Consistent and Reliable Care Since 1901!
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FLU VACCINE CLINICS
As in previous years, we are having flu vaccine "clinics" on Wednesday afternoons when you can come in, get a quick flu shot and leave. This should be a quick visit. Please call to set up a time, so that we can be sure we're not inundated with too many at one time. You may also come in at other times for your flu vaccines - please set up a time for that by calling the office. If you are bringing in a child for a visit and want to bring the sibling(s) in for the flu shot at the same time, we can accommodate you, but try to let the office know in advance.
COVID VACCINE FOR YOUNGER CHILDREN - now to age 12 and older!
As you may know, the COVID vaccine is available for children 12 and older. Now that over 1/2 million children (actually >600,00 of this writing) in this age group have had the vaccine without any concerning side effects, we recommend you get your child the COVID vaccine. Here is info on how to get your child vaccinated through Lurie:
https://www.luriechildrens.org/en/specialties-conditions/2019-novel-coronavirus-ncov/vaccine/
THANK YOU!
Thank you to all of those who have expressed nice comments and condolences regarding Melissa's passing. Your acts of kindness are truly a nice testament of how wonderful Melissa was as a person and as part of the Streeterville Family. I've shared many of your comments with Melissa's family. We really miss her.
Some of you have inquired if there was a way to help Melissa's three children. The family has set up a Go Fund Me Page if you care to donate. Here is the link:
https://www.gofundme.com/f/fund-for-my-late-sisters-three-kids?utm_campaign=p_cp_url&utm_medium=os&utm_source=customer
As in previous years, we are having flu vaccine "clinics" on Wednesday afternoons when you can come in, get a quick flu shot and leave. This should be a quick visit. Please call to set up a time, so that we can be sure we're not inundated with too many at one time. You may also come in at other times for your flu vaccines - please set up a time for that by calling the office. If you are bringing in a child for a visit and want to bring the sibling(s) in for the flu shot at the same time, we can accommodate you, but try to let the office know in advance.
COVID VACCINE FOR YOUNGER CHILDREN - now to age 12 and older!
As you may know, the COVID vaccine is available for children 12 and older. Now that over 1/2 million children (actually >600,00 of this writing) in this age group have had the vaccine without any concerning side effects, we recommend you get your child the COVID vaccine. Here is info on how to get your child vaccinated through Lurie:
https://www.luriechildrens.org/en/specialties-conditions/2019-novel-coronavirus-ncov/vaccine/
THANK YOU!
Thank you to all of those who have expressed nice comments and condolences regarding Melissa's passing. Your acts of kindness are truly a nice testament of how wonderful Melissa was as a person and as part of the Streeterville Family. I've shared many of your comments with Melissa's family. We really miss her.
Some of you have inquired if there was a way to help Melissa's three children. The family has set up a Go Fund Me Page if you care to donate. Here is the link:
https://www.gofundme.com/f/fund-for-my-late-sisters-three-kids?utm_campaign=p_cp_url&utm_medium=os&utm_source=customer
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Melissa Rodriguez
November 14,1988 - April 25, 2021
It is with a very heavy heart to report that our lovely Melissa Rodriguez passed away suddenly from a non-COVID illness on April 25th at Loyola University Hospital. She had been battling with health issues for many years. Melissa was one of the toughest persons we’ve had the pleasure to work with. Despite her health issues, she never complained and never let how she was feeling interfere with her work at Streeterville. Melissa began working with us in the summer of 2012. She touched so many lives at Streeterville Pediatrics and will be sorely missed by all of us.
She is survived by her partner Andreas Ruiz, and her three young children - Emily, Emilio, and Ella. More info can be found at https://memorials.chapelc.com/melissa-rodriguez/4600116/index.php
COVID VACCINE FOR 16 YEARS AND OLDER
If you have the chance to get your child the COVID Vaccine for persons16 years or over, please do so! We are not yet able to administer the vaccine at our office yet, but hope to be able to soon. Stay posted and we'll let you know. Please get the vaccine wherever you can!
"I wish I was 16 then I could get my COVID Vaccine!"
PEDIATRIC COVID VACCINE TRIAL AT LURIE!!!
We'd like to pass this info on to patients who may be interested. We're excited that this may be a possibility in the very near future!
Lurie Children’s is creating a registry for parents who have interest in enrolling their children in pediatric studies of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines. If you or someone you know are interested in having your child participate, we have created a registry for families who may be interested. A link for the survey to sign up for the registry is below. Families who sign up for the registry will receive additional information when it becomes available. The registry is approved under Lurie Children’s Institutional Review Board (IRB) #2021-4310.
Please feel free to distribute this to families in your practices. If you would like to post a flier about the registry in treatment rooms, email luriepediatricpartners@luriechildrens.org and we will distribute when the fliers have been finalized.
COVID Vaccine Trial Registry: https://redcap.link/esm830w9
COVID TESTING
We have been getting a lot of requests for COVID testing (imagine that!). We do not yet do testing here at Streeterville Pediatrics, but can direct you to several places that can test.
We can order testing for your child through Lurie Children’s testing sites. Someone from infectious diseases will call you and see if testing is appropriate. In other words, they may decide NOT to test you. If they feel it is appropriate, they will then schedule an appointment time to be tested. You may also call the Lurie COVID hotline at 312/227-5300 – if they feel it is appropriate, then we can place an order for you.
You can skip all of this by finding a test site near you that does not require pre-approval. A great resource is to go to:
https://www.dph.illinois.gov/testing
(or Google "idph covid testing sites near me")
For out of Illinois Sites you can try:
https://www.goodrx.com/blog/drive-thru-coronavirus-testing-near-me/
On that page, just above the list of locations (starting with Alabama) – you can enter your city or town in the “Search in table” box to find locations near you, including telephone and hours of operation. Good luck.
Please think critically if you want to get tested. If you test “too early” (i.e. soon after exposure) you may test negative and then eventually become positive. Most experts suggest to wait at least 5-7 days after exposure. Also, even though you test negative, if you’re suspicious, you should quarantine anyway to prevent possible exposures to others.
Visits to our Office and TeleMed
If you are concerned about your child but can't make it into the office, we can offer you a TeleMedicine visit. Of course, its always better to talk to and examine your child in person, but during this COVID emergency time, this is a nice alternative.
To schedule a telemedicine visit, you must have a smart phone, tablet (I-Pad, etc), or computer with audio and video. Please call the office and we can send you an email with instructions and a link to communicate with the doctor. During this emergency time, the government has instructed insurance companies to cover these telemed services.
Please note that its still very important that your child receives his or her well child visits to check their growth parameters, development, and administer protective immunizations. We are concerned about your family's health and have taken steps to minimize any risks at the office. We reserve the early part of the day to see well children so there is no chance for contact with sick patients. To diminish patients coming in contact with each other, we make expeditiously get patients into their very own examination room upon arrival. Patients who call and have symptoms that may be suggestive of having COVID are screened and do not come to our office.
CORONAVIRUS COVID-19 SAfety at Streeterville Pediatrics
We know this is a trying time.
For latest updates and recommendations on COVID, please refer to cdc.gov
If you have symptoms of illness, please stay inside and limit contact with others. Wash hands frequently, disinfect surfaces, and socially distance yourself as recommended. Hopefully if we all "self quarantine" for a while, we can eliminate the spread of this virus, and get things back to normal.
Even if you have mild symptoms and feel good, we do not want to potentially spread germs to others who can not fight off illness as well.
If you have fever, dry cough and shortness of breath, please self-quarantine and call for advice. If there is also a travel history and close contact with a confirmed positive case of Coronavirus along with symptoms, please self-quarantine, call for guidance, and you must wear a mask if going to the ER.
To reassure you, we have been stepping up our normal protocols of disinfecting our office. Cleaning common areas frequently during the day, cleaning rooms between patients, and we have eliminated our shared toys and books for the time being.
Interested In Becoming A Patient At Streeterville Pediatrics?
Welcome to Streeterville Pediatrics! We've been in the neighborhood known as "Streeterville" since the 1920's. Our practice still values the personal and individual care proposed by Dr Julius Hess when the practice was started in 1901.
Bigger is not Better! We are still a small and personal practice, and believe that having a close relationship with new parents is most beneficial as they start their family. Located within blocks of the hospitals we attend (Lurie Children's and Northwestern / Prentice Women's Hospital) we are readily able to see your newborn or (if need be) hospitalized child. We also have staff privileges at the 3 biggest pediatric hospitals in Chicago, giving our patients access to some of the most distinguished specialists in the area. A trusted practice, we take care of families from 8 of the busiest obstetrical practices at Northwestern/Prentice. We appreciate this endorsement of our practice from so many obstetricians that have to option to take their children to other offices.
If you're expecting and would like to schedule a "prenatal visit" (no charge) to meet the doctors and see the office, please call us. Click on Prenatal Visits for more info about setting up a time.
To see reviews of our practice, please click here: Streeterville Pediatrics Reviews
You may also go to the New Patients Tab for more info about us.
November 14,1988 - April 25, 2021
It is with a very heavy heart to report that our lovely Melissa Rodriguez passed away suddenly from a non-COVID illness on April 25th at Loyola University Hospital. She had been battling with health issues for many years. Melissa was one of the toughest persons we’ve had the pleasure to work with. Despite her health issues, she never complained and never let how she was feeling interfere with her work at Streeterville. Melissa began working with us in the summer of 2012. She touched so many lives at Streeterville Pediatrics and will be sorely missed by all of us.
She is survived by her partner Andreas Ruiz, and her three young children - Emily, Emilio, and Ella. More info can be found at https://memorials.chapelc.com/melissa-rodriguez/4600116/index.php
COVID VACCINE FOR 16 YEARS AND OLDER
If you have the chance to get your child the COVID Vaccine for persons16 years or over, please do so! We are not yet able to administer the vaccine at our office yet, but hope to be able to soon. Stay posted and we'll let you know. Please get the vaccine wherever you can!
"I wish I was 16 then I could get my COVID Vaccine!"
PEDIATRIC COVID VACCINE TRIAL AT LURIE!!!
We'd like to pass this info on to patients who may be interested. We're excited that this may be a possibility in the very near future!
Lurie Children’s is creating a registry for parents who have interest in enrolling their children in pediatric studies of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines. If you or someone you know are interested in having your child participate, we have created a registry for families who may be interested. A link for the survey to sign up for the registry is below. Families who sign up for the registry will receive additional information when it becomes available. The registry is approved under Lurie Children’s Institutional Review Board (IRB) #2021-4310.
Please feel free to distribute this to families in your practices. If you would like to post a flier about the registry in treatment rooms, email luriepediatricpartners@luriechildrens.org and we will distribute when the fliers have been finalized.
COVID Vaccine Trial Registry: https://redcap.link/esm830w9
COVID TESTING
We have been getting a lot of requests for COVID testing (imagine that!). We do not yet do testing here at Streeterville Pediatrics, but can direct you to several places that can test.
We can order testing for your child through Lurie Children’s testing sites. Someone from infectious diseases will call you and see if testing is appropriate. In other words, they may decide NOT to test you. If they feel it is appropriate, they will then schedule an appointment time to be tested. You may also call the Lurie COVID hotline at 312/227-5300 – if they feel it is appropriate, then we can place an order for you.
You can skip all of this by finding a test site near you that does not require pre-approval. A great resource is to go to:
https://www.dph.illinois.gov/testing
(or Google "idph covid testing sites near me")
For out of Illinois Sites you can try:
https://www.goodrx.com/blog/drive-thru-coronavirus-testing-near-me/
On that page, just above the list of locations (starting with Alabama) – you can enter your city or town in the “Search in table” box to find locations near you, including telephone and hours of operation. Good luck.
Please think critically if you want to get tested. If you test “too early” (i.e. soon after exposure) you may test negative and then eventually become positive. Most experts suggest to wait at least 5-7 days after exposure. Also, even though you test negative, if you’re suspicious, you should quarantine anyway to prevent possible exposures to others.
Visits to our Office and TeleMed
If you are concerned about your child but can't make it into the office, we can offer you a TeleMedicine visit. Of course, its always better to talk to and examine your child in person, but during this COVID emergency time, this is a nice alternative.
To schedule a telemedicine visit, you must have a smart phone, tablet (I-Pad, etc), or computer with audio and video. Please call the office and we can send you an email with instructions and a link to communicate with the doctor. During this emergency time, the government has instructed insurance companies to cover these telemed services.
Please note that its still very important that your child receives his or her well child visits to check their growth parameters, development, and administer protective immunizations. We are concerned about your family's health and have taken steps to minimize any risks at the office. We reserve the early part of the day to see well children so there is no chance for contact with sick patients. To diminish patients coming in contact with each other, we make expeditiously get patients into their very own examination room upon arrival. Patients who call and have symptoms that may be suggestive of having COVID are screened and do not come to our office.
CORONAVIRUS COVID-19 SAfety at Streeterville Pediatrics
We know this is a trying time.
For latest updates and recommendations on COVID, please refer to cdc.gov
If you have symptoms of illness, please stay inside and limit contact with others. Wash hands frequently, disinfect surfaces, and socially distance yourself as recommended. Hopefully if we all "self quarantine" for a while, we can eliminate the spread of this virus, and get things back to normal.
Even if you have mild symptoms and feel good, we do not want to potentially spread germs to others who can not fight off illness as well.
If you have fever, dry cough and shortness of breath, please self-quarantine and call for advice. If there is also a travel history and close contact with a confirmed positive case of Coronavirus along with symptoms, please self-quarantine, call for guidance, and you must wear a mask if going to the ER.
To reassure you, we have been stepping up our normal protocols of disinfecting our office. Cleaning common areas frequently during the day, cleaning rooms between patients, and we have eliminated our shared toys and books for the time being.
Interested In Becoming A Patient At Streeterville Pediatrics?
Welcome to Streeterville Pediatrics! We've been in the neighborhood known as "Streeterville" since the 1920's. Our practice still values the personal and individual care proposed by Dr Julius Hess when the practice was started in 1901.
Bigger is not Better! We are still a small and personal practice, and believe that having a close relationship with new parents is most beneficial as they start their family. Located within blocks of the hospitals we attend (Lurie Children's and Northwestern / Prentice Women's Hospital) we are readily able to see your newborn or (if need be) hospitalized child. We also have staff privileges at the 3 biggest pediatric hospitals in Chicago, giving our patients access to some of the most distinguished specialists in the area. A trusted practice, we take care of families from 8 of the busiest obstetrical practices at Northwestern/Prentice. We appreciate this endorsement of our practice from so many obstetricians that have to option to take their children to other offices.
If you're expecting and would like to schedule a "prenatal visit" (no charge) to meet the doctors and see the office, please call us. Click on Prenatal Visits for more info about setting up a time.
To see reviews of our practice, please click here: Streeterville Pediatrics Reviews
You may also go to the New Patients Tab for more info about us.
New Patients
Please go to the New Patients Tab to find info about the practice. Also, to expedite your visit, please look at the "patient forms" section there. Download the necessary forms and bring them with you. If you have troubles, we can assist you when you arrive.
"Exchange" Insurance Problems
Many of the plans that were previously covered under the Affordable Care Act will no longer be covered by the hospitals that we are affiliated with. Hence, we will not be part of these plans either, as our medical insurance contracts are linked through the hospital.
With the continuing changes in the Healthcare Insurance market, it is more important than ever that patients are familiar with their personal coverage/benefit plans. Many of the changes for 2017 and 2018 are reductions in the Networks offered in Illinois. For Streeterville Pediatrics the Exchange/Marketplace plans that Lurie Children's & Northwestern Memorial Hospital were once In-Network with have either left the exchange or narrowed their available Networks greatly. This has created a situation in which there are no Exchange/Marketplace plans that Streeterville is allowed to contract with, and has affected many of our families.
If an employer group insurance plan is not an option for you, we have identified a plan that could be an option, the Harken Compass Network. Harken has been in our area for the past year, and the Compass Plan is new since 2017. Streeterville is In-Network for their group and individual plans (for now). Please call Harken directly at 800-797-9921, and remember when you sign up to choose a Streeterville physician as your PCP. Providing our Tax ID 363535360 or NPI (National Provider ID) 1225070691 for Streeterville Pediatrics may help them find a plan with our practice.
We are told that Lurie Children's Hospital is in network with Harken Compass. To contact a representative from Lurie to verify you can call 312/967-922 or go online to: www.luriechildrens.org/application-help.
If you have an employer group insurance plan, it is important to always verify that our practice is In-Network with the plan you choose. This can be done by contacting your specific plan and providing the Tax ID 363535360 or NPI 1225070691 for Streeterville Pediatrics.
An Additional Option:
As long as a patient doesn’t get insurance from healthcare.gov, they CAN purchase a "short-term" insurance policy for up to 360 days that WILL include Lurie and Streeterville. UHC (United Health Care) is the biggest insurance that offers the short term plans. Here is a link to their fact website https://www.uhone.com/insurance/short-term/short-term-medical-insurance-faqs#acarequirements. However, there may be concerns about "pre-existing conditions" that may have exclusions for the short term plans.
Our contract with BlueChoice Select Network ended on 8/23/16! Again, another victim of the Affordable Care Act. This is unfortunate, but our medical insurance contracts are linked through the hospitals that we are on staff. Since Lurie and Nowrthwestern are not "on these plans" we can not accept these plans at our office. We are only allowed to take BCBS PPO. All other plans should be verified with a BCBS customer representative. Sorry for this inconvenience.
We Are Hiring!
We are looking for a Certified Medical Assistant to join our Streeterville family.
Pediatric experience is preferred. Please fax your resume to 312-280-1485.
Please go to the New Patients Tab to find info about the practice. Also, to expedite your visit, please look at the "patient forms" section there. Download the necessary forms and bring them with you. If you have troubles, we can assist you when you arrive.
"Exchange" Insurance Problems
Many of the plans that were previously covered under the Affordable Care Act will no longer be covered by the hospitals that we are affiliated with. Hence, we will not be part of these plans either, as our medical insurance contracts are linked through the hospital.
With the continuing changes in the Healthcare Insurance market, it is more important than ever that patients are familiar with their personal coverage/benefit plans. Many of the changes for 2017 and 2018 are reductions in the Networks offered in Illinois. For Streeterville Pediatrics the Exchange/Marketplace plans that Lurie Children's & Northwestern Memorial Hospital were once In-Network with have either left the exchange or narrowed their available Networks greatly. This has created a situation in which there are no Exchange/Marketplace plans that Streeterville is allowed to contract with, and has affected many of our families.
If an employer group insurance plan is not an option for you, we have identified a plan that could be an option, the Harken Compass Network. Harken has been in our area for the past year, and the Compass Plan is new since 2017. Streeterville is In-Network for their group and individual plans (for now). Please call Harken directly at 800-797-9921, and remember when you sign up to choose a Streeterville physician as your PCP. Providing our Tax ID 363535360 or NPI (National Provider ID) 1225070691 for Streeterville Pediatrics may help them find a plan with our practice.
We are told that Lurie Children's Hospital is in network with Harken Compass. To contact a representative from Lurie to verify you can call 312/967-922 or go online to: www.luriechildrens.org/application-help.
If you have an employer group insurance plan, it is important to always verify that our practice is In-Network with the plan you choose. This can be done by contacting your specific plan and providing the Tax ID 363535360 or NPI 1225070691 for Streeterville Pediatrics.
An Additional Option:
As long as a patient doesn’t get insurance from healthcare.gov, they CAN purchase a "short-term" insurance policy for up to 360 days that WILL include Lurie and Streeterville. UHC (United Health Care) is the biggest insurance that offers the short term plans. Here is a link to their fact website https://www.uhone.com/insurance/short-term/short-term-medical-insurance-faqs#acarequirements. However, there may be concerns about "pre-existing conditions" that may have exclusions for the short term plans.
Our contract with BlueChoice Select Network ended on 8/23/16! Again, another victim of the Affordable Care Act. This is unfortunate, but our medical insurance contracts are linked through the hospitals that we are on staff. Since Lurie and Nowrthwestern are not "on these plans" we can not accept these plans at our office. We are only allowed to take BCBS PPO. All other plans should be verified with a BCBS customer representative. Sorry for this inconvenience.
We Are Hiring!
We are looking for a Certified Medical Assistant to join our Streeterville family.
Pediatric experience is preferred. Please fax your resume to 312-280-1485.