What makes South Slope Pediatrics Different?
At South Slope Pediatrics, we believe that family comes first. We take a common-sense approach and try to avoid unnecessary interventions, and we only prescribe the necessary medications when your child is ill. We value and nurture the family/doctor relationship and we believe in the concept of medical home and continuity of care. This is why your newborn will always see his/her Primary Care Physician for all the preventive care visits, so you can establish a relationship of trust with your doctor.
At South Slope Pediatrics, we believe that family comes first. We take a common-sense approach and try to avoid unnecessary interventions, and we only prescribe the necessary medications when your child is ill. We value and nurture the family/doctor relationship and we believe in the concept of medical home and continuity of care. This is why your newborn will always see his/her Primary Care Physician for all the preventive care visits, so you can establish a relationship of trust with your doctor.
Are you accepting new patients?
Yes, SSP is accepting all new patients. If you are interested in joining the SSP Community please schedule a Meet and Greet by clicking HERE.
Meet and Greets are fun and informative and will give you all the information necessary for you to make an informed decision. Please, note that a meet and greet is a mandatory first step to join the SSP Community.
Yes, SSP is accepting all new patients. If you are interested in joining the SSP Community please schedule a Meet and Greet by clicking HERE.
Meet and Greets are fun and informative and will give you all the information necessary for you to make an informed decision. Please, note that a meet and greet is a mandatory first step to join the SSP Community.
What are the guidelines during COVID19?
SSP is focused n creating a safe environment for you to be able to come in person for your wellness visits. Here's what we have been doing and our latest guidelines and protocols:
1. We are currently seeing sick patients in person . Please call the office so we can explain precise protocols and Covid guidelines
2. We are all wearing full PPE to protect you.
3. The office is sanitized often and the rooms are sanitized before and after each use.
4. We are offering PCR tests on Tuesdays and Thursdays in the evenings hours. in order to schedule a PCR test we require a virtual visit to be scheduled and completed before the in person test.
5. 2 parents are allowed for all wellness visits. We ask that only 1 parent comes in with the child for a sick visit.
6. There's no wait time as no one waits in the waiting area.
7. We require that you wear your mask when you enter the office. Your child or baby is not required to wear a mask if younger than 2 yo.
8. At arrival, only 1 family will be allowed in the front desk area for contact-less check-in. The front desk might ask you to wait outside for a few seconds while we clear the check in area for you.
9. SSP will continue to offer virtual sick visits to patients who prefer to not come in person.
10. SSP offers the pediatrics Pfizer Covid Vaccine (ages 5-11 only) to current SSP Families only.
11. SSP is unable to store and offer any the Pfizer Covid Vaccine for ages 12 and older.
SSP is focused n creating a safe environment for you to be able to come in person for your wellness visits. Here's what we have been doing and our latest guidelines and protocols:
1. We are currently seeing sick patients in person . Please call the office so we can explain precise protocols and Covid guidelines
2. We are all wearing full PPE to protect you.
3. The office is sanitized often and the rooms are sanitized before and after each use.
4. We are offering PCR tests on Tuesdays and Thursdays in the evenings hours. in order to schedule a PCR test we require a virtual visit to be scheduled and completed before the in person test.
5. 2 parents are allowed for all wellness visits. We ask that only 1 parent comes in with the child for a sick visit.
6. There's no wait time as no one waits in the waiting area.
7. We require that you wear your mask when you enter the office. Your child or baby is not required to wear a mask if younger than 2 yo.
8. At arrival, only 1 family will be allowed in the front desk area for contact-less check-in. The front desk might ask you to wait outside for a few seconds while we clear the check in area for you.
9. SSP will continue to offer virtual sick visits to patients who prefer to not come in person.
10. SSP offers the pediatrics Pfizer Covid Vaccine (ages 5-11 only) to current SSP Families only.
11. SSP is unable to store and offer any the Pfizer Covid Vaccine for ages 12 and older.
What is the age range of SSP patients?
Our doctors see patients from birth to 21 years of age.
Our doctors see patients from birth to 21 years of age.
Do you offer Lead Testing?
Instead of taking your child to the local lab to get the venous blood drawn, which sometimes is not the best experience, we can easily get the tests done at our office through a simple finger prick. No big ouches for your little one, no stress for us parents and immediate results. Lead tests require an appointment, please call our office for more information.
Instead of taking your child to the local lab to get the venous blood drawn, which sometimes is not the best experience, we can easily get the tests done at our office through a simple finger prick. No big ouches for your little one, no stress for us parents and immediate results. Lead tests require an appointment, please call our office for more information.
Do you offer in house bilirubin check for newborns with jaundice?
We are proud to offer in house bilirubin check services for our newborns who have unstable or ricky levels that cause jaundice. We are able to determine the bilirubin levels with a simple non invasive procedure.
We are proud to offer in house bilirubin check services for our newborns who have unstable or ricky levels that cause jaundice. We are able to determine the bilirubin levels with a simple non invasive procedure.
How often should I bring my child in for a check-up?
We visit with newborn infants and their parents two days after leaving the hospital to discuss healthy breastfeeding plus your questions and concerns about your new baby. Following the initial visit, your child should have checkups at the following intervals:
We visit with newborn infants and their parents two days after leaving the hospital to discuss healthy breastfeeding plus your questions and concerns about your new baby. Following the initial visit, your child should have checkups at the following intervals:
- 1 Month
- 2Months
- 4 Months
- 6 Months
- 9 Months
- 12 Months
- 15 Months
- 18 Months
- 2 Years
- Past 2 Years: once per year
How long should I expect to wait during a routine office visit?
We value our patients' time, and it is important to us to follow our schedule and ensure that each patient is seen with a minimal amount of waiting time. We try to do everything within our power to see that we don't fall behind schedule – but what's most important to us is providing our patients with the best care possible and ensuring that all of their questions and concerns are addressed. If you and your child require extra time during your appointment, we will be happy to accommodate you. Our average wait time is 2 minutes.
We value our patients' time, and it is important to us to follow our schedule and ensure that each patient is seen with a minimal amount of waiting time. We try to do everything within our power to see that we don't fall behind schedule – but what's most important to us is providing our patients with the best care possible and ensuring that all of their questions and concerns are addressed. If you and your child require extra time during your appointment, we will be happy to accommodate you. Our average wait time is 2 minutes.
What if I have an emergency after hours?
If you have an emergency after hours, we have a dedicated phone line for this. The doctors from our office answer emergency calls after hours. If you are a current patient the emergency line phone number has been given to you at registration time and has been emailed to you in several occasions. You can also find it in the home page in your Online Account, all you'll need to do is to log in and you will find it in the welcoming message at the top of the home page. Kindly use this for non-routine emergency questions only. In case of a true emergency, call 911 or go to New York Methodist Center Emergency room (located at 263 Seventh Ave. in Park Slope, Brooklyn, New York).
If you have an emergency after hours, we have a dedicated phone line for this. The doctors from our office answer emergency calls after hours. If you are a current patient the emergency line phone number has been given to you at registration time and has been emailed to you in several occasions. You can also find it in the home page in your Online Account, all you'll need to do is to log in and you will find it in the welcoming message at the top of the home page. Kindly use this for non-routine emergency questions only. In case of a true emergency, call 911 or go to New York Methodist Center Emergency room (located at 263 Seventh Ave. in Park Slope, Brooklyn, New York).
Do you accommodate same day sick visits
We always accommodate same day sick appointments without problems. An appointment must be scheduled for a same day visit.
We always accommodate same day sick appointments without problems. An appointment must be scheduled for a same day visit.
What is the difference between M.D. and a D.O.?
In the United States, there are two types of physicians that practice medicine. Most physicians hold the Doctor of Medicine degree (M.D.), while Osteopathic physicians hold the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree (D.O.).
Other than teaching manual medicine, the medical training for an M.D. and D.O. is virtually indistinguishable. D.O. physicians complete conventional residencies in hospitals and training programs, are licensed in all states, and have rights and responsibilities, such as military service, that are identical to M.D. physicians and surgeons.
However, osteopathic physicians also receive an additional 300 – 500 hours in the study of hands-on manual medicine and the body's musculoskeletal system integrated into the medical curriculum, which is referred to as osteopathic manipulative medicine.[9] This training is absent in the M.D. curricula.
In the United States, there are two types of physicians that practice medicine. Most physicians hold the Doctor of Medicine degree (M.D.), while Osteopathic physicians hold the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree (D.O.).
Other than teaching manual medicine, the medical training for an M.D. and D.O. is virtually indistinguishable. D.O. physicians complete conventional residencies in hospitals and training programs, are licensed in all states, and have rights and responsibilities, such as military service, that are identical to M.D. physicians and surgeons.
However, osteopathic physicians also receive an additional 300 – 500 hours in the study of hands-on manual medicine and the body's musculoskeletal system integrated into the medical curriculum, which is referred to as osteopathic manipulative medicine.[9] This training is absent in the M.D. curricula.
Does Dr. Cao offer pre-adoption consultations?
Dr. Cao has worked with adoptive families throughout his career. He has counseled many families during the pre-adoption screening process as well as post-adoption. Dr. Cao has also worked with a diverse range of families – including international and domestic adoptees, LGBT families, transracial, donor, and single-parent adoptions.
Dr. Cao has worked with adoptive families throughout his career. He has counseled many families during the pre-adoption screening process as well as post-adoption. Dr. Cao has also worked with a diverse range of families – including international and domestic adoptees, LGBT families, transracial, donor, and single-parent adoptions.
I'm Expecting. Does the practice offer meet-and-greets?
Yes! We love inviting expecting parents to come in for a chat for one of our 'meet the practice 'meetings. These encounters are scheduled exclusively for your family, we do not offer group meetings. You will meet with one of our SSP Welcoming Angels who will guide you through what to expect at the hospital, how to schedule the first visit and how to deal with emergency situations. We will also talk about immunizations, well visits and our free classes and you will be introduced to the doctor. To schedule a visit, please call the office and ask to for Matteo. The meetings are free of charge.
Yes! We love inviting expecting parents to come in for a chat for one of our 'meet the practice 'meetings. These encounters are scheduled exclusively for your family, we do not offer group meetings. You will meet with one of our SSP Welcoming Angels who will guide you through what to expect at the hospital, how to schedule the first visit and how to deal with emergency situations. We will also talk about immunizations, well visits and our free classes and you will be introduced to the doctor. To schedule a visit, please call the office and ask to for Matteo. The meetings are free of charge.
Do you accept credit card payments?
We accept Visa, Master Card, Amex, Discover and cash. A valid driver's license or a picture ID is required for credit card processing.
We accept Visa, Master Card, Amex, Discover and cash. A valid driver's license or a picture ID is required for credit card processing.
Does your office have separate area's for sick and well patient's?
Yes, we have separate waiting areas for sick and well patients.
Yes, we have separate waiting areas for sick and well patients.
My child is sick. How soon can I schedule an appointment?
We are prepared to accommodate sick child visits as soon as you call. An appointment is necessary for same day sick visits.
We are prepared to accommodate sick child visits as soon as you call. An appointment is necessary for same day sick visits.
Can I email a photo of a rash/cut/skin condition and be evaluated?
The option to get an opinion or advice by a doctor via photo/video is available and requires the scheduling of a virtual visit. Please, call the office to set up your appointment.
The option to get an opinion or advice by a doctor via photo/video is available and requires the scheduling of a virtual visit. Please, call the office to set up your appointment.
What is the schedule for immunizations?
We proudly follow the American Academy of Pediatrics immunization schedule. All our patients are fully immunized and also stay on the same schedule. We do not offer an alternative schedule for vaccines. The schedule is as follows:
Newborn Appointment: none
1 Month: none
2 Months: HIB, Pneumococcal, Rotavirus and Pediarix (Dtap-HepB-Polio)
4 Months: HIB, Pneumococcal, Rotavirus and Pediarix (Dtap-HepB-Polio)
6 Months: HIB, Pneumococcal and Pediarix (Dtap-HepB-Polio)
9 Months: none
12 Months: MMR and Varicella(Chicken Pox)
15 Months: DTaP and Hepatitis A
18 Months: HIB and Pneumococcal
24 Months: Hepatitis A
3 Years: none
4 Years: MMR and Varicella (2nd dose)
We proudly follow the American Academy of Pediatrics immunization schedule. All our patients are fully immunized and also stay on the same schedule. We do not offer an alternative schedule for vaccines. The schedule is as follows:
Newborn Appointment: none
1 Month: none
2 Months: HIB, Pneumococcal, Rotavirus and Pediarix (Dtap-HepB-Polio)
4 Months: HIB, Pneumococcal, Rotavirus and Pediarix (Dtap-HepB-Polio)
6 Months: HIB, Pneumococcal and Pediarix (Dtap-HepB-Polio)
9 Months: none
12 Months: MMR and Varicella(Chicken Pox)
15 Months: DTaP and Hepatitis A
18 Months: HIB and Pneumococcal
24 Months: Hepatitis A
3 Years: none
4 Years: MMR and Varicella (2nd dose)
Which insurance plans do you accept?
We accept most major medical health plans. Please refer to our Insurance page for updated information.
We accept most major medical health plans. Please refer to our Insurance page for updated information.
