FAQ

Developmental-Behavioral Pediatricians are medical doctors who have completed four years of medical school, three years of residency training in pediatrics, board certification in pediatrics, three years of subspecialty training, and board certification in developmental and behavioral pediatrics. They evaluate, diagnose, and support children with a variety of developmental differences such as developmental delays, speech and language disorders, autism, attention and learning challenges, and sensory processing difficulties. Developmental-behavioral pediatricians strive to connect families with appropriate educational supports, community resources, and healthcare services. They often work together with other professionals including speech and language pathologists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, feeding therapists, educators, psychologists, neurologists, child psychiatrists, nurse practitioners, care coordinators, and social workers.

As a parent, you may start to wonder whether your child’s development, behavior, or learning is on track—especially when certain patterns seem different from what’s typical for their age. A consultation with a Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrician (DBP) can help clarify these concerns and guide next steps.

Here are some common reasons parents seek an evaluation:

Delays in Reaching Developmental Milestones

If a child is notably behind peers in areas such as walking, talking, or social interaction, a developmental evaluation can help determine whether these delays reflect underlying challenges. These may involve motor skills, language development, or social engagement.

Behavioral Challenges

Ongoing concerns like frequent tantrums, difficulty following instructions, or struggles with changes in routine may signal behavioral or emotional concerns. Such patterns can impact a child’s functioning at home, school, or with peers.

Learning and Academic Struggles

If a child has difficulty with reading, writing, math, or shows signs of inattention or hyperactivity that affect school performance, a DBP can evaluate for conditions such as ADHD or learning disorders.

Challenges in Social Interaction

Children who have trouble forming friendships, interpreting social cues, or engaging in typical conversation may benefit from assessment for autism spectrum disorder or other social communication difficulties.

Speech and Language Concerns

When a child isn’t meeting language milestones, has limited vocabulary, or is difficult to understand, a DBP can assess whether referral to a speech-language pathologist or other specialist is appropriate. 

Feeding or Sleep Issues

Chronic feeding problems (such as picky eating, refusing food groups, or difficulty swallowing) or sleep disturbances (such as trouble falling asleep or staying asleep) may also indicate developmental or regulatory disorders that a DBP can address.

Prematurity or Family History

Children born prematurely or those with a family history of developmental delays, learning differences, or behavioral challenges may benefit from early screening and close developmental monitoring.

A consultation with a Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrician offers families insight, reassurance, and a personalized care plan. In many practices, parents seek this type of support to better understand their child’s needs and access early interventions that can make a lasting difference.

Yes. We accept the following health insurances:

• Blue Cross of Idaho

• BCBS PPO (Out-of-State Plans)

• BCBS Federal Employee Program

• Regence BlueShield

• Select Health

• St. Alphonsus Health Alliance

• St. Luke’s Health Partners

• First Choice

• Moda Health

• Mountain Health Co-op

• PacificSource Health Plans

All other insurances are considered out of network. Families can use a credit card or their Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA) funds to pay for visits.

A superbill is provided, which is a detailed receipt that includes information inclduing diagnosis codes (ICD-10) and procedure codes (CPT) necessary for insurance claims.

After the visit, patients can submit the superbill to their insurance company, which may reimburse them directly depending on their plan and coverage.

A few schedule is available upon request.

During a developmental pediatric consultation, we conduct a thorough and standardized assessment of your child's developmental and behavioral skills, including their gross motor, visual/fine motor, speech/language, social engagement and temperament. We then  write a report summarizing our findings, create a personalized care plan, and provide guidance and support to help you implement it effectively.

A virtual or telehealth initial visit with a Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrician can be particularly valuable because it allows the clinician to observe the child in their natural learning environment—their own home. This setting offers several important advantages:

1. Comfort and Reduced Anxiety

Being in a familiar place often helps children feel more relaxed and secure. This can lead to more authentic behavior and communication, especially for children who may feel anxious in unfamiliar clinical settings.

2. Naturalistic Observation

The provider can observe how the child interacts with:

• Familiar caregivers and siblings

• Preferred toys and activities

• Daily routines and transitions

This real-world context provides insight into the child’s developmental and behavioral profile that might not be evident in a clinic.

3. Functional Communication and Play

The child’s natural communication style, play behaviors, and problem-solving skills are often more apparent when they're engaging with toys and people they know. This can help identify developmental strengths and challenges more accurately.

4. Parent Coaching and Collaboration

• Telehealth visits can be interactive and collaborative, allowing the pediatrician to:

  • Coach caregivers in real time

  • Ask for demonstrations of specific skills or behaviors

  • Observe parent-child interactions without disrupting the child’s routine

5. Accessibility and Convenience

Families can attend the appointment without the stress of travel, which is particularly helpful if the child has sensory sensitivities, mobility issues, or difficulty with transitions.

In short, a telehealth visit allows for a more ecologically valid assessment—one that reflects how the child functions in everyday life. This context-rich approach can enhance diagnostic accuracy and guide individualized recommendations.

We understand that waiting can be difficult when you're concerned about your child's development. Our current wait time for new patient appointments is approximately 2 to 3 months. 

Yes. We recommend all patients have their primary care provider fax a referral to (208) 593-4834. 

Why a Referral Can Be Helpful

• Insurance Coverage: A referral may be required for your visit to be covered.

• Coordinated Care: Your child’s primary care provider (PCP) can share important medical history and test results.

• Teamwork: Referrals help keep all your child’s providers informed and working together.

What to Do

Talk to your child's primary care provider. They can help get the process started.

Early and coordinated care can make a big difference—we’re here to help.