FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

BrightStart Pediatrics offers infants and children with special needs and their families a level of comfort and the best possible outcomes through our unique program.

What is a PPEC? The acronym stands for Prescribed Pediatric Extended Care. In a PPEC center, children with special health care needs receive nursing intervention and medical supervision.

What qualifies a child for the PPEC program? An infant or child with some form of nursing intervention is a candidate for the program. A physician signs an order for PPEC services to begin. This may include infants or children with:

• Apnea monitoring
• Oxygen administration
• Tube feedings
• Tracheostomy care
• Frequent medication administration (such as IV medications)
• Ventilator management

Is this a day care center? Not in the conventional sense. Care is provided by registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and other qualified personnel such as paramedics and nursing assistants. Children who attend PPEC have conditions that require nursing intervention - apneic episodes, pump feedings, gastrostomy tube care, tracheostomy care, and ventilator management. Therapy is usually an integral part of the care for these children; physical, speech and occupational therapy evaluations and ongoing treatment are also conducted in the center.

Is this new? PPEC centers have been active in Florida since 1995. PPEC centers are licensed and regulated by the State of Florida.

What areas does BrightStart serve? We have two centers in Central Florida. The Orlando center serves central and south Orlando and southern Orange county, along with Osceola and eastern Polk counties. This includes Kissimmee and St Cloud.

The Sanford center serves Seminole county, along with western Volusia and eastern Lake counties. This includes Sanford, Oviedo, Winter Springs, Altamonte Springs, Longwood, Casselberry, Deltona, Debary, Orange City and Deland.

Why is this good for my child? PPEC offers many advantages for a child with special health needs:

* PPEC centers are a more reliable health care option than home care services

* PPEC centers offer socialization for the child, reducing the isolation of home care services

* PPEC provides a central location for therapy services, promoting better coordination of care between nursing and therapy

Who pays for PPEC? Fees for PPEC and therapy are filed with insurance payers. Patients eligible for Florida Medicaid are fully covered for PPEC and therapy services.

Need to know more? Please contact us! We're happy to discuss your specific needs, answer your questions, and provide you with more information about BrightStart Pediatrics.