Faq

No, but I am delighted to join your child’s pediatric care team as a specialty consultant. Our integrative pediatric practice is designed to enhance your child’s primary pediatric care, not replace it. Each child must have a personal primary care physician for routine and urgent care.

Pediatric integrative medicine uses conventional medical therapy along with evidence-based complementary therapies with the goal of treating the whole child (mind, body and spirit) for optimal health and wellness.

Integrative medicine is personalized and prevention focused. It is endorsed by the AAP and is supported through research by the NIH’s National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH).

Evidence-based complementary therapies used at SproutWell include nutritional approaches, dietary supplements, microbiome support, botanicals, mind-body therapies, lifestyle medicine, environmental medicine, movement therapies (yoga), auricular acupressure (ear seeds), and therapeutic massage.

The safety and efficacy of other complementary health approaches can be discussed with Dr. Sweeney.

All prospective patients start with an Initial Integrative Consultation with Dr. Julie Sweeney (60 minutes) at SproutWell.

Dr. Sweeney will review any health records/labs from your pediatrician or specialists prior to the visit along with the detailed SproutWell integrative medicine intake packet.

At the visit, Dr. Sweeney will listen to your child’s history and examine your child. She will answer your questions and educate you on evidence-based integrative interventions that are available for your child. She will make therapeutic and lab test recommendations and create an integrative written plan.

If membership is the right fit for your family and/or you have been referred by your pediatrician then Dr. Sweeney will initiate the plan, order labs/ medications/supplements and schedule follow up visits.

A doctor-patient relationship is only established if you decide to move forward with care and sign a Patient Agreement.

The membership model allows me to provide the kind of integrative pediatric care that families are looking for - thoughtful, personalized, and relationship-based. By limiting the number of families I work with, I can offer longer visits, truly get to know each child, and be available for ongoing support between appointments.

Instead of being limited by insurance-driven constraints, this model gives me the time and space to combine conventional medicine with holistic approaches in a way that just isn’t possible in a traditional, high-volume setting.

The SproutWell Membership gives your family a direct, ongoing relationship with Dr. Julie Sweeney, an integrative board-certified pediatrician who partners with you to keep your child thriving.

Your membership includes:

• Unlimited 15-minute check-in calls throughout the year to get answers to your questions and keep your child on track with their health goals

• Four extended follow-up visits (in-person or virtual) for deeper conversations and updates to your child’s plan (Superbills provided)

• Secure text messaging with Dr. Sweeney during office hours for timely support and peace of mind between visits

Because we value close, personalized care, membership is offered to only a limited number of families each year.

Membership is $2,700 annually after the initial consultation, with a payment plan and family pricing available.

Please note: Nutrition visits with Kristen Smaldone, RD, and yoga classes are offered separately and are not included in the annual membership fee.

Yes! Our Project Poop Package is a focused program designed for children struggling with ongoing constipation.

Instead of the “try Miralax and follow up in a few months” approach that many families are frustrated with, this monthly package gives you closer, more supportive care with more options for safe and effective treatment.

After your initial integrative consultation, we will decide if this is the best package for your child. This package includes:

• Weekly scheduled 15 minute parent check-ins to track progress and make adjustments to your child’s integrative personalized plan (x4)

• Direct messaging with Dr. Julie Sweeney for questions and support between visits

This package includes recommendations for foods, medications, supplements, behavior modifications, acupressure and massage. It is perfect for families who want consistent guidance without needing to commit to a full annual membership.

The Project Poop Package monthly fee: $450

Focus Forward: A Whole-Child ADHD Collaboration

A 4-month program for kids ages 5–10 years with integrative pediatrician, Dr. Julie Sweeney, and pediatric registered dietitian, Kristen Smaldone.
Designed to improve focus, behavior and emotional regulation from the inside out.

Whether your child is on ADHD medication or not, we will optimize their health and focus using nutrition, gut support, and personalized strategies.

What’s Included:

• Initial Consultation with Dr. Julie Sweeney
  Comprehensive whole-child assessment and plan for focus, sleep, mood, immune and gut health. Lab orders (if recommended).

• Initial Consultation with Kristen Smaldone, RD
  Nutrition consult with meal strategies, picky eating help & supplement support

• In-depth nutrition analysis
  Personalized review of your child’s dietary patterns and nutrient gaps

• Microbiome/gut health test

• Ongoing direct communication
  Stay connected between visits with both providers. Ask questions, share progress and receive timely support.

• 3 Follow up visits (in-person/telehealth) + collaborative care plan
  Two follow up visits will be collaborative.

Total Package: $2499

Can be paid in 2 monthly installments of $1300.

Superbills will be provided for the visits with Dr. Julie Sweeney.

The initial consultation with Dr. Julie Sweeney must be in-person at SproutWell in CT. Follow-up visits can be telehealth visits if appropriate for the situation and you live in CT or NY.

The Initial Integrative Consultation: $550

Annual Membership: $2700 (includes 4 follow up visits, all check-in phone calls and secure messaging with Dr. Julie Sweeney).

Project Poop Monthly Package: $450

Our fee-for-service pricing:

In-Person or Telehealth Follow Up Visits:

Up to 15 min: $150

Up to 30min: $250

Up to 45min: $375

Phone calls with Dr. Sweeney for brief questions $50-150

*All patients must have an in-person Annual Integrative Visit to remain an established patient.

To provide each patient with the time and attention necessary to treat in an integrative manner, Dr. Julie Sweeney cannot accept insurance.

Not contracting with insurance companies allows her to spend more time with you and your child and allows her to be more accessible. This means your family receives high quality, personalized care.

We are able to provide you with an insurance invoice or "superbill" for the Initial Consultation if you would like to submit it to your insurance as an out of network visit. We also offer a superbill for the Annual Integrative Visit and most follow up visits.

To find out about out of network coverage, call the patient number on the back of your insurance card & ask:

• Does my child have out of network coverage for physician services?

• Do I have an out of network deductible to meet?

• How do I submit claims for reimbursement?

Kristen Smaldone, RD may be able to accept your insurance. Please reach out to Kristen directly for more details.

We accept debit or credit card payments. You are welcome to use your FSA or HSA card. We require each family to have a valid credit card on file. You are responsible for the full cost of the appointment at the time of service.

Please be sure to make changes with at least 24-48 hour advance notice. A fee of $100 will be charged for changes made less than 24 hours in advance of your scheduled appointment time.

I can offer integrative support for children already undergoing treatment for these illnesses by focusing on anti-inflammatory nutrition, gut health, supplements and mind-body therapies. Please book an introductory call with me if you would like to discuss this further.

No. Because SproutWell is not a primary care office and does not administer vaccines, we do not provide medical exemptions. When necessary, these will be provided by your general pediatrician.

Dr. Sweeney is happy to discuss your questions and concerns about vaccines as part of your child’s integrative consultation.