Frequently Asked Questions

We follow the immunization schedule recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics and do not recommend routinely delaying or splitting vaccines. We welcome questions. Learn more on our Vaccines & Immunizations and Office Policies pages.

We work hard not to overuse antibiotics and follow evidence-based guidelines. We do not automatically treat every earache or runny nose, and we do not routinely prescribe antibiotics over the phone. We prescribe an antibiotic when it is the right treatment for your child.

Yes. We provide comprehensive pediatric care and help coordinate referrals and specialty care. Unless it is an emergency, contact your practice before using urgent or specialty care so we can advise you and keep your child’s medical record complete.

Scheduling differs by practice. Metropolitan Pediatrics schedules appointments by phone. THH Pediatrics accepts a general online request through Healow and can also help by phone. Start on our Appointments page to choose your practice.

Yes, when medically appropriate and availability allows. Both practices ask families to contact the office first, and walk-in visits are not accepted. Use our Sick-Child Visits page to choose your practice and follow the correct scheduling steps.

We follow the AAP Bright Futures schedule, with frequent visits during the first two years and annual preventive visits throughout childhood and young adulthood. Both MAPP practices provide pediatric care through age 22. Schedule well visits in advance, especially before school and sports seasons. See our Well-Child Visits page for the recommended schedule.

A parent or guardian should attend visits for patients under 18. An authorized adult may attend when the required written permission is on file. During an adolescent physical, the clinician may spend part of the visit speaking privately with the patient.

Telemedicine is available for certain concerns when the patient is physically located in Maryland. Scheduling differs by practice. Your provider will determine whether a virtual visit is appropriate. Start on our Telemedicine page.

Both practices offer prenatal visits for expecting parents to meet a provider and ask questions about the office, newborn care, and lactation. You can find out more by visiting our Prenatal Visits, Newborn Care, and Lactation pages. Availability and format may change, so review our New Patients information and contact the practice you are considering.

Metropolitan Pediatrics and THH Pediatrics use the same secure eClinicalWorks portal for account access and online payment. Sign in to the patient portal. Portal messages are for nonurgent needs and may not be reviewed immediately.

Parents and guardians should sign in using their own Patient Portal credentials, not their child’s credentials. If you do not have portal credentials or have trouble signing in, call the practice where your child receives care. On the dashboard, find “Fill Milestones” near the bottom of the page; on a desktop computer, it appears on the right. Choose the box labeled CHADIS and complete the questionnaires. Our CHADIS instructions explain the steps.

Use the appropriate release form on our Patient Forms page for medical records. For most specialist referrals, schedule a visit with your child’s MAPP provider first. Your provider can evaluate the concern and refer your child when appropriate.

The practices participate with many insurance plans, but benefits and networks vary. Review our Insurance & Billing page and confirm participation and coverage directly with your insurer before the visit.

For a life-threatening emergency, call 911. For an urgent concern that cannot wait until the office reopens, call your practice’s regular phone number and follow the after-hours instructions. Do not use the Patient Portal for emergencies. See After-Hours Care for practice-specific guidance.