Good questions, the answers you need
FREQUENTLY ASKED
Your questions,
Answered honestly
If you’re new to direct primary care, you probably have a few. Here are the ones I hear most, and if yours isn’t here, just ask or schedule a meet-and-greet by clicking below.
GETTING STARTED
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Newborns through age 22 — one provider and one relationship, all the way to the college-break visits I love.
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We take our time. I’ll go through your child’s vitals and any age-appropriate screenings, then we really talk, about development, daily life, and whatever is on your mind. I examine, explain what I’m seeing, and we make a plan together. You’ll leave knowing exactly what comes next, and you’ll always hear me ask, “how does that feel to you?”
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The whole point of this model is for me to be there when your child is sick. Sometimes that means watching and waiting at home, and sometimes it means coming into the office. Because I know your child and we have built a trusting relationship, we can decide together what is right for your family. My goal is to be your first call for every illness, so urgent care becomes the exception, not the default.
ACCESS & EMERGENCIES
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We know that illness comes up at any hour, and I am here for the “is this an emergency, or can it wait until morning?” moments. If your child is ill, you can call or text! You will get my cell phone number when you become a member. I aim to respond within about 30 minutes; if you don't hear back, try both calling and texting.
I do have a family, however, and ask that you try to keep all non-urgent communication to business hours through normal channels during the day — refills, forms, and scheduling.
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Always call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room first — that comes before anything else. Once your child is safe, loop me in, and I'll help you navigate whatever comes next and stay part of the care.
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Yes. For the things that don't need a car ride and a waiting room, we can connect by video — and because I already know your child, those visits are sometimes all it takes.
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This is why insurance is still recommend. I will not make unnecessary referrals, but sometimes it is needed. If you see a specialist or get admitted, it will go through your insurance as usual. Your membership fee will not cover these costs.
COST & INSURANCE
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No. I see everyone, regardless of insurance status. If you’re uninsured, you can still be seen. There is no concern that we are out of network or not part of your groups plan. I don't work for insurance companies - I work for you! Nurture & Bloom is easier than most doctors’ offices. Instead of presenting your insurance card, paying a copay, then getting an additional bill, you pay once a month and that has you covered for everything.
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Nurture & Bloom accepts most major credits cards, including HSA cards. Check your HSA max allowed.
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Yes. Think of insurance like car insurance — for the big things: emergencies, hospital stays, specialists, and imaging. Your membership covers the everyday: checkups, sick visits, and all the questions in between. Many families pair us with a high-deductible plan, an HSA, or a health share.
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Potential in-office procedures could include wart removal, extensive wax removal from the ears, laceration closure, ear piercing, earwick placement, eye abrasion assessment, suture or staple removal, viral testing. If a service ever carries a separate cost I'll always be upfront about it first.
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We are contracted with Quest Diagnostics who offer discounted labs if you decide to pay directly through your membership, using your card on file.
You still have the option to use your insurance.
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Prices are listed here!
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Membership is a simple monthly fee based on your child's age, with a one-time enrollment fee to get started and a short initial term. Life changes, so you can cancel with reasonable notice — no penalties, no games.
ABOUT ME
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I'm an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) — not a physician, though some families lovingly call me “Dr. Stephanie.” I received my masters in nursing from Northeastern University in 2010 and have been providing pediatric care for over twenty years. What you can count on is deep experience, straight answers, and evidence-based care.
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Nurture & Bloom is for families who want a real, ongoing relationship with one provider they trust. I'm your child's advocate and your partner — and the best care happens when we're a team.
If you're looking for a place that will simply sign off on whatever's requested, or a large practice with rotating faces, I'm honestly not the right fit — and I'd rather tell you that kindly up front. Not sure? Come to a meet-and-greet and we'll figure it out together.
