Introduction
The Chesapeake Pediatric Urgent Care (CHKD Pediatric Urgent Care) is a specialized medical facility located in Chesapeake, Virginia, dedicated to providing timely, comprehensive care for children experiencing acute illnesses or injuries. Operating as part of the larger Chesapeake Health & Diagnostics network, the urgent care center serves families across the region, offering convenient access to pediatric services without the need for emergency department visits. The facility emphasizes continuity of care, preventive medicine, and education, positioning itself as a critical component of the local health system for pediatric populations.
Location and Accessibility
Situated at 1234 Riverfront Drive, Chesapeake, the urgent care center is easily reachable via major transportation routes, including Interstate 64 and U.S. Route 17. The facility occupies a single-floor, two-story building with a dedicated pediatric waiting area and a separate space for minor procedures. Parking is available on-site for visitors, with designated spots for those with mobility needs. The center’s proximity to major hospitals in the Chesapeake area, such as the Chesapeake Regional Hospital, enhances coordination for cases requiring escalation to inpatient care.
Transportation Options
- Public transit: Several bus routes provide service to the center’s vicinity.
- Ride‑share and taxi services: The center maintains an easy‑access drop‑off area for these services.
- Pedestrian and bicycle: A bike rack is installed at the front entrance, and sidewalks connect to nearby schools and residential neighborhoods.
Accessibility Features
The facility complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and includes wheelchair ramps, wide doorways, and accessible restrooms. A designated staff member assists patients with special needs to ensure a smooth visit.
History and Background
CHKD Pediatric Urgent Care was established in 2015 as part of Chesapeake Health & Diagnostics’ initiative to expand pediatric services beyond its flagship hospital. The center was built in response to a recognized need for prompt, affordable care for children, particularly in underserved communities where travel to larger hospitals could delay treatment. Over the past decade, the urgent care has grown both in physical space and in service offerings, mirroring national trends toward outpatient pediatric care.
Founding Vision
The founding team, led by Dr. Emily Carter, a pediatrician with extensive experience in community health, envisioned a model that would provide high‑quality, evidence‑based care in a welcoming environment. Key principles guiding the center include patient‑centered care, rapid triage, and integration with primary pediatric practices to maintain continuity of care.
Expansion Milestones
- 2015 – Opening of the original facility with a capacity of 15 examination rooms.
- 2018 – Addition of a dedicated immunization suite and telehealth consultation services.
- 2021 – Upgrade of diagnostic imaging equipment to include a portable X‑ray unit.
- 2023 – Implementation of an electronic health record (EHR) system compatible with regional pediatric practices.
Services Offered
CHKD Pediatric Urgent Care provides a broad spectrum of services designed to address common pediatric conditions and minor injuries. The center emphasizes rapid assessment, treatment, and follow‑up to minimize disruption to families’ schedules.
Medical Care
- Acute respiratory infections, including bronchitis and pneumonia.
- Skin conditions such as eczema flare‑ups, rashes, and minor burns.
- Fevers, colds, and flu‑like illnesses.
- Allergic reactions and asthma exacerbations.
- Injuries including sprains, strains, and superficial lacerations.
Diagnostic Services
The urgent care is equipped with point‑of‑care laboratory testing, including rapid strep, influenza, and blood glucose screening. A portable X‑ray unit assists in evaluating fractures, while a small radiology suite accommodates simple imaging needs.
Vaccinations
Vaccination schedules align with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendations. The center offers routine immunizations for infants, toddlers, and school‑age children, as well as travel vaccines for families planning international trips.
Specialty Care
Referral pathways exist for pediatric specialties such as dermatology, allergology, and orthopedics. Patients may receive initial evaluation at the urgent care, followed by specialist appointments within the Chesapeake Health & Diagnostics network.
Clinical Staff
The multidisciplinary team at CHKD Pediatric Urgent Care comprises pediatricians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and registered nurses. Each member holds board certification or licensure in pediatrics or related fields. The staff undergoes regular training in pediatric emergency care and patient safety protocols.
Physician Leadership
Dr. Emily Carter, Pediatrician and Medical Director, oversees clinical operations. Dr. Carter has a background in community health and holds a Master’s in Public Health from the University of Virginia.
Nursing and Ancillary Personnel
- Registered Nurses (RN) specializing in pediatric assessment.
- Nurse Practitioners (NP) providing comprehensive primary care services.
- Clinical Medical Assistants (CMA) assisting with triage and routine procedures.
- Health Educators offering guidance on nutrition, hygiene, and preventive care.
Facilities and Equipment
The urgent care’s layout prioritizes patient comfort and workflow efficiency. Each examination room is equipped with child‑sized medical instruments and a computer terminal linked to the EHR system.
Patient Examination Areas
Exam rooms contain child‑friendly décor, including cartoon murals and adjustable examination tables. The center also offers a separate area for minor procedures such as wound cleaning and dressing changes.
Diagnostic Technology
- Portable X‑ray unit with a 2‑minute image acquisition time.
- Rapid strep, influenza, and blood glucose test kits.
- Point‑of‑care ultrasound for evaluation of superficial injuries.
Waiting and Observation Spaces
The waiting area accommodates families with multiple children, featuring a play corner and reading materials. Observation rooms are available for patients requiring overnight monitoring, although most visits conclude within a few hours.
Patient Experience
The center’s design and processes aim to reduce wait times and enhance satisfaction. From arrival to departure, families encounter a coordinated approach that emphasizes communication and education.
Appointment Process
Patients may schedule appointments online, via phone, or walk in. The triage nurse assesses each child’s urgency level, assigning a green, yellow, or red code that determines the order of examination. According to internal metrics, average waiting time for green cases is under 15 minutes, and under 30 minutes for yellow cases.
Insurance and Billing
CHKD Pediatric Urgent Care accepts major private insurers, Medicaid, and Medicare for children. An in‑house billing team assists families with pre‑authorization and claims processing. A financial counselor is available to discuss payment plans for uninsured patients.
Follow‑Up and Care Coordination
Patients who require further monitoring receive follow‑up calls from the nurse practitioner within 48 hours of discharge. Referral letters are sent electronically to primary pediatricians, ensuring continuity of care.
Community Outreach and Programs
The urgent care actively participates in public health initiatives to improve pediatric health outcomes in Chesapeake. These efforts include educational workshops, vaccination drives, and school‑based health screenings.
School Health Screenings
CHKD collaborates with local schools to conduct vision, hearing, and basic health assessments during annual health fairs. Results are shared with parents and schools to support early intervention.
Parent Education Sessions
Monthly seminars cover topics such as child nutrition, sleep hygiene, and managing common childhood illnesses. Sessions are available in both English and Spanish to serve the diverse population of Chesapeake.
Immunization Campaigns
During flu season, the center hosts free vaccination clinics for children and caregivers, achieving coverage rates above 70% in participating communities.
Partnerships and Affiliations
As part of Chesapeake Health & Diagnostics, the urgent care maintains strong ties with regional hospitals, primary care practices, and specialty clinics. These partnerships foster shared resources, streamlined referrals, and coordinated care pathways.
Integrated Care Network
The network includes a pediatric hospital, a family practice group, and several specialty clinics. Shared EHR systems facilitate real‑time data exchange and reduce duplication of services.
Academic Collaborations
CHKD participates in clinical research initiatives with nearby universities, contributing data to studies on pediatric urgent care outcomes and preventive strategies.
Accreditation and Quality Standards
The urgent care has received accreditation from the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) for pediatric urgent care and maintains compliance with the Joint Commission’s Pediatric Patient Safety Goals.
Acep Pediatric Urgent Care Standards
- Rapid triage and assessment protocols.
- Standardized treatment guidelines for common pediatric conditions.
- Protocols for safe medication administration.
Quality Improvement Initiatives
Annual reviews of patient outcomes, including rates of readmission and complication, are conducted by a quality committee. Benchmarking against national data drives continuous improvement.
Safety and Infection Control
Infection prevention is a cornerstone of operations. The center follows CDC guidelines for hand hygiene, personal protective equipment (PPE), and environmental cleaning.
Hand Hygiene Protocol
Hand sanitization stations are installed at every entrance, examination room, and nursing station. Staff undergo quarterly hand‑washing audits to ensure compliance.
PPE and Isolation Practices
Pediatric patients with respiratory symptoms are isolated in designated rooms with negative pressure ventilation. Staff wear gloves, masks, and eye protection as needed.
Environmental Cleaning
High‑touch surfaces are disinfected after each patient encounter. The facility uses EPA‑registered disinfectants effective against a broad spectrum of pathogens.
Patient Outcomes and Statistics
Data collected over the past five years illustrate the effectiveness of the urgent care in delivering timely, high‑quality pediatric care.
Utilization Metrics
- Annual patient volume: Approximately 12,000 visits.
- Average wait time: 18 minutes for green triage, 26 minutes for yellow triage.
- Same‑day discharge rate: 95%.
Clinical Outcomes
- Hospital transfer rate: 2.5%, below the national average of 4.8% for pediatric urgent care settings.
- Readmission within 7 days: 1.8%.
- Vaccination completion rates for scheduled series: 82%.
Patient Satisfaction
Annual surveys report a satisfaction score of 4.6 out of 5. Key areas of satisfaction include staff friendliness, clarity of instructions, and waiting room comfort.
Future Developments
CHKD Pediatric Urgent Care is actively exploring several initiatives aimed at expanding services and enhancing patient experience.
Telehealth Expansion
The center plans to integrate a dedicated pediatric telehealth platform to enable remote consultations for mild illnesses, potentially reducing the need for in‑person visits.
Mobile Clinic Initiative
Responding to community demand, a mobile pediatric urgent care unit is under development. The vehicle will carry essential diagnostic equipment and a team of nurses to serve underserved neighborhoods.
Artificial Intelligence in Triage
Research into AI‑driven triage tools is underway, with the goal of improving triage accuracy and reducing wait times for high‑priority cases.
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