Category: News

Post Date: 1585540800
Status: live

The health, safety, and well-being of our patients and staff are our highest priority. With the growing concern about Coronavirus (COVID-19), we are taking necessary steps to help prevent the spread to our office.

To better protect your health and in response to the rapid and frequently changing information about COVID-19, we need to modify several of our long and established office schedules. We greatly appreciate your trust and support as we adjust to the ever-changing demands this outbreak has caused on health care delivery.

UPDATE: Starting Monday (4/13) and lasting through the end of April, we will be temporarily closing our Vernon Hills office.

Sunday hours remain unchanged: appointments only, NO WALK INS. Lake Bluff only.

Monday through Friday in Lake Bluff and Lindenhurst and Saturday morning in Lake Bluff and Lindenhurst:

• 7:45am: Phones go on Monday-Saturday, 8:00am: Phones go on Sunday
• 9:00am – Noon: Well-child visits and checkups in addition to follow-up visits (non-respiratory sick visits such as ear rechecks, rashes, concussions), and ADHD visits
• Noon – 1:30pm: Closed for lunch
• 1:30pm – 3:45pm: Well-child and checkup visits
• 4:15pm – 5:00pm: Sick visits BY APPOINTMENT ONLY – NO WALK INS 

Since January, we have implemented a phone screening process for all appointments being scheduled. This policy has been modified several times over the last couple of months as the Coronavirus has spread internationally. Our Support Staff and Patient Educators have been diligently using phone triage protocols to identify possible risks and having those parents speak with our physicians for further instruction as indicated.

We are not testing for COVID-19 but are directing people to Urgent Care Facilities and the Health Department for testing. Please call our office if you are concerned about having COVID-19 symptoms and have had contact with a person who has also been potentially exposed or has COVID-19.

Please limit the number of family members coming with you to all appointments. We ask that only one parent/guardian accompany your child if possible. When feasible, please refrain from bringing siblings to the visit.

We discourage individuals considered older adults and those who may have health problems or may be immunocompromised from coming to the office for their safety.

To minimize the number of people in our waiting rooms, we may ask patients who check in at our front desk to give their mobile number and to go back and wait in their vehicles until we can place them into a room.

Please refer to our “Coronavirus and Helpful Resource” post for further information.

Post Date: 1592798400
Status: archived

Happy Independence Day! All of us at Lake Forest Pediatric Associates wish you and your family a safe, fun and festive Fourth of July!

We are here to serve your family and we offer limited office hours on the holiday weekend. Our Vernon Hills Office will be closed both Friday, July 3rd and Saturday, July 4th. Please make a note of our special holiday office hours:

Friday, July 3rd

Lake Bluff Office – Open in AM only, no Walk-In Sick Call, Phones Open 8am – 12pm

Lindenhurst Office – Open in AM only, no Walk-In Sick Call, Phones Open 8am – 12pm

Vernon Hills Office – Closed

Saturday, July 4th

Lake Bluff Office – Open only for Urgent Care, Open in AM only, No Walk-In Sick Call, Phones Open 8am – 12pm

Lindenhurst Office – Closed

Vernon Hills Office – Closed

Note: No Walk-In Sick Call is available in any office until further notice.

Post Date: 1584417600
Status: live

It is after careful thought and deliberation that we must temporarily cancel our morning walk-in visits. This was an incredibly difficult decision to reach after having successfully provided this service for over 40 years. We do so, however, to protect the health and well-being of your families and our staff.

We have been able to meet your needs with our Sunday/Holiday pre-booked sick appointments and will use this format to continue to treat ill children during the COVID-19 crisis. In follow-up to our previous notice, please find our modified schedule, for all our offices, below:

• 7:45am: Phones go on
• 8am-10:30am: Sick visits BY APPOINTMENT ONLY – NO WALK INS
• 11am – noon: Follow-up visits (non-respiratory sick visits such as ear rechecks, rashes, concussions), well visits, and ADHD visits.
• Noon – 1:30pm: Closed for lunch
• 1:30pm – 3:45pm: Well-child and checkup visits. All patients coming to these visits must be free from fever, runny nose, and coughing. Anyone arriving with those symptoms will be asked to reschedule their appointment.
• 4:15pm – 5pm: Sick visits BY APPOINTMENT ONLY – NO WALK INS

We greatly appreciate your trust and support as we adjust to the ever-changing demands this outbreak has caused on health care delivery.

Post Date: 1595390400
Status: live

– The AAP has put out guidance stating the importance of having children attend school in-person whenever possible, and we agree with that statement. Being physically present at school is important to a child’s academic development, but is also key for their social-emotional development and mental health. While we must be cautious about spreading COVID in the community, there is a real risk to children missing out on in-person school as well.

– We expect that CDC guidelines will be used by schools to mitigate the risk of COVID transmission among students, and it is reassuring that data continue to show that children are at very low risk of serious disease from COVID, especially in elementary school age and younger. There is also some evidence that children are less likely to transmit disease to others. Here is a link to the American Academy of Pediatrics positions on the topic:
https://healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/COVID-19/Pages/Return-to-School-During-COVID-19.aspx

– Face masks are a key part of the guidelines for safe return to school, and we do not have any safety concerns for their use in children all day for school attendance, even if your child has a condition such as asthma. Children <2 yrs=”” of=”” age=”” or=”” who=”” are=”” neurologically=”” compromised=”” may=”” have=”” difficulty=”” wearing=”” removing=”” masks=”” without=”” assistance=”” so=”” their=”” use=”” in=”” these=”” groups=”” is=”” not=”” recommended=”” p=””>

– There are some conditions which may put your child, or a close family member, at risk for severe disease from COVID. If your child or a close relative with frequent contact has one of these conditions, this may be a reason to choose virtual learning and we suggest you discuss this with the specialist guiding their care. If you do not have a specialist or would also like to speak with one of our providers, we are available by phone as well. These conditions may include:
– Diabetes
– Chronic/complex kidney disease
– Complex heart disease (excluding innocent heart murmurs)
– Complex neurologic conditions
– Chronic lung disease (COPD, pulmonary malformations, moderate to severe asthma; generally mild asthma is NOT included)
– Obesity
– History of organ transplant
– Compromised immune system from other underlying condition or medication

– It is important to remember that while schools will try to take every precaution possible to reduce transmission of COVID, returning to in-person school will not be risk-free, and you have to decide what is best for your family and your child in terms of in-person vs. virtual learning for the fall.

-Confirm that your child’s immunizations are up to date. As always, we encourage everyone to get the influenza vaccine this year, but it is especially critical this year for those returning to school or participating in activities outside the home.

-Recommendations may change based on prevalence of the virus in the area. It is also important to be flexible and have a back-up plan in place should your school need to transition to remote learning.

-The following are some safety factors schools are putting in place. You can check with your school to see if any of the following are in the plans for reopening:
-Physical distancing
-Frequent hand hygiene
-Cloth face coverings (in school and on buses)
-Utilize outside space when possible
-Lunch in room or small groups outside
-Temperature checks (home and/or school). Fever is considered temperature of 100.4 F or greater
-Sanitizing classrooms and high touch surfaces
-Minimize use of high touch surfaces (such as keeping classroom doors open)

-Keep your child home if s/he or any family member has any illness symptoms.

Post Date: 1584676800
Status: live

Doctor visits ARE allowed by Illinois’ Shelter-in-Place Order. Just as the Order allows for visits to the grocery store, pharmacy, gas station, and other essential services, you are allowed to visit your doctor’s office. Our offices are open to serve you and will continue to be open.

Please view our recent blog article Modified Office Schedule and Processes for current office hours and processes. 

In addition, we are working to expand services to telehealth visits for several types of appointments in the coming days. Please continue to check our website and social media profiles for news.

Post Date: 1598328000
Status: archived

Happy Labor Day Weekend!

We are here to serve you, with regular office hours on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

On Monday, September 7th, our Lake Bluff office will be open from 8:00 am – 12:00 pm for urgent care only. NO walk-in sick call will be available. The Vernon Hills and Lindenhurst offices will be closed on Labor Day.

Post Date: 1584849600
Status: live

Nebulizers have been shown to aerosolize respiratory droplets and COVID-19, so it is recommended to use a metered dose inhaler with a spacer instead. This method is safe and effective to use in all ages, even infants.

If you only have a nebulizer at home and need an inhaler and spacer for your child, please call the office at 847-295-1220.

If your child is being seen in the office for respiratory symptoms and has a history of asthma or wheezing, please bring your child’s inhaler and spacer to the appointment.

Post Date: 1598500800
Status: archived

UPDATE: All phone and email systems are now fully functional. Thanks again for your patience! Feel free to access the portal and contact us by phone or email with any needs.

Please note that our systems are down temporarily. We will notify you when our phone and email systems are functional again.

If you need to make a future appointment or to access the portal, please try again tomorrow.

For urgent matters, please send a private message to us on Facebook and a team member will call you. Please include your phone number, child’s name and date of birth in your message.

Thank you for your patience.

Post Date: 1584936000
Status: live

As many of you may know, Dr. Michael Bauer has been working part-time in an administrative role with Northwestern Lake Forest Hospital.

Starting on March 23, 2020, Dr. Bauer will be taking a leave of absence from Lake Forest Pediatrics. On that date, he will begin working full-time at Northwestern Lake Forest Hospital to help combat the challenging COVID-19 pandemic.

If you have any questions or concerns, please call our office at 847-295-1220.

Post Date: 1599019200
Status: live

There’s no doubt about it – raising kids during the pandemic has been challenging. COVID-19 has interrupted and changed our way of life. From managing your child’s healthcare and education to working remote, parents are challenged to get it all done. During this time, missed doctor appointments and vaccinations were common and they have left children and their families at risk.

Now with safety measures in place, returning to your child’s pediatrician for catch-up care is easier and more important than ever before. This is the time to return to your child’s physician to catch-up on past-due vaccinations and well-child visits. Our practice continues to provide you with the best care and service during this challenging time. Call 847-295-1220 for an appointment.

Your Child’s Medical Home

Lake Forest Pediatrics is your child’s Medical Home. We are here to serve your family at every stage of your child’s development with comprehensive care. Our board-certified pediatricians and nurse practitioners know your child’s medical history, we provide developmental and mental health screenings, and we consult with you on specialized issues such as depression, ADHD, weight management and adolescent services.

In contrast, pharmacists are not aware of your child’s medical history, do not have a long-term trusting relationship with your family, and do not provide comprehensive health services to children. Read the American Academy of Pediatricians’ response to the recent move allowing pharmacists to administer vaccines to children ages 3-18 years: HHS action on pharmacy vaccination ‘misguided’.

Catch-Up on Vaccines and Well-Child Visits

Now’s the time to catch-up on your child’s immunizations and well-child visits. Our three convenient offices are open to serve you, with a full range of medical services for all children, ages newborn to 21-years. We’re here when you need us, 365 days a year, 24 hours a day. Call 847-295-1220 for an appointment. We look forward to seeing you!