The Formula Shortage, what should I do?
Dr. Renda, on behalf of all of the providers at Doctors’ Pediatric, has provided some much-needed suggestions on what you can do to help you get through this unprecedented formula shortage.
IMPORTANT RECALL NOTICE!!!
Abbott is initiating a proactive, voluntary recall of powder formulas, including Similac®, Alimentum® and EleCare® manufactured in Sturgis, Mich., one of the company’s manufacturing facilities.
For more information and to find out if you have any of the recalled formulas please visit:https://www.similacrecall.com/us/en/home.html
CT WiZ? Say what?
What is CT WiZ?
CT WiZ is the statewide Immunization Information System (IIS) designed to meet national standard requirements for effective tracking and administration of immunizations in a public health setting. It is a web-based database that maintains complete, accurate, and secure immunization records for patients vaccinated in Connecticut. All personal information including immunization status and dates of immunization of individuals shall be confidential as required by Connecticut law.
Will reporting to CT WiZ violate HIPAA requirements?
No. Physicians are authorized to disclose immunization histories to the CT WiZ Program and its authorized agents without patient authorization or opportunity to object because:
- It is required by law.
- It is part of public health activities.
The information that we request is what is minimally necessary to satisfy the objective of the state registry. Practices should however keep an accounting of each disclosure that is made to CT WIZ.
Click here for more information regarding the impact of the HIPAA Privacy rule on public health.
Who has access to the information in CT WiZ?
Connecticut state law requires that information in CT WiZ be kept confidential. Only you, your doctor, health care workers who can assist you with missed appointments or missed immunizations, and your school nurse have access to CT WIZ. The information will not be shared with any other people or any other agency unless you have signed a Release of Information. Please click here for the form in English-Spanish (pdf).
How do patients opt-out of inclusion in CT WiZ?
CT WiZ records are kept confidential by law. Only healthcare workers and the patient themselves can access immunization records. The information will not be shared with any other people or any other agency unless you have signed a Release of Information. Patients who are in CT WiZ are able to access their immunization records electronically using the secure online CT WiZ Public Portal. If you opt-out, CT WiZ will no longer maintain your immunization record and you will not be able to access your immunization record from the CT WiZ Public Portal.
The immunization record of the patient shall be reported to and maintained by CT WiZ unless the patient, or for a minor, their parent or guardian submits a written request to the CT Department of Public Health (DPH) requesting that the immunization record no longer be maintained. Should someone wish to opt-out, the written request should include the person’s full legal name, date of birth, and address so staff can locate the individual that is opting out in the system. Routine emailed messages are not considered to be a secure mode of communication. For the confidentiality of your patient information, please do not email your opt-out request. Requests to opt-out should be mailed or faxed to:
CT DPH, CT WiZ
410 Capitol Avenue, MS # 11 MUN
Hartford, CT 06134-0308
OR
Fax: 860-707-1925
CLICK HERE for more information regarding CT Wiz
Updated Office Policy
In keeping with current guidelines, we have updated our policies for in-person WELL visits. We want to assure you that our number one priority continues to be the safety of both our patients and staff. They are as follows:
Spring Fever!!!
Spring fever is here!
Don’t forget, COVID is here too. Guidelines for vaccinated individuals have certainly changed in regard to being in groups unmasked indoors, but the recommendations really haven’t changed for unvaccinated people. Children less than 16 years fall under this category. [Read more…] about Spring Fever!!!
To Vaccinate or Not to Vaccinate, that is NOT the question
To Vaccinate or Not to Vaccinate, that is NOT the question. The question is, when and where may I get my covid vaccine?
The past year has brought most of us to our emotional limits and ramped up anxiety and stress. For many of us, the COVID vaccine is like the sun coming out at the end of an apocalyptic movie. It feels like a sign of hope. For others of us, the vaccine is anything but……. [Read more…] about To Vaccinate or Not to Vaccinate, that is NOT the question
Happy Anniversary!
Happy Anniversary!
This week, I was trying to figure out a topic to write about, and it occurred to me that I am writing this on the “anniversary” of when I started to really understand that life was about to significantly change…and almost stop. [Read more…] about Happy Anniversary!
Parenting in the Age of COVID
Another early dismissal? Another snow day? I think that we can all admit we are exhausted by winter and COVID, but it may be hard to admit that we are exhausted by parenting too. Well, I am going to put it out there. I feel like my parenting reserves are severely depleted these days. This means that I have less patience, I am crankier, and I have a lower threshold for the day-to-day at home.
Normally, even when our parenting skills are entirely depleted, we might depend on a friend or family member to give us a respite. The reality of COVID is that there isn’t really a respite. When you and your partner argue over who gets to go to the grocery store, you know you have hit a new low. Prior to COVID, I would say “ugh, there is a line at Trader Joe’s”. Now, I am thinking, “I hope the line is pretty long so that I can have a little alone time while waiting in line.” Being a parent is already difficult, but these days, it seems like we are on a reality show of “Survivor, Parent Edition”.
Even school is not a respite since they don’t quite seem to be in school (either in-person or virtual) with the weather these days. The irony is that I have a hard time not taking it all on myself. I tend to fall on my sword a bit. My husband always offers to watch the kids so I can have time for myself, and I just can’t seem to take it or use it effectively. It is hard to take that time when there really is nowhere to go. I can’t seem to shut it off even though I know I need it. [Read more…] about Parenting in the Age of COVID