposed or may be infected with the COVID-19 virus (or FLU or RSV) and would like to have a RT-PCR TEST or Antibody test performed, please call our office at 910.892.1333 and schedule an appointment to be evaluated by one of our providers.

Mrs. Gloria Jordan’s Retirement Message

I want to wish EVERYONE at ABC Pediatrics and ALL the patients and families of ABC Pediatrics a wonderful Christmas and holiday season! May your lives be blessed by the wonderful gift of Our Savior, Jesus Christ. This year, 2020, has been a very unusual whirlwind year for everyone, especially for all the dedicated healthcare workers. I am SO SO proud of all of you at ABC and all that you do day in and day out for the patients and families of ABC Pediatrics and for the entire community. The Facebook video portraying a typical day at ABC is amazing and so heartwarming. All of the patients and their families are so blessed to have ABC’s team to care for them. I miss everyone so much and I wish that I could be there working with all of you and helping our patients. When I went out on medical leave back in February I anticipated being back to work in a few months. However, my medical leave of absence has evolved into my official retirement with the COVID Pandemic and everything that is ongoing now. I had not planned to retire now, but God had a different plan for me and His timing is ALWAYS perfect. I am blessed that this retirement chapter of my life is allowing me to “slow down and smell the roses,” as my Daddy always used to say. Waking up every day to enjoy another sunrise, being healthy, spending more time with my amazing family, and making more memories with my precious grandchildren are all extra special bonuses that I can enjoy more now. It has been said that being a Peace Corps volunteer is the “toughest job you will ever love.” I was a Peace Corps volunteer for 3 years in Brazil and yes, it was tough, but yes, I loved it. My experience in the Peace Corps and living in Brazil is what inspired me to become a PA when I returned to the states to live. I believe that everyone should be privileged to have a job that they really enjoy and not just go to work for an income. I can honestly say that I have LOVED my career as a PA for the past 32 years, the last 22 of which have been at ABC Pediatrics. I have been blessed to work alongside amazing caregivers who are all very dear and precious to me. And when I say caregivers, I mean the Doctors, PAs, NPs, Mental Health, Laboratory, Allergy team, Nurses, Clinical Staff, Administrative, Business Office and Housekeeping Staff, because it takes EVERYONE working together to make up the great ABC Pediatrics Healthcare team. I truly love the people I have been privileged to work with and the many patients that I have treated over the years. Each of you has touched my life in a special way and I am so grateful that God allowed our paths to cross and to have so many wonderful memories which I will cherish always. A very big THANK YOU to everyone at ABC PEDIATRICS and a big THANK YOU to all the patients I have seen over the years, and to their parents who entrusted their children’s care to me.

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO EVERYONE AND MAY GOD BLESS AND KEEP YOU SAFE AND IN HIS CARE!

Love & prayers to all,

Gloria Jordan, PA-C

ABC’s Rapid Covid-19 Testing is “Molecular”!

Some of the more recent discussions regarding COVID-19 are centering around TESTING. Rapid testing. Antigen testing. Molecular testing. PCR testing.

Has your employer or your child’s school or daycare presented you with questions or guidelines concerning COVID testing that has you scratching your head? It is our hope that the following will provide you some general knowledge and clarification regarding COVID TESTING as we continue to work together to manage and conquer this ongoing COVID CHAOS!

Let's clarify:

Although originally meant to simply indicate that results would be available the same day as the test, RAPID TESTING can have different meanings in today’s discussions. In the past, RAPID TESTING generally referred to “antigen testing”. However, with today’s new technology, RAPID TESTING can also be used to describe MOLECULAR Testing.
With “Antigen Testing”, a nasal sample is used to determine if specific COVID 19 PROTEINS found on the virus’s surface are present in your nasal secretions. If this test is POSITIVE, it is likely that you currently carry the virus. However, if this test is NEGATIVE, most experts recommend that this test is “FOLLOWED UP or CONFIRMED BY A MOLECULAR TEST”.
“MOLECULAR TESTING”, commonly referred to as “PCR TESTING”, is a more definitive test which looks for specific parts of the viral genome from a swab of your nasal secretions. In the past, it would take several days to get results back from MOLECULAR TESTING. However, advances in technology have resulted in “RAPID MOLECULAR TESTING” that can provide results in as little as 15-45 minutes. RAPID MOLECULAR TESTING can be utilized for COVID, FLU and RSV determinations and does NOT require that it be followed up or confirmed by an additional test.

At ABC PEDIATRICS, we have the technology, equipment, and the capability to perform RAPID COVID, FLU and RSV MOLECULAR testing on our patients with results available within 15 - 45 minutes of the collection of the nasal sample. Our In-House testing methodologies and results have been verified by the NC Department of Health and Human Services to be acceptable for testing in children who have been or are at risk of being excluded from school or daycare due to COVID exposure or illness.

If you are concerned that your child may have been exposed or may be infected with the COVID-19 virus (or FLU or RSV) and would like to have a RAPID MOLECULAR TEST performed, please call our office at 910.892.1333 and schedule an appointment to be evaluated by one of our providers.

Now offering Rapid Covid 19 Testing!

Covid 19 Update- New Phase begins Monday

SAME DAY sick and urgent visits are AVAILABLE daily in our MOBILE CLINIC. PLEASE CALL for a MOBILE CLINIC appointment time. Sick patients are isolated and necessary care is provided inside their vehicles. Services such as lab testing, nebulizer treatments and medication administration remain available for vehicle visits.

Provider/Nurse teams are designated daily for newborn infant care, well physical exams and chronic follow up care. Scheduled patients are brought into specifically designated and maintained areas of our office that are exclusively utilized for well patients and their families that pass screening. Enhanced cleaning and sanitizing measures are performed repeatedly after each patient visit to ensure the MAXIMUM protection for our patients. Segregated triage and lab collection processes are being employed that will also protect patients from exposure to other patients. Masks or face coverings are required for all non-infant guests seeking entrance to our building.

School plans remain uncertain but we want students to be prepared. School physicals, asthma maintenance, chronic medication regimen follow ups will all be a priority. Our mental health department also remains fully staffed. Our counselors are connecting with patients for counseling and ADHD testing. For questions or additional information, please request to speak with Maria or Victoria at ext 2277.

IN-OFFICE allergy testing and immunotherapy injections are also available. For questions or additional information, please dial ext. 2241.

As always, when our office is closed, our after hours service remains available for your convenience. Just dial our main number and follow the after-hours instructions.

THANK YOU! For your support and understanding as we move through the next phase of the COVID-19 pandemic together.

Pediatric (Kawasaki-Like) Inflammatory Syndrome

Consult Primary Care Physician Now if you see any/some of the following:

Patients less than 3 months of age- report 100.5 or higher temperature immediately
Patients 3 months and older, - report fever 100.5 or higher if persists beyond 3 days
Redness or bloodshot eyes (without pus or drainage)
Mouth changes- swollen, bumpy red tongue (“Strawberry tongue”) Redness of mouth, lips and/or throat
Red, dry cracked or bleeding lips
Widespread Rash
Red palms of hands and/or soles of feet
Peeling skin (hands and/or feet)
Swollen hands and/or feet
Neck swelling- swollen lymph nodes/glands (usually one sign of neck)
Severe Abdominal pain, Diarrhea or Vomiting
Joint pain
Fast heartrate, chest pain or pressure
Fast breathing, short of breath, trouble speaking, grunting or wheezing
Slow or Shallow breathing or retractions (tugging of skin seen, between each rib with each breath)
Pale, gray or blue skin, lips
Headache with fever, or neck stiffness (can’t touch chin to chest)
Irritability, confusion, lethargy
Limp like a rag doll, little or no eye contact and/or little or no movement
Not responding normally, doesn’t recognize caregiver, doesn’t follow commands
Feels faint or weak
Not drinking or drinks very little, trouble swallowing
Not urinating normally, change in frequency, amount or darker colored (less than 5-6 wet diapers per day) Has not urinated in over 8 hours
Seizure like activity
Worsening-Looking or acting sicker: ANY NEW, worrisome, changing or worsening symptoms, improved, now acting sick again, or resolved fever returned

Show us what Corona Virus means to you.. IN ART FORM!

Greetings ABC family.. As we all push through these trying times while quarantined at home, ABC Pediatrics thinks an art contest is in order! With that in mind, we are asking our parents to encourage their children to create a drawing, painting, digital artwork, or some other type of art illustration that encompasses what Corona Virus has meant to them to this point.

Instead of dropping your artwork off, we want you to upload a picture or short video of your child holding the artwork. The images will be hung in the office and we’ll award prizes to the winning artists! (Prizes TBD) We will also highlight the artwork on social media as the contest moves along. (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter)

We're allowing a 30-day window for entries so start planning your creatives!

It’s Kindergarten Registration time and WE ARE READY!

COVID-19 has closed our schools for the time being. However, we are confident that each passing day of social distancing brings us one more day closer to the time that we can resume some normal activities. Sending our children back to school is one of those anticipated activities. There will be no delay at ABC Pediatrics in ensuring that your child is ready for Kindergarten! Despite the current pandemic, we’ve restructured our entire office approach to patient care according to American Academy of Pediatrics’ guidelines to ensure your child’s appointment is conducted SAFELY. Our goal is to keep your child on target for this important milestone so there are no issues for his/her enrollment when our schools reopen. We have the necessary immunizations available and the appropriate state forms on file as well.

Not sure what to expect? Below is a list of services provided by our ABC Pediatrics’ Health Care Team that will be performed at your child’s Kindergarten health assessment visit. ALL services listed are performed on site during the visit.

Check his/her height
Check his/her weight
Check his/her temperature
Obtain a urine specimen and a small sample of blood from him/her for lab testing
Test his/her hearing
Check his/her ability to see by performing two different and fun vision assessments
Review answers to several questions to confirm his/her readiness for school
Perform a complete physical exam to make sure he/she is healthy
Make recommendations based on the readiness questionnaire and the physical exam that will allow for the best possible school year results
Administer any necessary and required vaccines
Complete his/her required Kindergarten health assessment form
Give stickers, hugs, and best wishes to him/her for a fantastic year in Kindergarten!

Practice Update-Corona Virus 03/31/2020

We’ve restructured our approach to providing care and will continue to fulfill the pediatric healthcare needs of our community.

SICK CARE: Until further notice, our office hours are Monday thru Friday, 9:00am until 3:00pm. In lieu of our walk-in clinic, SAME DAY sick and urgent visits are AVAILABLE in the morning and in the afternoon. Please come between 9:00 am and 11:00 am or between 1:00 pm and 2:30 pm. Sick patients are isolated and necessary care is provided inside their vehicles by medical staff members fully clothed in Personal Protective gear to protect you and our staff from the spread of the Coronavirus. All previously provided IN-OFFICE services are available to our patients being seen in their vehicle. Lab testing, nebulizer treatments and medication administration remain available for vehicle visits.
NEWBORN CARE & IMMUNIZATIONS: Provider/Nurse teams are designated daily for newborn infant care and well physical exams for all patient ages. Scheduled patients are brought into specifically designated and maintained areas of our office that are exclusively utilized for well patients. Enhanced cleaning and sanitizing measures are performed repeatedly after each patient visit to ensure the MAXIMUM protection for our patients. Segregated triage and lab collection processes are being employed that will also protect patients from extraneous exposure to other well patients.
TELEHEALTH VISITS: Health care provider teams are also designated daily for telephonic visits. Patients needing provider advice and/or medication management but prefer to limit exposure by not scheduling an in-office visit can maintain their child’s healthcare needs by receiving a telephonic or a virtual call from a health care provider.
MENTAL HEALTH: In light of the COVID19 pandemic, we understand your child may still be struggling with mental health issues, and you, as a parent, are faced with new and or unfamiliar issues. Our mental health department remains fully staffed. Our counselors are connecting to patients via a tele-health platform (visual and audio) when the patient’s internet service permits or via telephone (audio only) when internet services are not adequate to support the visual connection. For questions or additional information, please request to speak with Maria or Victoria at ext 2227.
ALLERGY SHOTS: We will continue to support our patients receiving IN-OFFICE allergy injections on your regularly scheduled visits.

As always, after hours service remains available 7 days a week when our office is not open. Just dial our main number and follow the after-hours instructions. THANK YOU! For your support and understanding as we navigate this COVID-19 pandemic together.

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THANK YOU ABC FAMILY!

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Happy World Breastfeeding Month!

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It’s School Preparation Time at ABC Pediatrics!

Why would I do this now!?

Call TODAY! (910) 892-1333

Below is a list of services provided by our ABC Pediatrics’ Health Care Team that may be performed to ensure he/she is ready for school!

NEW PHASE EFFECTIVE Thursday, March 10th, 2022

OFFICE HOURS: Monday thru Friday, 7:45am until 4:15pm

NEW PHASE EFFECTIVE Monday, February 7th, 2022

OFFICE HOURS: Monday thru Friday, 8:00am until 4:15pm

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Hello ABC Family!

OFFICE SCHEDULE DURING ROLLOUT:

¡Medicaid está cambiando en Carolina del Norte!

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Medicaid is changing in NC!

THREE STEPS TO ENROLL:

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NEW PHASE EFFECTIVE Monday, March 1st 2021

OFFICE HOURS: Monday thru Friday, 8:00am until 4:15pm

Let's Discuss Covid Testing at ABC Pediatrics..

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Let's Discuss Covid Testing at ABC Pediatrics..

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Rapid Covid-19 Testing Specifics: (use the chat or email us if you have further questions)

New Hours- Effective Monday, 07.13.20- Monday thru Friday, 8:00am until 4:15pm

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Please call us today for an appointment at 910-892-1333.

Shelter in Place Order DOES NOT APPLY to HEALTH CARE NEEDS.