John S. Potts, DO
Physician

Dear Adoptive Parent,

Thank you for considering me to be your domestic pre-adoption consulting physician. In addition to being a doctor, I, too am an adoptive parent. The wish and prayer of all parents is that their child is healthy. Adoption, however, raises many health-related issues. That is why I am here to help you.

One part of my role is to help you evaluate the health of your “matched birth parents.” Does the family have a history of any serious diseases? Are the parents on any medications? Do they have other children, and if so, are they healthy? Has the birth mother had regular prenatal care? Has she received the standard medical testing to determine if there are any problems with the baby? The answers to these questions, among others, are how I will help you assess any potential health risks that your unborn adoptive baby may face.

What makes me qualified to provide these services? I graduated from the Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed my family medicine internship and residency at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. I have been in practice with the University of Pennsylvania Health System since 2000. As a family physician, I treat newborn babies on a regular basis. I also help treat patients with infertility and counsel others about adoption, both of which are topics that affect me on a personal level. After being unable to conceive, my wife and I adopted two beautiful boys domestically.

When our first son was born, both of his lungs collapsed and he was placed in a neonatal intensive care unit for three days. Had I not been a physician, my wife and I would have had numerous concerns that we might not have the answers to. The experience was frightening, but having a medical background helped allay our fears. When you are ready, I am available to review all medical records regarding your matched birth parents. I will most likely have additional questions, and I may ask to speak with the birth parent(s) to further assess both the birth mother’s and father’s full family medical history.

If needed, I am available to speak with the obstetrician who is treating the birth mother. Upon completing this review, I will provide both oral and written reports of my findings. Our telephone consultation will take place within 48 hours of my receipt of all information. The written review will be available within 96 hours and can be mailed, faxed, or emailed to you for your convenience. You may also pick up a copy from my office.

Before you travel domestically to pick up your baby, I will help you with all preparations. The Interstate Compact for the Placement of Children requires adoptive parents to remain in the state where the baby is born for as long as 14 business days. Thus, it is a good idea to arrive prepared so that you have to leave your hotel room as little as possible. While you are out of state, I will be available to you by telephone 24 hours a days should you have any questions or concerns about your newborn baby.

My fee for the services described above is $550. I accept cash, check, Visa and Mastercard for your convenience. No refunds or partial refunds will be issued once work has begun on your case. This will be explained further in the Pre-Adoption Consultation Contract that must be signed before any work can begin.

If you are interested in breast feeding your newborn, I can prescribe medications to help you induce lactation. This process generally takes about four to six weeks but in some cases may take longer, so please plan accordingly. This option is available for an additional $100.

Upon your return home, I am available to serve as your child’s primary care physician. My office accepts most major insurances to help keep your costs to a minimum. Should you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at by calling (484) 883-4467.

I look forward to helping you build a healthy family.

Very truly yours,

John S. Potts, DO
Clinical Assistant Professor of Family Medicine and Community Health
1055 Andrew Drive
West Chester, Pa. 19380