• We are continuing to see an increased number of viral respiratory illnesses in our pediatric population. We have received many updates regarding overflow of hospitals and urgent cares. Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta continues to experience high volumes of patients with high fevers and has provided a very thorough guideline for how to treat fevers.

    PLEASE SEE THE ATTACHED DOCUMENT FOR FEVER INFORMATION.

    For concerns regarding your sick child and to expedite care, please contact our Nurse Hannah Freeman via the patient portal during normal business hours. This will ensure a timely response as Dr. Hassel cares for patients in the office. Monday-Friday 8am-5pm.

    For after hours EMERGENCIES, please use our answering service to page Dr. Hassel so she can provide guidance on where to take your sick child.

    FLU SHOTS STILL AVAILABLE!

  • Influenza/ Flu Season is fast approaching. We will offer Flu Shots during office visits and well check ups as well as during Flu Clinics.

    Our first Flu Clinic will be on Wednesday, September 20th. This is a nurse visit only. There are 10 available slots. Please call our front desk to schedule.

    *Patients 6months to 2 years of age must be up to date on Well Visits.

    *We will not be offering COVID 19 vaccines at this time. For more information regarding recommendations for COVID 19 vaccines, refer to CHOA.org or CDC.gov.

  • As we welcome our kiddos back to school and Our Village continues to grow and thrive, we want to send out a few helpful reminders. This Village thrives when we work together.

    Using the Patient Portal for each of your children allows us to more efficiently manage their care. Our Front Desk staff is happy to assist with any issues or questions.

    Patient Portal:

    My Health Record tab: View growth charts on Vital Trends, Lab Orders and Lab Results

    Prescription tab: Request Refill-only prescriptions with active refills will be listed. If no refills remain, please call to schedule an appointment. For all other requests or if a medication is not listed, please send a message to our Clinic Staff.

    Patient Forms tab: Prior to Well Child Checks for Ages 2 months-5 yrs: Complete Age appropriate ASQ.

    Message Center tab: For all Forms including hearing and vision (3300), vaccines (3231), sports, college forms, other school forms- please send a request to our Clinic Staff ONLY. Please allow 3-5 business days to complete requests. Additional time may be required for complex mental health forms and any Katie Beckett forms.

    **For concerns about your sick child, please message our Clinic Staff to ensure a prompt response (Monday-Friday 8-5pm)

    **Please allow 3-5 business days for a response from messages sent directly to Dr. Hassel McNeil.

    Flu Clinic Dates Coming Soon!

    We will be CLOSED from 8/31/2023-9/4/2023. We will resume normal business hours on Tuesday 9/5/2023.

  • School’s out! Bring on the sunshine and lazy summer days!

    As we welcome Summer, we want to send out a few reminders:

    July Office Closing: We will be closed July 3-7. We will reopen for normal business hours at 8:30am, Monday July 10.

    During this time Dr. Hassel McNeil will monitor her Inbox and respond to URGENT or TIME SENSITIVE matters only. If you are experiencing an emergency, please call 911 or go to the Emergency Room at Kennestone Pediatric ER or Scottish Rite ER. Please see CHOA.org for a list of Urgent Care facilities if needed.

    Forms: School Enrollment, College Registration, Sports/Camp Forms

    *Children enrolling in a new county or a new school will require the 3231 Vaccine Form as well as the 3300 Health Form-including Dental, Hearing, Vision. If you are not sure if your child needs these forms or needs updated evaluations, please send our Clinical Staff a message. You can message directly through the portal to Hannah Freeman or Joscelin Delgado. Please allow 3-5 business days for all forms to be completed.

    *College Forms and Sports/Camp Forms are specific to each student- make sure you have the correct form and send a message directly to our clinical staff to complete and review.

    Well Child Check Ups: Please call to schedule your child's wellness exam during their birthday month. If you need non-urgent concerns addressed prior to their birthday month, please call to schedule an Office Visit.

  • Spring is Coming!

    As we welcome Spring, we want to send out a few reminders.

    Forms: Registration for Kindergarten is upon us! Any child entering Pre K or Kindergarten in August 2023 will likely need the 3300- Nutrition, Dental, Hearing and Vision form, as well as the 3231 Vaccination form. If you are enrolling in a new school or moving to another county, these forms will be needed as well. If you are not sure if your child needs these forms or needs updated evaluations, please send our clinical staff a message.

    You can message directly through the portal to Hannah Freeman or Joscelin Delgado.

    Well Child Check Ups: Please call to schedule your child's wellness exam during their birthday month. If you need non-urgent concerns addressed prior to their birthday month, they can be seen for an office visit.

    • All forms or questions about forms or sports physicals, referrals and therapy referrals, should be sent to clinical staff through direct message on patient portal.

    Actualización de Marzo del 2023

    ¡La primavera está por llegar!

    Mientras damos la bienvenida a la primavera, queremos enviar algunos recordatorios.

    Formularios: ¡La registraccion para el kínder está sobre nosotros! Cualquier niño que ingrese a prekínder o kínder en agosto de 2023 probablemente necesitará el formulario 3300- Nutrición, odontología, audición y visión, así como el formulario 3231 Vacunación. Si se está inscribiendo en una nueva escuela o se está mudando a otro condado, también necesitará estos formularios. Si no está seguro si su hijo necesita estos formularios o necesita evaluaciones actualizadas, envíe un mensaje a nuestro personal clínico.

    Puede enviar mensajes directamente a través del portal de pacientes a Hannah Freeman o Joscelin Delgado.

    Chequeos anual de niños: Llame para agendar la cita anual de su hijo en el mes de su cumpleaños. Si necesita que se vea su hijo por razones que no sean urgentes antes del mes de su cumpleaños, se podra ver para una visita de officina.

    • Todos los formularios o preguntas sobre formularios o exámenes físicos deportivos, referidos y referidos de terapia, deben ser enviados al personal clínico a través de un mensaje directo por el portal de paccientes.

  • As we approach Thanksgiving Week, we would like our families to be aware of the following schedule changes so our staff can enjoy the holiday with their families.

    Thanksgiving Week Holiday Hours - November 21-28

    Monday and Tuesday- 830-530. Regular hours. SICK Visits

    Wednesday: 830-12pm -SICK Visits

    Thursday and Friday CLOSED

    Please call to schedule if your child is sick and needs to be seen.

    Our nurse- Hannah Freeman will triage phone calls and portal messages during normal business hours until 12pm on Wednesday.

    Any message received after 12pm on Wednesday the 23rd will be reviewed on Monday the 28th.

    For URGENT concerns ONLY, message Dr. Hassel McNeil. Please allow 2-4 hours for a response.

    If you need EMERGENT Guidance and have not received a reply from Dr. Hassel McNeil, please contact the Answering Service.

    If your child requires urgent medical care while we are away- please visit Children's Healthcare of Atlanta Urgent Care on Riverstone Parkway, Kennestone Pediatric ER or Scottish Rite ER.

    Enjoy the Holiday Week!

    **** please note that ALL of our local Hospitals, Urgent Care Centers and Pediatric offices are experiencing a significant surge in Respiratory illnesses. Wait times will be prolonged everywhere.

    The guidance that Dr. Hassel McNeil and her Staff offer is designed to minimize the need for unnecessary Urgent Care and Emergency Visits BUT requires working with us and following our recommendations.

    Our Staff priority will remain TRIAGE- this means our patients at highest risk will receive top priority.

    HIGH RISK: Newborn through 24 months. Premature infants; Chronic Medical Conditions; Recent Hospitalization.

    Our Village Pediatrics Staff

  • We are continuing to experience higher volumes of calls and sick patients as the respiratory viral season is ramping up. Hospitals and Urgent Cares are also experiencing higher volumes and longer wait times. Here are a few reminders so that we can care for your children most effectively:

    • Nurse Triage Available- Please FIRST send messages via the patient portal to our Clinical Staff: Hannah Freeman, LPN to assist in assessing your child's needs. This will expedite communication with Dr. Hassel and planning for your sick child.

    • Flu Clinic- Flu Clinic is available for children over 6months on Wednesday afternoons. Please call for an appointment. (nurse visits ONLY)

    • Urgent Care or Emergency Room? - If you are unsure about where to take your child, please review these helpful guidelines from CHOA. **Kennestone Pediatric Emergency Room in Marietta, GA is also staffed by Children's Healthcare of Atlanta Physicians and is another option for Pediatric ER needs.

    Click here for link to CHOA

  • As we prepare for a busy Fall and Winter respiratory season, we would like to remind our existing patients that Our Village Pediatrics is a partnership. Please be aware that all hospitals and urgent care facilities are also experiencing higher volumes and require extra patience. Please call for an appointment or message our nurses for advice and guidance. Understand we have limited availability for sick appointments. Dr. Hassel and staff will be carefully triaging our patients and prioritizing the needs of our families. In the event that we are not able to attend to your child in a timely fashion, we will offer advice as needed or refer you to the closest children's urgent care facility or hospital. Please review the following guidelines so we can optimize the care of your family.

    *Please make sure you have portal access. If you need help accessing your patient portal, please call our front desk staff. Your patient portal is tied to EACH child. Please do not send messages or concerns for multiple children, these must be separated for the individual patient.

    *Nurse Triage available- If you have questions about whether or not your child needs to be seen, please send a message on the portal to CLINIC STAFF, Hannah Freeman, LPN.

    *Forms and Prescription Refills: For ALL forms, please send directly to CLINIC STAFF. ALL Prescription Refills need to be placed through the Prescription Tab. If the prescription is not listed, please contact us.

    *Flu clinic will be available Wednesdays from 2-5. Please call for appointments. Patients under the age of 2 must be up to date on their well checks. Patients older than 2 can call to schedule flu vaccine ONLY appointments. Any further concerns will need to be rescheduled at a further date.

    *If your child needs to be seen for urgent or emergency care, please follow this link for information and locations on what facility to choose:

    https://www.choa.org/medical-services/urgent-care

    Kennestone Pediatric Emergency Room also available and staffed by CHOA Physicians. 115 Cherry St, Marietta, GA 30060

  • If you or your child is experiencing a life-threatening medical situation, please call 9-1-1. If your child has consumed something that they should not have, or you are not sure about, please visit this link https://www.georgiapoisoncenter.org/

    CHOA

    Kennestone

    CDC

    Concussion Hotline - 404-785-KIDS

    Suicide Prevention Hotline - 988

  • Influenza/ Flu Season is fast approaching. We will offer Flu Shots during office visits and well check ups as well as during Flu Clinics. Our first Flu Clinic will be on Wednesday, September 28th. This is a nurse visit only. There are 10 available slots. Please call our front desk to schedule.

    *Patients 6months to 2 years of age must be up to date on Well Visits.

    *We will not be offering COVID 19 vaccines at this time. For a list of locations offering these shots, please refer to CHOA.org.

    https://www.choa.org/medical-services/infectious-diseases/covid-19/vaccination

  • Dr. Hassel McNeil will be out of the office this Friday, Sept 23rd for a Family Obligation. Our Village Pediatric Staff will be available from 830- 12pm. The office will be closed Friday afternoon. Our regular office hours will resume on Monday, September 26th. Messages will be monitored while the office is closed. For Emergency, please call 911. For Urgent issues, please contact our Answering Service.

    Thank you for your patience and understanding.

  • Please be advised of our Labor Day weekend hours!

    Thursday, September 1 - 8:30am-5pm

    Friday, September 2 - 8:30am-12pm

    Saturday, September 3 - Closed

    Sunday, September 4- Closed

    Monday, September 5 - Closed

    Tuesday, September 6 - 8:30am-5pm

    If any urgent medical issues arise while our office is closed, see the links above to access the resources we recommend.

    Thank you!

  • Please be advised that Respiratory Season has started early, causing increased demands on Our Village Pediatrics, the local Pediatric Community and area Hospitals.

    Pediatric services at CHOA and WellStar Hospitals are at capacity, leading to extended wait times and even diversion to distant Hospital Facilities.

    Please bear with us as we triage calls and manage limited availability for appointments.

    You may message the Nursing Staff or Dr. Hassel McNeil so that we can manage acute or urgent needs. Please message the staff for forms and other requests.

    Please do remember to arrive with your Masks for everyone over 5 years of age. Remember that Masks limit exposure to this current RSV outbreak, as well as COVID and other respiratory viruses.

    Your appointment may be canceled if you are not able to comply with our efforts to protect Staff and our vulnerable patient population.

    We must limit one Adult per patient for all patients over 6months of age.

    Thank you for your assistance and support.

    - Dr. HM

  • Prescribing and Monitoring Controlled Substances and other Psychotropic medications require a high level of medical diligence and professional responsibility. It is an obligation that I take very seriously for the safety and protection of your child and family. This obligation to protect and safeguard extends to this Practice and my Medical Licensure.

    It is for that reason that I must receive and review your child’s medical records, including documentation of the diagnosis requiring this Class of Medications before I commit to refilling requested prescriptions.

    I am aware of critical timelines and extenuating circumstances that increase the urgency of prescription refills. I will make every reasonable effort to accommodate your request. However, there should be no expectation that any prescription request will be automatically refilled without review, and my medical decision-making

    You are welcome to schedule an Office Visit or Well Visit where we will review your child’s medical history and specific needs. At that time I will discuss options to obtain the necessary documentation or confirmation of the diagnosis to ensure future prescription refills.

    Please contact me for further clarification or questions. I look forward to working with you and your family.

  • -Masks are required as you enter our office as we continue to protect and care for our vulnerable population and our staff.

    Please arrive with your mask to avoid the need to reschedule your appointment.

    Children over 5 and all adults should remain masked until instructed by Staff that it is safe to remove them.

    Even as COVID activity decreases in our community, other respiratory pathogens continue to cause serious illnesses and hospitalizations.

    -New Patients

    We will begin registration this summer. Check here for notice of when to call for registration.

    Please follow the following steps-

    *Once registration is complete, you will receive an email notification to set up Patient Portal Access for each child’s Medical Record.

    *In the Document section, you will find a Medical Records Release form. Complete and send to your current/previous Physician.

    *Once the records are received and reviewed, we will contact you to schedule your child’s appointment.

    *Please review and sign the Legal Documents.

    **Please review and sign our Immunization Policy Form.

    Our Village Pediatrics follows the American Academy of Pediatrics and CDC guidelines for Pediatric immunizations.

  • March is the month of New Beginnings.

    For me, it has been the month for reflection, review and reaffirmation.

    In March 2018, I made the decision to pursue a new path reflecting my vision of comprehensive and attentive pediatric care. The result is Our Village Pediatrics.

    In my wildest dreams (and nightmares) I could not have imagined nor predicted the challenges and triumphs in the intervening 4 years.

    March 2020, brought the dawn of this COVID era with unprecedented challenges, moments of heartbreak and happiness. This required another round of re-navigating the course.

    March 2022 now presents an opportunity to reset, refocus and readjust. As we undergo a Universal “reset” from COVID’s impact, we look forward to brighter horizons.

    The impact on staffing and supply chain disruptions persist in almost every aspect of our everyday lives. Our Village Pediatrics has not escaped this challenge. This revelation opened a hopeful path forward…

    In order to provide my best medical practice and attentive care, I must refocus priorities and practices based on the staff and resources that I have available.

    As Our Village grows, our search continues for awesome, dedicated Staff members. At present, there are times when I am “THE” Staff. This will impact my availability for appointments and responses to messages and requests.

    The limitations and adjustments this requires will not be ideal for some in Our Village.

    My staff and I will make every effort to provide the best available options for your family.

    I must acknowledge that our best may not meet your families’ needs nor expectations. We will be happy to recommend our Pediatric Neighbors in the community.

    For immunizations, another option is Cherokee County Health Department, https://nghd.org/nghd-locations-listing/item/canton-health

    We do appreciate your understanding and support during this time of renewal.

    Thank you,

    Dr. Hassel McNeil

  • It's Presidents Day and the start of Winter Break for many.

    COVID activity continues to decrease. My review of available data and local activity shows that the "Usual Suspects" are responsible for most current Viral infections.

    Rhinovirus/Enterovirus was most prevalent, followed by COVID and Influenza A.

    School breaks provide opportunities to relax and reconnect, but also for Viral activity to increase as many travel and gather.

    Please message me if you have questions about the Similac Formula recall recently announced by the FDA.

    https://www.fda.gov/.../fda-warns-consumers-not-use...

    Keep minding your "cooties", instead spread kindness, patience and consideration for your fellow humans.

  • Happy St. Valentine's Day. Share all the treats and hugs...but not the Germs. COVID numbers continue to trend downward. This week at CHOA and in Our Village shows an increase in Adenovirus/ Enterovirus/Rhinovirus. These 3 common Winter Viruses can cause Hand Foot and Mouth, Gastroenteritis as well as Respiratory symptoms that can overlap with Omicron symptoms.

    Masks and Handwashing will always remain your first best steps to avoid these unwanted "gifts"

  • Happy Monday! Omicron activity continues a downward trend. We remain in the midst of Respiratory Viral Season, but this week there has been a significant increase in Viral Gastroenteritis , commonly called a "Stomach Bug".

    Universal Contagion Control practices- what I explain as "Assume everyone is Germy" -protects against all Contagious Illnesses and is your best defense. Keep your distance, wash your hands, cover your Respiratory emissions.

    Have a great week!

  • Omicron numbers in the community continue a slow trend downward. Remember that Universal Contagion Control measures protect against ALL of the Respiratory viruses that circulate this time of year. Mindful protection of yourself and your families remains the best way forward as we look forward to brighter and better days.

    The entire Medical Community continues to face challenges with Staffing shortages, as well as delays and shortages of Medical Supplies and Vaccines. Our Village Pediatrics, LLC opened in the midst of these unprecedented times.

    We continue our best efforts to provide attentive, quality care for Our Villagers. We very much appreciate your understanding, patience and support during these epic times.

  • A day for reflection and service

    I hope all remain safe and warm and that you enjoyed our brief Winter Wonderland. We hope that Omicron leaves as swiftly as the snow flurries.

    We must continue our efforts to protect our vulnerable patients and my staff. This week, temperatures will be too cold for Parking Lot appointments, but please message for guidance regarding care at home or Televisit appointments. I will continue to monitor community activity and adjust our appointment availability regularly.

    CHOA's COVID-19 Resource page has helpful information including sites for testing.

    https://www.choa.org/.../infectious.../covid-19/testing

    Vaccine Locations can be found using this locator tool

    https://www.vaccines.gov/

    Please message for questions or concerns.

    Keep well and safe. Consider an Act of Service or Kindness on this important day.

    Let's see some "Our Village" Winter Wonderland Pictures! You can share in our Closed Facebook Group- Our Village Center

  • Good Day OVP Villagers

    Here is this week's update.

    We hope that reports of a decline in this current surge prove true...and the curve bends quickly.

    I have reviewed the most recent reports and data regarding the Omicron Variant. It continues to account for the majority of reported Respiratory Tests. Most patients who are seen in Urgent Care or the ER do not require admission to the hospital. Urgent Care and ER wait times remain very long. Please consider carefully before seeking care in the Urgent Care or ER.

    Due to relatively mild symptoms, and decreased contagion control precautions, it continues to surge through our community and our "Village". In spite of our efforts to screen families, limit access and protect our staff and families, we continue to have unacceptable levels of COVID exposures in our office.

    We must continue our In-Office restrictions.

    Our priority will remain Well Infants, Time-critical vaccine visits, and our immunocompromised patients. We will continue to triage patients for consideration of Telemedicine or Parking Lot Visits ( weather permitting).

    Please message the Clinical Staff for guidance regarding in-home care, appointments, or Urgent Care/ER Warning signs.

    Please continue to follow recommended guidelines regarding Masks, hand washing, and Social Distancing.

    Keep well and safe!

    -Dr. H.M.

  • Good Day and Happy New Year to all the OVP Villagers.

    All are aware of the major widespread impact of this current Omicron Variant Surge. Although it is less virulent (generally causing less serious illness), it is HIGHLY contagious. A positive COVID exposure or test causes many disruptions for school, work, and Medical Facilities. Many Medical offices have been forced to close down as a result. We are making every effort to protect our families and our staff to provide good clinical care. As a result, we must adjust the access and management of our patients.

    We will adopt the following measures for the next several weeks

    Sick Patients

    Please utilize the Message Center in your Patient Portal to message Dr. Hassel McNeil. I can then offer guidance for in-home care or determine if a Parking Lot Visit or TeleVisit is an option for your child.

    In-Office evaluations must now be carefully limited due to the dramatic increase of Positive Screens in our office.

    It is important to note that Omicron is widespread in the community because many individuals do not have Fever or "typical" symptoms which leads to unintended exposure and risk.

    A positive test or contact in my office could force me to CLOSE the Office completely down to protect my staff and myself. Please help us protect this space.

    Well Visits

    -Scheduled: If you or your child have Fever, COVID exposure, or ANY symptoms of a Viral infection, please consider rescheduling your appointment. If you are unsure, please message me for further guidance.

    -Future appointments for most Well Visits not requiring Time-Critical Vaccinations will be scheduled for February. Please message if your child has urgent needs or special circumstances.

    If you do keep your appointment, please limit ONE Adult with ONE patient. All should arrive masked. We will expedite your visit in our office and follow up via Message or schedule TeleVisit to address other concerns or questions.

    Our local Urgent Cares and Emergency Rooms are also struggling to provide timely care for the sickest patients. Many have encountered long wait times and risk the possibility of exposure to other illnesses.

    Let us help you and your family manage illnesses and concerns in the safest manner possible.

    -Dr. HM

  • Happy New Year’s Eve

    I hope you and your family remain happy and well as we approach a fresh and shiny new year. The Omicron variant of COVID continues to have a significant impact on every aspect of our lives.

    I continue to monitor all available resources and how they may affect your family in the days and weeks ahead.

    There are a few important points from my colleagues in community practice, Emergency Rooms, and Hospitals that will hopefully provide some reassurance and guidance.

    -Omicron appears to be highly contagious, but less likely to cause severe disease for the majority affected.

    -Most children requiring hospitalization have underlying conditions and are not vaccinated against COVID.

    -Infants and children too young for vaccination rarely require hospitalization.

    -Common Respiratory Viruses such as RSV, Rhinovirus, Influenza remain at high levels.

    Based on this, I offer the following information and general guidance.

    -It is strongly recommended that you “shelter in place”.

    -Manage symptoms at home. Priorities remain hydration and monitoring respiratory status.

    -Due to the significant widespread shortage of Rapid COVID Testing options, test sparingly and judiciously. A guiding principle is answering the question, “What will I do with the results?”

    -Since Omicron has spread so rapidly, expect increased numbers of Positive tests. The focus remains on the Clinical Symptoms- REGARDLESS of test results, which have varying levels of accuracy.

    This week, Our Village Pediatrics will continue to prioritize and protect our healthy and vulnerable patients. In-Person care will be reserved for asymptomatic Well Child Care. We must continue to triage patients to limit the impact of this current surge on our staff and patients.

    Please message me for guidance and questions for your family, using the Patient Portal. I can then determine if continued home monitoring is recommended or if Tele-visit or Parking Lot Evaluations are necessary.

    PLEASE UTILIZE YOUR PATIENT PORTAL to contact me. Appropriate Clinical guidance and recommendations should be shared in a HIPAA secured, private space. My staff and I wish you and your family a Happy Healthy and Joyful New Year. Remain hopeful and kind!

    -Dr. HM

  • The COVID-19 Omicron variant has hit our community and and made its way into our Village. Due to an unexpected staff shortage, we must increase our efforts to protect our staff and patients. We have limited availability for telemedicine appointments and sick visits for December 29 and 30. Please message Dr. Hassel McNeil through the patient portal for urgent questions or needs so that she can properly triage appointments and offer guidance.

    -Dr. HM

  • We have received our flu vaccine supply, please call or message Dr. Hassel McNeil through the patient portal to set up an appointment to receive the vaccine.

  • We have not received our flu vaccine supply, as of right now. We will post updates when we receive shipments. Until we are able to provide this service, we recommend the following:

    Check with your local pharmacy regarding availability and age limits. We can provide a prescription, if required.

    Your County Health Department also provide immunizations, including flu vaccines. This link should provide you with more information: https://www.nghd.org/nghd-services/item/immunizations