Frequently Asked Questions

Answers about appointments, policies, insurance, newborns, and the care we provide.

Appointments & General Policies

Scheduling is easy and convenient. Call our office directly or request an appointment through our secure online patient portal. We do our best to accommodate your preferred date and time and always reserve space for same-day sick visits.

Monday – Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Telehealth is available by request during regular hours & after hours. See our Contact page for address and map.

Yes. We reserve appointments each day specifically for sick and urgent visits. Please call us directly or book online so we can prioritize your child’s care right away.

We kindly ask for at least 24 hours’ notice for cancellations, as a courtesy to other families and to respect Dr. Maghen’s time. Late cancellations and missed appointments may incur a fee. Please bring your photo ID and insurance card to each visit.

Yes, and we are so glad you found us. We warmly welcome new patients and their families and look forward to being your partner in your child’s health journey.

We do not charge any yearly or concierge fee at this time. There is a $20 fee for forms to be filled out, which we request you submit beforehand or bring at the time of the visit. Please note that the annual fee policy is subject to change.

Insurance & Fees

We are in-network with most major PPO plans, including Anthem Blue Cross, Blue Shield, Aetna, Cigna & United Healthcare. Don’t see your plan? Give us a call — we may still be able to see your child.

Yes. We offer self-pay options and a sliding scale fee structure, because we believe every child deserves excellent care regardless of insurance status. We will never turn a family away for inability to pay.

We accept cash, all major credit cards, debit cards, and HSA/FSA cards. Payment is due at the time of service.

Yes. For families who need flexibility, payment arrangements can be made through our billing coordinator. Please don’t let finances be a barrier — just ask and we will work something out together.

Prenatal Visits & Newborns

Yes, and we highly encourage them. Dr. Maghen welcomes expectant families for a complimentary prenatal visit before your baby arrives. Bring your whole village — mom, dad, partners, grandparents, whoever makes up your team. Dr. Maghen will sit with you unhurried, get to know your family, and walk you through exactly what to expect in those first magical hours after delivery, from newborn exams and procedures to feeding, weight checks, jaundice screening, and your baby’s very first well visit. No question is too small.

Anytime during your third trimester works well, though earlier is always welcome. We recommend scheduling between 32 and 36 weeks so there is plenty of time to get acquainted before your due date.

Dr. Maghen will walk you through the entire newborn hospital process during your prenatal visit — including the initial newborn exam, Vitamin K and eye ointment administration, hearing screen, bilirubin check, metabolic screening, and your discharge instructions. By the time your baby arrives, you will already know exactly what to expect.

Most newborns come in for their first office visit within 2 to 5 days of discharge, depending on birth weight and feeding. Dr. Maghen will confirm this timing with you before you leave the hospital.

Well Visits & Preventive Care

We follow the AAP Bright Futures schedule, which recommends visits at: post-discharge from the nursery, 2 weeks, 1 month, 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, 9 months, 12 months, 15 months, 18 months, 24 months and annually from age 3 through 21. These visits are the foundation of your child’s health — don’t skip them.

Every well visit includes a comprehensive physical exam, growth and developmental screening, vision and hearing checks, age-appropriate vaccines, lab screening where indicated, and plenty of time to discuss any concerns you have as a parent. No agenda is too long.

Yes. We complete all required California school, sports, and camp physical forms. Call ahead to schedule so we can have everything ready for your deadline.

Sick Visits & Urgent Care

As a general guide: contact us first. If your child has a fever, ear pain, sore throat, rash, cough, vomiting, or any concern that worries you, contact us and we will help you decide the best next step. We reserve same-day sick appointments every day for exactly these moments. In the case of a true emergency, never hesitate to call 911.

Contact us. Dr. Maghen makes himself personally available for true emergencies and urgent concerns outside of regular office hours. Just like you, Dr. Maghen places a strong emphasis on family time in the evening and weekends. We kindly ask that if there are any concerns that can wait, please contact us the next day.

Yes. Many concerns — rashes, mild illness, medication follow-ups, behavioral check-ins — can be addressed effectively over video. For other concerns such as ear pain, throat pain, difficulty breathing, or anything else that requires an in-person look, patients need to be evaluated in person.

Dr. Maghen will strive to be available to the best of his abilities, but if he is out of the office, he will arrange coverage beforehand and notify patients so they will always know where to turn. Dr. Maghen observes the Sabbath (and really enjoys his day of rest), and will not answer non-urgent messages during the Sabbath and Jewish holidays. For true emergencies, he is always available.

Developmental & Behavioral Health

Yes. Dr. Maghen evaluates, diagnoses, and treats ADHD using evidence-based tools including the Vanderbilt Assessment Scale completed by both parents and teachers. He also helps families navigate school accommodations, 504 plans, and IEPs.

Absolutely. Dr. Maghen screens for anxiety, depression, and substance use as part of routine adolescent care and takes every concern seriously. He works collaboratively with therapists, psychologists, and psychiatrists to ensure your child gets the full support they need.