What Helps Kids with Coughs and Colds?

What Helps Kids Most when Colds and Flu StrikeDownload

Spring 2024 Update

In January 2024, I started a new position at Marin Community Clinics in Novato. On Doctors Day 2024, I am releasing my novel, Doctor Spight, for adults.

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Medical Records

To obtain a copy of your child’s medical records, or if you are over 18 years of age, your own records, please contact:

Dr. Charles Hanson

1855 San Miguel Dr
Suite 15
Walnut Creek CA 94596

925.930.8770 phone

925.930.9338 fax

COVID vaccine for ages 5-11 Update

The county will not be able to get us COVID19 vaccines for children under 16 years of age until the second week of November, which will not give us time to schedule and administer the vaccines to children under 16 years of age with our closing on 11/15/2021.

We do not expect this to change.

We are disappointed that the approval process has taken so long.

Choosing a Pediatrician

I appreciate all the kind thoughts and wishes from so many patients and families!

While I am not retiring, the new year will likely find me practicing farther west than is convenient for your routine care. When I have the particulars, I will post my new practice address and phone number on my office web site and the practice blog and social media sites which currently include Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

I have had numerous requests regarding selection another pediatrician. Charles Hanson, MD will retain the records for the office patients so they remain available. I highly recommend him.

There are other many fine pediatricians in the area. Since you have had a pediatrician and worked with my office staff, you are familiar with an independent practice. Perhaps you have had Kaiser in the past or have seen a physician employed through John Muir or Sutter or another health network. Those physicians may be limited in who they may refer to. Independent physicians are only limited by the network imposed by your insurance. Kaiser patients, for example, may only see Kaiser doctors. There are independent practices in our area. Check them out!

I also would encourage you search online or to check with your insurance company for the names of pediatricians at a suitable distance from your home or work. Remember that smaller, independent practices don’t have big advertising budgets or search engine optimization gurus. After a little research, call the office to find out how they handle phone calls, sick visits, night advice, and weekends, and consider how this meets your needs.

The American Academy of Pediatrics offers advice on choosing a pediatrician here.

I regret that continuing to see patients for routine care and illness during the pandemic prevents me from having an individual conversation with each of you. Do know that you are all in my thoughts.

Changes at Casa Verde Pediatrics, Inc.

Dear Parents, Guardians, and Patients,

Fall is a time for growth and new beginnings with children of all ages going back to school. After twenty-five years in private practice serving families in Walnut Creek and its surrounding communities, this Fall brings changes for me. After heartfelt consideration, I will be closing the office on November 15, 2021 to begin the next phase of my medical career.

I would like to thank all the parents, guardians, and patients for the trust you placed in me as your physician over the past quarter-century. Caring for you and your families has been an honor and a privilege for both my staff and myself. Your continued health and wellness are our priority, and as such, the office will remain available through November 15, 2021 to ensure continuity of care and a smooth transition.

It is important that patients continue with appropriate medical care, and in that regard, I am happy to announce that Dr. Charles Hanson will be taking over my practice. Like myself, Dr. Hanson is a former chair of the Department of Pediatrics at John Muir Medical Center, Walnut Creek. His office phone number is (925)930-8770. If you have HMO insurance, contact them to select Dr. Hanson or another pediatrician in your network. Alternatively, you can contact the Alameda and Contra Costa Medical Society at (510) 654-5383 for a physician referral. Regardless of your selection, please ensure that you become established with another physician prior to the closure of this office on November 15, 2021.

We have mailed a letter to every family that includes a HIPAA-compliant authorization form for us to release a copy of your medical records to you or your new physician. Please complete the form and return it the office. On receipt of this signed form, we will forward a copy of your medical records to you or to the physician you designate.

All the best for you and your family’s continued health and wellness,

Dr. Asta

Flu Vaccines 2021-2022 Season

Flu vaccines for 2020-2021 season have arrived.

 

We have influenza injections as well as the nasal influenza spray (Flumist).

 

We recommend getting the flu vaccine here so that we can review your child’s health record and update them on other medically necessary vaccines and screenings.

 

Healthy PARENTS and Guardians with PPO and POS insurance may also get their flu shot here.

 

For patients with Anthem Children’s First Medical Group and Contra Costa Health Plan, our Vaccines for Children (VFC)  flu vaccines are in stock.

 

Please call +1-925-939-7334 to schedule an appointment, although we can often accommodate same-day requests!

 

Complete the questionnaire sheets online this year please:

Flu shot jotform: https://form.jotform.com/212235287872056

 

Flumist jotform: https://form.jotform.com/212285134420041 

 

Morning Urgent Care update Summer 2021

We offer early morning appointments which include COVID19 testing with rapid and PCR tests.

Patients MUST CALL the office at 8:30 a.m. at (925)939-7334 and speak with staff.
Plan on arriving between 8:45 a.m. and 9:00 a.m.

Patients will be triaged for level of illness and seen on a first call, first seen basis.
As such, there may be a wait.

Park in the labeled parking spaces along the south side of our building and CALL the office at (925)939-7334 to let us know you have arrived.

Patients MUST bring the current insurance card for every visit. This helps us validate which lab to send tests to.

The only stable thing about the pandemic is change. We encourage you to call the office and listen to the overnight message to confirm our urgent care protocol.

Care for Kids: Health Insurance through MediCal

We can’t say enough good things about Children’s First Medical Group. They offer health insurance for babies, children, and teens through Anthem Blue Cross MediCal and we accept it. They contract with excellent pediatric specialists at Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland and UCSF

Medi-Cal offers free or low-cost health coverage for California residents who meet eligibility requirements.

Does your family qualify?

Find out more:

Children’s First Medical Group

Medi-Cal and Covered California Frequently Asked Questions

Do You Qualify? Medi-Cal Eligibility

Medi-Cal & Health Coverage Options

Baby Steps: 4 Months

Time to move! Babies will reach out and grasp toys, bring their feet to their mouth for play. They’ll raise their head and chest when on their belly. They should roll from tummy to back and back to tummy by 6 months.

Great toys for play include colorful plastic keys, textured toys, cloth books, soft blocks and rings to stack, soft 12 inch balls, baby-safe mirrors, and toys that make noise like rattles and maracas.

Babies like to stand with your support. You can also put them in sitting. They will fold forward, but with time, they will tripod with hands in front for support until around six months they are solid sitters.