03/18/2025
Dear Families,
A Heartfelt Thank You!
We want to express our sincere gratitude for your continued trust and support. It's a privilege to partner with you in ensuring the health and happiness of your families. Here are some updates:
Convenient Appointment Scheduling with Google Schedule:
We've implemented a Google Schedule on our main website for easy appointment booking, available to both current and new families. This is now the preferred method for scheduling and modifying appointments within a 4-hour to 60-day window. The website features buttons that guide you through an algorithm to determine whether a 15 or 30-minute appointment slot is necessary. Use this tool to book both in-person and virtual visits (virtual visits will continue via Klara).
Same-Day and Next-Day Appointments:
Same-day and next-day appointments are always available for sick children and newborns. If you don't see an available slot on the Google Schedule, please call us. If needed we will stay after hours.
Emergency Situations:
For emergencies, call 911 or proceed to the nearest emergency room.
Non-Emergent Care:
Please contact me before going to urgent care or the emergency room for non-emergent issues, even when the office is closed. I may be able to offer an in-office visit or a virtual visit to avoid unnecessary wait times, expenses, and exposure to infectious diseases.
After-Hours and Weekend/Holiday Calls:
For urgent matters, please call my direct number or the main office number and follow the prompts to my extension. It's best to call me after office hours before sundown and after sunrise, but I understand that sometimes things happen in the middle of the night. I can offer you guidance to make informed decisions, give home care advice, and make special appointment arrangements.
Extended Support Hours:
Our attendants are available from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Monday to Friday (excluding holidays), to assist with your needs and handle Klara messages too.
Integrated Behavioral Health:
We've created a hidden, HIPAA-compliant page for behavioral health forms (anxiety, depression, ADHD): KiDS0218.com/forms. Parents, children, and teachers can complete questionnaires discretely and securely online. When possible, parents should allow children aged 8 to 18, or teens aged 13 to 18, to answer their designated forms themselves. However, they may need your assistance. After completing the forms, book a behavioral health appointment on the main website and indicate that you've submitted the forms in the "reason for visit" section.
Pain and Fear Reduction During Vaccinations:
J-Tip Transdermal Lidocaine Injectors: We offer J-Tip injectors for pain reduction during vaccinations, helping to prevent needle phobia. They work within 1-2 minutes and have a $20 charge per application. Not recommended for children under 1 year or those with sensitive skin.
EMLA Cream: We also use EMLA cream for babies 2 months and older, available upon request at no charge. It requires 20-60 minutes to take effect.
Distraction and Play: We offer distraction techniques, toys, and a playroom to help reduce pain and fear. We can also teach parents effective distraction methods.
Additional Important Information:
Klara Secure Text Messaging and Telemedicine: We will continue to use Klara for virtual visits, secure text messaging, and the exchange of documents, pictures, and videos. Staff will monitor Klara messages during business hours. I will check messages twice daily (morning and evening) after hours and on weekends/holidays. Please ensure all uploaded pictures and videos are of high definition. To access please go to patient.klara.com or download the app on the App Store or Google Play.
Office Hours: To help me focus on patient care: My phone is silenced during office hours. The office staff will answer the main number.
Medical Records, Bill Pay, and Check-In (Develo Family Portal): Our new system, Develo, features a Family Portal. Access growth charts, immunization records, forms, letters, visit summaries, pay bills, and check in for appointments. Please allow sufficient time for the check-in process, as screening questionnaires and registration forms may be required. It's NOT an app! Please save this link: portal.letsdevelo.com/kids0218
We are committed to providing you with the highest quality care and a seamless experience. Thank you for being a part of the KiDS 0 to 18 family.
Sincerely,
P. Jonathan Tomás
MSN, APRN, NNP-BC, CPNP-PC&AC
Owner - Nurse Practitioner - Neonatal,
Pediatric Primary & Acute Care
KiDS 0 to18 Integrative Pediatrics
4700 Point Fosdick Drive NW, Suite 208
Gig Harbor, WA 98335
www.kids0218.com
Phone: 253-400-0218
Fax: 253-500-0218