Some families have told us they aren’t receiving their Phreesia pre‑visit check‑in texts. In many cases, this happens because your phone carrier mistakenly flags Phreesia’s automated sender numbers as spam or advertising. When that happens, the messages are filtered out before you ever see them.

Here are two quick steps that reliably fix the issue:

1. Add Phreesia’s Number to Your Contacts

Phreesia sends messages from short codes (5‑ or 6‑digit numbers) or rotating local numbers.

Adding the number to your contacts tells your phone it’s a trusted sender.

How to do it:

Open the most recent Phreesia text you did receive.
Create a new contact (you can name it “Doctor’s Office Check‑In”).
Save the number or short code.
Once saved, your phone is far less likely to filter future messages.

2. Check Your Spam / Blocked Messages Folder

Depending on your phone, you may need to manually mark these messages as “not spam.”

On iPhone (iOS):

Messages app → Filters or Unknown Senders → Find the Phreesia text → Tap it → Tap the banner at the top → Info → Add to Existing Contact or Create New Contact.

On Android:

Messages app → Three dots (upper corner) → Spam & Blocked → Find the Phreesia text → Tap Not spam or Unblock.

If you've previously opted out of our texts, you can opt back in!

To get back on our text list, just send UNSTOP to 866-467-1139. It’s quick, easy, and ensures you stay in the loop with everything Pediatric Partners is doing to care for your family.

Why This Matters

Pre‑visit check‑in helps you move through your appointment more quickly, reduces wait times, and ensures we have accurate information before your visit. Adding the number to your contacts is the simplest way to make sure you don’t miss these important messages.

Common Tick-Borne Diseases in Kansas and Missouri

The most common infections we see or discuss in our region include:

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF) – carried primarily by the American dog tick and other tick species.
Ehrlichiosis – one of the more common tick-borne illnesses in Missouri and Kansas.
Tularemia – less common but present in our area.
Alpha-gal Syndrome – a reaction to mammalian meat that can develop after bites from the Lone Star tick.
Lyme Disease – while common in parts of the Northeast and Upper Midwest, Lyme disease is relatively uncommon in Kansas and Missouri compared with those regions.

When Should You Suspect an Infection?

Most tick-borne illnesses do not cause symptoms immediately after the bite. Watch for symptoms that develop days to weeks later, including:

Fever
Headache
Fatigue
Body aches
Chills
Rash
Swollen lymph nodes
Nausea or vomiting

Contact us if your child develops these symptoms after a known tick bite or after spending time outdoors where ticks may be present.

What About the Tick Bite Itself?

A small red bump at the site of the bite is normal and does not mean your child has an infection.

Call us if:

The redness continues to expand significantly.
The area becomes increasingly painful, swollen, or drains pus.
Your child develops fever or other concerning symptoms.

How to Remove a Tick

If you find a tick attached to you or your child:

Use fine-tipped tweezers.
Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible.
Pull upward with steady, even pressure.
Clean the area with soap and water afterward.

Avoid:

Burning the tick
Applying nail polish, petroleum jelly, or other substances
Twisting or crushing the tick during removal

You do not need to bring the tick to our office for testing.

Preventing Tick Bites

Use EPA-approved insect repellents. Find a list from the "Learn More" button below.
Wear long sleeves and pants when hiking or playing in wooded areas.
Perform tick checks after outdoor activities.
Shower after coming indoors when possible.
Check pets regularly, as they can bring ticks into the home.

Holiday Safety Reminders

July 4th celebrations are a favorite family tradition, but they also bring some preventable injuries.

Firework Safety

The safest choice is to enjoy professional fireworks displays rather than using consumer fireworks at home.

Remember:

Never allow children to handle fireworks.
Sparklers can burn at temperatures hot enough to cause serious injuries.
Keep a safe distance from active fireworks.
Have water nearby if fireworks are being used.
Supervise children closely around all fireworks and bonfires.

Neighborhood Parade Safety

Many of our families participate in neighborhood bike parades and decorate bicycles, scooters, wagons, and battery-powered ride-on vehicles.

Before heading out:

Helmets First - Every child riding a bicycle, scooter, skateboard, or ride-on vehicle should wear a properly fitted helmet.

Be Seen

Use bright colors and decorations.
Avoid decorations that block vision or become tangled in wheels.
Consider reflective materials if activities continue into the evening.

Ride Safely

Younger children should have close adult supervision.
Watch for driveways, parked cars, and uneven pavement.
Keep speeds appropriate for the rider's age and skill level.
Battery-powered ride-on vehicles should be operated only in safe areas away from traffic.

Stay Hydrated

Kansas and Missouri summers can be hot. Bring water and take breaks as needed, especially for young children.

Food Safety For Picnics & BBQs

Keep Cold Foods Cold: Pack perishables (like deli meats, potato/tuna salads, and dairy) in a well-insulated cooler packed tightly with ice or gel packs. Put cold bowls on top of ice at the picnic table to maintain temperature. If using a cooler, put drinks in a separate cooler than food because it is opened more often.
Keep Hot Foods Hot: If bringing hot foods (like fried chicken or casseroles), eat it within 2 hours. Keep items hot in insulated thermoses or chafing dishes. On a hot day (90 degrees or higher), don't let food sit out for more than one hour. Bacteria can multiply quickly on food left out in warm weather.
Less Perishable Foods: Some foods such as breads, rolls, chips, crackers, and cookies are okay to leave out but should be covered for freshness. Condiments such as ketchup, mayonnaise, and mustard are acidic, so they are okay to leave out for a picnic or barbecue.
Wash Hands to Prevent Illness

Wash hands with soap and water before and after preparing food, especially raw meats.
Everyone should wash hands or use sanitizer or disposable hand wipes before eating to prevent passing germs to food.

Looking for Answers? Check Our Resources First!

Did you know that many of the questions we receive every day are already answered on our website?

Before calling, we encourage families to visit our Resource pages, where you'll find information about:

If you still can't find the answer you need, our nurse triage team is always available to help guide you.

Thank you for trusting Pediatric Partners with your family's care. We hope you have a safe, healthy, and fun Independence Day holiday!

The Pediatric Partners Team
Helping children grow healthy, confident, and resilient every step of the way.

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< Older Post

Summer Ticks, Holiday Safety, and July 4th Office Hours

But first, I want to share some fun we had on the Friday before Father's Day.

Why You May Be Missing Pre‑Visit Check‑In Texts

— And How to Fix It