FAQs

Yes, we are welcoming new patients to our practice! Please see the list of insurances that we accept under the Insurances section of our website.

Before scheduling an appointment with our pediatric office, please ensure all healthcare records are shared with us. This helps us facilitate a seamless transition and deliver the highest standard of care tailored to your child’s needs. Medical records give us valuable insight into your child's medical history, past treatments, and ongoing health needs.

Our office is open Monday through Friday.

To make an appointment, please call our office. To ensure the best use of time, for both our clinicians and patients, all of our office visits are by appointment only.

Please refer to our Insurance page to review a list of accepted insurance carriers. Call our office if you have insurance questions.

We know that kids don’t always get sick on a schedule! While Dakota Pediatric Associates is closed after hours, you can leave us a message, and our team will get back to you the next business day.

If your child has an urgent concern that can’t wait, please visit your nearest urgent care or emergency department. They can help assess and treat your child right away.

For non-urgent questions, scheduling, or prescription refills, please give us a call during regular office hours — we’ll be happy to help then.

And remember: if your child is experiencing a life-threatening emergency, call 911 immediately.

A pediatrician is a medical doctor who specializes in the care of children. They have an undergraduate degree, followed by four years of medical school training, followed by three years of pediatric-specific training in a residency program. Pediatricians have undergone special training in the health and illnesses of infants, children, teens, and young adults. To be board-certified, pediatricians need to pass a comprehensive exam from the American Board of Pediatrics.

Pediatricians provide preventive health care for children in good health and medical care for children who are acutely or chronically ill. 

They also provide parents with support and advice on concerns such as growth and development, safety and prevention, nutrition, and emotional wellness to foster a lifetime of good health.

A pediatric gastroenterologist is a medical doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating disorders of the digestive system in infants, children, teens, and young adults. This includes the esophagus, stomach, intestines, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. Pediatric gastroenterologists complete medical school and pediatric residency training, followed by several additional years of subspecialty training in pediatric gastroenterology. They are certified by the American Board of Pediatrics in both general pediatrics and pediatric gastroenterology after passing comprehensive exams.

Pediatric gastroenterologists care for children with a wide range of digestive problems — from common issues like reflux, constipation, and abdominal pain to complex conditions such as celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis), and liver or pancreatic disorders.

They also perform specialized procedures, such as endoscopy and colonoscopy, to help diagnose and manage these conditions. Pediatric gastroenterologists work closely with families to create care plans that promote comfort, healing, and healthy growth at every stage of childhood.

For medication refills, please ensure there are no refills available by calling your pharmacy. If there are no refills available, call our office and our team can assist you. We are dedicated to ensuring your child’s medications are available when needed.

Families that do not vaccinate their children are not a good fit for Dr. Forward's primary care practice. Families that do not wish to protect their children from vaccine-preventable illnesses should establish care at a different clinic.