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Newborn

Newborn Experience

Bringing a new baby into this world is a special and memorable experience and at Thrive Pediatrics we strive to keep it as special as possible.  Most parents are exhausted and the idea of trying to get to that first Pediatrician's appointment when mom's are also recovering, is daunting.  

Dr. Kurowski hopes to make those first few days and few months less stressful for parents by coming to you, allowing parents and babies more time to bond at home and enjoy these special moments. 

Check out this video to learn more about becoming a newborn member of Thrive Pediatrics and how In-Home Visits work.

How Does Newborn Care with Thrive Pediatrics Work?

Newborn Care Pricing

0-12 Mo of Age: $140 per Month (ask for details about multiples)

*Includes 2 In Home Visits and Lactation Consultation and all other member services

* 3 month minimum membership required 

*$100 enrollment fee - Waived if pre-enrolled before March 1st

Additional in Home Visits: $100

*Distances Greater than 20 minutes from the office are an additional fee

  • Does Thrive Pediatrics take my health insurance?
    We do accept patients with and without insurance. However, we do not bill insurance for the services we provide as we are considered an out-of-network provider. Direct Primary Care (DPC) practices do not accept third party reimbursements. To become a member, families choose to pay either a monthly fee or discounted annual fee that covers essentially all of the primary care needs of your child. Prices are upfront so there are no surprises, hidden costs, or copays. We do recommend that at a minimum, families maintain a high-deductible or catastrophic plan for insurance coverage of specialist services and emergencies such as ER visits, surgery, or hospitalization. You can also consider a health sharing exchange plan as well. Your insurance plan WILL be billed for your child's routine vaccinations through VaxCare. In many cases, a membership will pay for itself in savings if you elect a high-deductible insurance plan. Be sure to check with your agent, accountant, or financial advisor for specific advice on insurance policies. You may also want to ask about the possibility of covering these services through your HSA/FSA, making it tax-deductible. HSA and FSA is accepted. ​ ​If parents have medical insurance coverage for their children, then yes we can use it for the more expensive things like vaccines, lab and radiology tests, specialist visits, etc but cash pay options are available and often less cost.
  • What is not included with membership?
    The vast majority of day-to-day medical expenses that would be out-of-pocket at a traditional practice are completely covered by your monthly membership fee. In fairness to our patients, if it is something that most patients wouldn't utilize rhen we charge for use rather than charge all patients (at cost). ▪️ In-office rapid COVID tests - at cost ▪️ Lab tests (we work with local lab companies to negotiate for the lowest cost for our members. If you have insurance, the lab can bill your insurance for these just like getting lab done at a traditional office or they can be paid in cash or by HSA). ▪️ Imaging and Radiology (we will arrange for these to be done nearby, as needed, and the facility will bill your insurance) ▪️ Ear piercings (discounted cost for members) ▪️ Complete Autism Evaluations (discounted cost for members)
  • Does Thrive Pediatrics work with those on a Health Sharing Ministry or those that are uninsured?
    Membership at Thrive is a great complement to Health Sharing Ministry insurance plans because membership covers vaccinations, well visits, acute visits, chronic care and any communication by text, email or phone as well as telehealth. This is often not covered in Health Sharing Ministry insurance plans and they often recommend Direct Primary Care for members of their health sharing plans. If you are uninsured, DPC is great for you! It allows a fixed monthly fee for the majority of your health needs except for emergency's or if you absolutely need a specialist. Labs and imaging are also available at a very discounted cost.
  • Is Thrive Pediatrics a good choice for my medically complex child?
    Absolutely! The value we can provide for kids with complex health needs is unmatched. Membership covers extended appointment times so we can cover everything needed AND we can coordinate care with specialists so you don’t have to. All visits to our office are covered with membership, making it feasible to do frequent check-ins to ensure optimal health. Plus, we’re at your fingertips whenever questions arise—just text, email, or call. Some of the children we serve who are medically complex prefer to have appointments virtually or even at home and we can accommodate that. Maybe your child has Autism or sensory concerns and has difficulty coming to appointments. Thrive Pediatrics model allows your child to come visit and just play during a visit with nothing medical so they can be more comfortable coming in.
  • Our family has healthy kids. Does this model make sense for us?
    Even families with kids that are very healthy are surprised when they think back on the past year and realize just how many doctor appointments they’ve had (and how fast they add up!). Most parents who have kids with ear infections or pinkeye wouldn’t say their kids have health issues, yet those families are in the office quite a bit for ear exams so they can get a prescription or advice on care—those 5-minute visits cost you at a traditional practice. A lactation visit, sudden rash, sleeping concern … Parents with infants also tend to be more vigilant about bringing in their babies with mild coughs or runny noses because they know upper-respiratory viruses can be more dangerous in little babies as opposed to their big kids. Parents of older kids have their concerns, too. This can include behavior or developmental issues. They may need further help with diet, exercise, mood. Most of those can be handled in the office since we have time to do so. Those appointments add up when it comes to a traditional practice, but at Frontier, those are all part of membership. And the best part, our members say, is that they don’t have to think twice about bringing in their child for “just a runny nose” because they know it’s covered and they can get peace of mind without a price tag! Imagine 1 visit to the emergency room or urgent care, this can cost upwards of $300 or more (>$500 in the emergency room) and that's the low end if nothing is done. Most of these visits can be handled in the office because there is access and time! Families with multiple kids enjoy a $250 monthly maximum no matter how many kids they enroll.
  • Can I Afford the Monthly Membership?
    The membership model is actually more affordable for most families than you might imagine. Those with multiple kids only pay a max of $250/month no matter how many kids are enrolled! There is a one-time $100 family enrollment fee after April 1, 2025. After that, the monthly fee is based on your child's age. When broken down by day, the payment is less than a drink at Starbucks per day at <$5 per day. In a traditional practice, a visit for a simple rash or ear infection can cost more than $150 out of pocket even with insurance with a high deductible plan. With Thrive Pediatrics, ALL visits are included in your membership fee no matter how many visits, phone calls, or texts it takes to provide the care your child needs.
  • How do I pay for my child's membership?
    Membership fees are automatically charged monthly to your checking account or credit card. You can use your health savings account (HSA) or any checking account or credit card. We offer a 5% discount for annual payment. Your membership fee is automatically charged for the same amount each month and you never have to worry about an unpaid bill or wonder if any insurance claim has been processed and how much you might owe.
  • What is Direct Primary Care?
    Direct Primary Care is a model of healthcare that focuses on the Patient-Doctor relationship for high quality and comprehensive healthcare. We provide high-quality care that is convenient for busy families, and we use technology (text messaging, online scheduling, virtual visits, etc.) to augment the care and convenience for our members. DPC practices don’t bill through insurance and therefore eliminate the constraints, confusion around billing, and the price hikes that come with insurance. The DPC model has the benefit of comprehensive care with a full range of personalized services through a low monthly membership fee.
  • What does Membership Cover?
    ▪️ Regular Well Visits ▪️ Unlimited sick visits (acute and chronic care) ▪️ Remote visits/virtual care ▪️ Included Strep, Influenza and hemoglobin testing, others may also be included ▪️ Routine vaccinations provided through Vaxcare which bills your insurance (or VFC if patients are on Medicaid) ▪️ School/camp/sports physicals and forms ▪️ Management of minor lacerations (stitches, staples, glue) ▪️ Developmental and behavioral screenings ▪️ Parenting support and guidance (nutrition, development, sleep, behavior and more) ▪️ Evaluation and medical management (when necessary) of chronic pediatric conditions such as eczema, asthma, ADHD, depression, anxiety, and more ▪️ Expedited referrals to specialist, therapists, etc. ▪️ Special member pricing for autism evaluations ▪️ LifeStyle Medicine incorporated into care ▪️ Lactation visits for infants
  • We just have a newborn and every well visit is covered by insurance in a traditional practice. Does this model make sense even with just one child?
    Families with newborns benefit a lot from our DPC model. One of the best parts is the ability to access Dr. Kurowski via text! In the first year of life there are so many new things that come up and maybe you have a question as you breastfeed in the middle of the night and you dont want to forget- just send a text or email! Does your infant have a rash? Just text the picture and often advice can be given by text saving you a trip that you are trying schedule around naps and feedings and then getting a $150 or more charge for something that may end up not being a concern. However, if an in-person visit is more your style, we are more than happy to accommodate a visit quickly and that visit will be covered by membership. DPC is the perfect model for all of the questions through that first year of life including—lactation questions, the runny noses and colds that inevitably happen once in day care, growth and development questions, sleep trouble, starting solids, etc… all of this is covered by your membership.
  • Can I join your practice if we do not vaccinate or have an alternate vaccine schedule?
    Yes. I believe that my role as a Pediatrician is to educate based on my knowledge as well as to discuss that knowledge and your concerns as well. Your role as the parents is to decide what is best for your child.
  • What if our insurance is constantly changing from year to year? Can we stay with Dr. Kurowski?
    The wonderful part of Direct Primary Care is that you can always choose to stay with Dr. Kurowski throughout childhood. Since we don't go through insurance, there are no networks to worry about; you can keep coming to us regardless of changes in insurance plans!
  • Is this a form of insurance?
    No, direct primary care is not insurance. It is recommended that all patients have some form of insurance to cover the "big stuff" like surgeries, hospitalizations, broken bones or necessary Emergency Room visits.
  • How do I pay for my membership?
    Membership fees are automatically charged monthly to your checking account, HSA or credit card. You can use your health savings account (HSA) or any credit card or checking account. We offer a 5% discount for annual payment. Since your membership fee is automatically charged, you never have to worry about an unpaid bill or wonder if any insurance claim has been processed or how much you still owe.
  • What is the cost?
    Members Pricing is $80 Non-member Pricing is $97 - This includes the ear piercing procedure, pretty earring studs (medical grade plastic), and all the after-care supplies - you won't need anything else! - Titanium earrings are an additional $10 - Additional earrings are available for purchase
  • What kind of studs are used?
    I use only medical-grade plastic or titanium. This decreases risk of irritation, infection, and allergy.
  • What are the risks?
    As with any procedure, infection is a risk. However, we make sure everything is sterile and as long as you cleanse appropriately, this shouldn’t be an issue. If there is any soreness, redness, or drainage at the site of piercing, see your doctor within 24 hours. In rare cases, especially with tiny earrings, the stud or earring can be “swallowed up" by the earlobe and result in pain/discomfort/infection. I can help if this is happens with the use of topical lidocaine. The studs (the medical grade plastic ones) I use have large front and back pieces so it would be very difficult for these studs to get stuck in the lobe.
  • What age is best?
    Anytime after 2 months of age is a great time! I generally recommend waiting until after their 2-month checkup, when they’ve had their first round of vaccines. Infants under 2 months and unvaccinated are at higher risk of infection and this also gives the earlobe time to grow and develop. For toddlers, school-aged children, and preteens, we usually decide to pierce both ears at the same time so there's less anxiety.
  • Can I purchase this as a gift?
    Absolutely! This makes a great gift!! Contact us at info@thrivepedswi.com to purchase. The receiver of the gift can book an appointment directly and will have everything (piercing, earrings, cleaning supplies) taken care of!
  • How much does it cost?
    $140 per month membership fee for 0-12 months of age. Our practice is based on a monthly membership model. Your membership fee covers newborn care, sick visits, check-ups, and vaccines (through insurance or VFC program if without insurance). We don't take insurance (except for vaccines) but you can pay with your FSA (if allowed), HSA, bank draft, or credit card.
  • What happens at the in-home visits?
    Dr. Kurowski will meet your infant, do a weight check, examine them and answer any and all questions you might have. It's a great time to ask about crib safety and all the newborn gadgets you might have received too! When your baby is hungry, if you are breastfeeding, then Dr. Kurowski will assist and troubleshoot any issues that may arise. This is meant to be comfortable and enjoyable so be casual, wear pajamas if you'd like and don't worry about messes at home or toddler's running around!
  • How do I sign up?
    If you're ready to sign-up, we recommend a new baby meet & greet so Dr. Kurowski can learn more about your family and you can ask any pre-birth questions you might have. You can book that free appointment on this page. If you'd rather skip the meet & greet, simply text us at (262) 217-0939 and Dr. Kurowski will take care of getting you registered. The practice is limited in size to allow the best possible care so if you are interested, please reach out sooner than later so we don't run out of room for your little one's arrival! *Pre-enroll before April 1, 2025 and have your enrollment fee waived.
  • What is included?
    After birth, give us a call and we will schedule the first in-home newborn visit within a few days of discharge. The next visit will be in-home for the 2 week checkup. Both include time to work on lactation. In between those appointments we encourage lactation visits if needed! The first year of well checks include: • 1 month • 2 months • 4 months • 6 months • 9 months • 12 months In between these visits, Dr. Kurowski is available for text messaging, phone calls, telemedicine visits, and in-office visits at no additional charge.
  • What is the benefit of a home visit vs. a typical in office newborn visit?
    After having a new baby, it can be stressful to pack the diaper bag, get your baby fed, and get to the office on time. Then when you think you are good to go, your cute little infant is hungry again or has a diaper explosion, putting the best laid plans to rest. This takes all of that unpredictable stress out of the equation and lets mom rest too. It's a great way to see the set-up for breastfeeding mom's and allow baby to feed in their home environment. Not only that, it avoids the chance that your newborn will be exposed to other sick kids in an office!

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