To provide each patient with the time and attention necessary to treat them in an integrative, holistic, and personalized manner, we cannot accept insurance, HSA, or FSA for our direct services. Dr. Adame is an out of network physician for all insurance plans. However, you can use your insurance for lab work, medications, and IVIG. We process prior authorizations for IVIG, and we will appeal any denials, but the ultimate decision for approval of coverage depends on the insurance company. This varies by state.

We ABSOLUTELY see patients from other states, but they have to be physically at our clinic in Culver to meet with Dr. Adame within a few weeks after enrolling and before she orders medications and IVIG. Most follow up visits can be done virtually. Dr. Adame is licensed in Indiana only (for now!), so she must see your child in person, at our Culver location to establish a legal, doctor-patient relationship. The in person visit is also necessary so Dr. Adame can obtain a baseline physical examination in case your child experiences a reaction to IVIG or other medications. Make it a day or a short overnight trip when you come to your appointments! Culver is our amazing small town by the lake!

There is a short wait list. It takes about 2-4 weeks to join our practice, but we promise we are worth the wait!

Yes, membership can be cancelled at anytime. We understand circumstances and needs change. We aim to make cancellations and transfer to your new practice as seamless as possible. We will send your children’s medical records to their new doctor upon your request in writing. If you change your mind and decide to re-enroll your children with Culver Pediatrics Center, a re-enrollment fee of $1,000 per child will be charged to your credit card to reactivate their membership.

We typically order IVIG to The Memorial Beacon Outpatient Infusion Center, located approximately 50 minutes north of Culver Peds. They are highly-skilled and we have an excellent relationship with the infusion center. Dr. Adame will order IVIG if this high-risk intervention is indicated for your child. IVIG infusion is an outpatient service that takes two full days. If you do not live conveniently located to the South Bend, IN area we can work with you to find an infusion center near you. Please keep in mind that Dr. Adame is only licensed in Indiana (for now!). Depending on the center and insurance, an out-of-state infusion center may decline her order and you will need to travel to Indiana for IVIG. Our team will file a prior authorization (PA) to your insurance company to cover the cost of the IVIG infusion at the outpatient infusion center. The PA process can take from 2 days to over a month depending on the insurance company and the state where the insurance company is headquartered. We make no guarantees regarding your insurance IVIG coverage. We absolutely will appeal all denials and advocate to the insurance on your behalf, but the decision for approval, authorization, and payment lies with your insurance company.

Dr. Adame is a Western-trained, evidence-based physician. She follows the PANDAS Physician Network treatment algorithm that includes Ibuprofen, Steroids, Antibiotics, and IVIG. Dr. Adame will also explore additional interventions such as Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN) and brain-protective supplements if indicated in your child’s case. She also integrates a holistic approach to reduce inflammation with high-protein, high-fiber, plant-forward nourishment and other non-pharmaceutical interventions. Once remission is achieved, and with shared family decision-making, we encourage a move to UNMEDICATE with close follow up and support.

Dr. Adame is a general pediatrician with expertise in complex cases since her residency. During her career as an academic hospitalist, she diagnosed and treated children with medical complexity and even published a paper on the topic. Families travel to see her for challenging cases besides PANDAS because of her expertise and holistic, integrative approach. If Dr. Adame’s evaluation yields a diagnosis other than PANDAS, she can offer the same level of compassionate and thorough medical care for your child as she does for all her families.

If you have a long drive to see us, or if you wish to be close to Dr. Adame’s office when your child gets IVIG, staying in Culver overnight is a reasonable option. We recommend The Fox’s Den if available. They are located within the Culver Township limits and about a 7 minute drive from Culver Peds. If their space is not available, we recommend reaching out to Jenny Lutrell through her website or email or Mariah Sroufe. If you feel comfortable doing so, you identify yourself as a Culver Pediatrics Center/Dr. Adame patient, Jenny can help you find a one night rental which are challenging to find in Culver.

Some families may want to stay in or near Culver while their child gets IVIG and for a day or two after in case they experience adverse effects. For dining options, we love Culver Coffee Company and Frida’s Mexican Restaurant. There is a CVS pharmacy and small grocery store in Culver. Plymouth (about 20-25 minutes North of Culver), has Walmart, ALDI, and Kroger, as well as CVS and Walgreens. Be sure to shop at Culver’s Main Street stores while you are here. The Culver Visitor Center Website is a great resource to plan your stay.