2: Do you provide well child services? I can do check ups and provide well child services, but I do not administer immunizations, and I do not encourage blind obedience to protocol. If you have questions or concerns about your child, I am happy to address these, but you should not feel obliged to visit a medical professional simply because your child is 6 months old, for example. If you want your child immunized, you may consult with me in the more traditional medical setting of The Maternal and Family Clinic, 281-419-1599.

3: How are your services different than regular pediatric health care? In some ways, they are not. I am, after all, a pediatrician. But our focus at HEAL is on education and empowerment. I prefer to present options and informed opinions, and to then encourage families to play a major role in health care decisions. In addition, there are some services that we do not offer that are standard in other medical practices. We do not offer any hospital based services, and we do not guarantee emergency availability; in other words we do not have a doctor "on call". This does not mean that I cannot be called or reached after hours or on weekends; often I can. Maternal & Family Clinic does have 24 hour phone access and does admit patients, but I am only one member of that group, and I do not handle the in-patient responsibilities for the group.

4: What is the role of your other consultant, Maria Frontis Stowe? Dr. Maria Stowe has worked extensively in the fields of family therapy and obstetrics, and her expertise and insight in these and related areas are unique and informative. However, Dr. Maria Stowe received her medical training in Mexico. She is not licensed to practice medicine in Texas. She functions purely as a co-consultant in areas of health education, never as a treating physician.

5. How does someone obtain services ? Call and make an appointment.

6: How about workshops? I am now doing monthly workshops at the Dickson space. The workshops will be the third weekend of the month from 1-4 and will alternate Saturday and Sunday. The next workshop will be Sunday February 17th at 1pm. I have decided to have the workshops be more of an ongoing conversation about our children. I guess my goal is to have an alternative perspective on child health out there for the larger community on an ongoing basis.

7: What do you charge for services? Fees are negotiable, but standard fees are as follows. Individual consults are $50 for up 15 minutes, $90 for up to 30 minutes, and thereafter $180/ hour. I charge $180 for home visits which usually last about 1/2 hr..Workshops are offered as a community service; contributions are wecome and much appreciated, but not required. The suggested minimum contribution is $20; there is no maximum. Telephone consults are an option and will be charged on a case by case basis.

8: What forms of payment do you accept? Cash and checks. All payment is due at the time services are rendered unless prior arrangements are made. HEAL does not accept any form of insurance as a matter of principle and philosophy. You may be able to submit charges to an insurance company for reimbursement yourself, since I am a licensed physician and board eligible pediatrician. Families with insurance, including Medicaid, also have the option of consulting with  me at Maternal and Family Clinic, 27854 IH 45 North, Conroe, TX 77385; phone 281-419-1599. This facility accepts most forms of public and private insurance. The fees at Maternal and Family are set by that facility, not by me.