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 are hoping to accomplish through this process.
After reviewing your request, I will contact you regarding next steps. If a pre-consultation is appropriate, we will discuss scheduling. If consultation does not appear to be appropriate based on the information provided, I will let you know.
Children who benefit most 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 the 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 that is designed to review my services, answer questions about the consultation process, and determine whether a formal consultation is appropriate.
Developing a thoughtful understanding of a child’s medical picture takes time. A brief conversation does not provide the medical history, records, examination findings, or context needed to safely make individualized recommendations. This is why medical guidance is only provided within an established clinical relationship where I can devote the time and attention each child deserves.
Consultations typically span 4-8 weeks, with the majority of the time concentrated in the first 1-2 weeks. The duration of follow-up varies depending on clinical complexity and the level of support required. The consultation fee includes approximately 6–8 hours of dedicated physician time, encompassing record review, the comprehensive consultation visit, care plan development, and follow-up monitoring.
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, extensive questioning, careful analysis, and individualized recommendations.
Traditional office visits are designed to address a limited number of concerns in a short period of time. This consultation is fundamentally different. It includes an extensive review of your child's medical records, prior evaluations, and laboratory results, followed by a comprehensive visit, care plan development, and ongoing monitoring during the consultation period.
Families often come to 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 am not able to accommodate every request, I will consider individual circumstances when possible.
I do not accept insurance. This model allows me to focus on patients rather than insurance requirements, ensuring adequate time for thoughtful, individualized, high-quality care. You may pay using HSA or FSA cards, and I will provide a receipt for services when needed.
Additional expenses may include:
Yes, I will order labs when clinically indicated and when results willl provide meaningful information. Laboratory testing is individualized, and I work with families to determine the most appropriate and cost-effective options.
Routine laboratory testing
Specialized testing
Cost transparency
With your permission, I will provide your pediatrician with a summary of our work together and coordinate care as needed.
No. I no longer provide primary care and instead serve as a consulting pediatrician for children with complex medical needs.
I believe every child benefits from having a medical home with a trusted primary care practice for routine care, preventive visits, acute illnesses, vaccinations, and ongoing health maintenance. I value the partnership with primary care providers and strive to work collaboratively whenever possible.
My goal is to help families gain clarity, develop a thoughtful plan, and feel confident about the next steps. For many families, the initial consultation provides the answers and guidance they need, after which they transition back fully to their primary care team. Others benefit from a period of ongoing consultative support, often in collaboration with their existing medical team. I am also happy to remain available in the future if new questions or concerns arise, while always aiming to provide the right level of support without continuing consultative care longer than necessary.
I prescribe medications when they are medically indicated. Short-term medications are managed directly through my practice during the consultation period. Whenever possible, I believe long-term medication management is best provided within the context of a child’s ongoing primary care relationship.
Consultations are generally billed per child, as each child is unique and requires a comprehensive, individualized evaluation and treatment 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 your child has PANS or PANDAS, please see the first FAQ on the PANS 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 you or your adult child has PANS or PANDAS, please see the first FAQ on the PANS page for resources.
I understand the need to feel confident that a consultation is the next right step before investing your time and resources. This website provides detailed information about my approach, services, and process to help families determine whether consultation aligns with their child’s needs.
If you still have questions after reviewing the available information, the pre-consultation is the next step. This required initial meeting for all potential consultations allows us to discuss your child's needs, clarify expectations, and determine whether consultation is appropriate.