After reviewing these FAQs and the information on the Consultations page, the next step is to complete the pre-consultation request form at the bottom of the Consultations page. The form asks about your goals for consultation so I can better understand what you hope to accomplish through this process.
After reviewing your request, I will contact you regarding next steps. If a pre-consultation appears appropriate, we will discuss scheduling. If my consultation model does not appear to be a good fit based on the information provided, I will let you know.
Children who may benefit from consultation often have complex, chronic, or difficult-to-explain health concerns that have not been fully understood or resolved despite prior evaluation or treatment. Some children have established diagnoses, while others have persistent symptoms without clear answers.
Consultation may be especially helpful for families seeking a physician to step back, synthesize available information, connect the different pieces of their child’s health story, and provide guidance on possible next steps.
The pre-consultation is a 30-minute informational virtual visit with caregivers only. It is designed to review my services, answer questions about the consultation process, and determine whether a formal consultation may be appropriate.
Developing a thoughtful understanding of a child’s medical picture requires time, medical history, records, examination findings, and context. A brief informational conversation does not provide the information needed to safely make individualized medical recommendations. For this reason, medical guidance is provided only within an established clinical relationship, where I can devote the time and attention each child deserves.
No medical advice, diagnostic opinions, treatment recommendations, or prescribing are provided during the pre-consultation.
Many consultations can be completed within approximately 1–6 weeks, depending on your child’s clinical complexity, the extent of information that needs to be reviewed, the need for additional testing, and the follow-up required to complete the consultation. The majority of physician time is generally concentrated early in the process.
The consultation fee includes approximately 6–8 hours of dedicated physician time for record review, the comprehensive consultation visit, development of recommendations, and follow-up as needed to complete the consultation. The consultation is a defined service rather than a set number of appointments, messages, or weeks of ongoing care. If continued management is appropriate, it is arranged separately.
Many children with complex conditions cannot be adequately evaluated in a traditional 20- to 30-minute appointment, which is why I have intentionally designed a consultation model that allows for in-depth record review, detailed discussion and questioning, careful analysis, and individualized recommendations.
Traditional office visits are designed to address a limited number of concerns in a relatively short period of time. This consultation is different. It includes an extensive review of your child’s medical records, prior evaluations, and laboratory results, followed by a comprehensive consultation visit, development of individualized recommendations, and follow-up as needed to complete the consultation.
Families often seek consultation after months or years of navigating appointments, evaluations, and treatments without a clear understanding of how the pieces fit together. While no physician can guarantee outcomes, my goal is to provide clarity, organization, and a thoughtful plan for moving forward.
I recognize that this represents a significant financial investment for many families, particularly those who have already incurred substantial medical expenses. If you believe your child would benefit from consultation but the fee presents a significant barrier, you are welcome to mention this when completing the pre-consultation request form. While I may not be able to accommodate every request, I will consider individual circumstances when possible.
I do not accept insurance or submit claims to insurance companies. This consultation model allows me to structure services around the time and attention required for complex pediatric concerns rather than around insurance requirements.
HSA and FSA cards may be used for payment, and I can provide a receipt for services when needed. Families should check with their plan administrator regarding eligibility and reimbursement requirements.
Depending on your child’s needs, additional expenses may include:
I may order laboratory testing when clinically indicated and when the results are likely to provide meaningful information. Testing is individualized, and I work with families to identify appropriate and cost-effective options based on their child’s clinical situation and goals.
Routine laboratory testing
Specialized testing
Cost transparency
Yes. When appropriate and with your permission, I encourage communication and collaboration with members of your child’s medical team. Depending on your child’s needs, this may include sharing a consultation summary, discussing recommendations, or coordinating care to promote continuity and support your child’s overall well-being.
No. I no longer provide primary care and instead serve as a consulting pediatrician for children with complex medical needs. My role is to work alongside your child’s existing primary care practice and medical team, not to replace their ongoing medical home.
I believe every child benefits from having a trusted primary care practice for routine care, preventive visits, acute illnesses, vaccinations, and ongoing health maintenance. I value collaboration with primary care providers and strive to work with your child’s existing medical team whenever possible.
Some families receive the guidance they need through the initial consultation and return to their primary care team for ongoing care. Others may benefit from continued consultative support when clinically appropriate. Any ongoing management is arranged separately and is not automatically included in the initial consultation fee.
I prescribe medications when clinically indicated and within the scope of the consultation. Medication recommendations and prescribing decisions depend on your child’s clinical situation, available information, and treatment needs.
When ongoing medication management is needed, I will consider the most appropriate arrangement in collaboration with your child’s primary care or other medical providers. Continued management through Nurturing Pediatrics, when clinically appropriate, is arranged separately.
Consultations are generally billed per child, as each child requires an individualized evaluation, recommendations, and care plan. I am happy to discuss options when multiple children in the same family may benefit from consultation.
I am licensed to provide care only to children residing in North Carolina. Due to limited capacity, I am unable to respond to inquiries regarding care for children in other states. If you are concerned that your child may have PANS or PANDAS, please see the first FAQ on the PANS and PANDAS page for resources.
My practice is limited to children and adolescents, with occasional exceptions for young adults ages 19–21. Due to limited capacity, I am unable to respond to inquiries regarding care for adults. If you are concerned that you or your adult child may have PANS or PANDAS, please see the first FAQ on the PANS and PANDAS page for resources.
I understand the importance of feeling confident that consultation is an appropriate next step before investing your time and resources. This website provides information about my approach, services, and process to help families determine whether consultation may align with their child’s needs.
If you still have questions after reviewing the available information, the required pre-consultation is the next step. This initial meeting allows us to discuss your child’s needs, clarify expectations, and determine whether consultation may be appropriate.