Introduction
CHKD Pediatric Urgent Care is a specialized outpatient facility located in Virginia Beach, Virginia, that provides prompt medical attention to children who require immediate care outside of regular pediatrician office hours. Operated by the CHKD Health System - a regional network of hospitals, urgent care centers, and primary care practices - the clinic serves a diverse population of pediatric patients ranging from infants to adolescents. The facility is dedicated to delivering evidence‑based treatments in a child‑friendly environment, emphasizing preventive care, early intervention, and patient education.
The urgent care model offers a critical bridge between emergency department services and routine pediatric appointments, allowing families to obtain timely, cost‑effective care for conditions such as ear infections, asthma exacerbations, minor injuries, and fever. CHKD Pediatric Urgent Care operates on a flexible schedule that includes evenings and weekends, ensuring accessibility for parents, caregivers, and students whose schedules may not align with traditional clinic hours.
History and Background
Founding and Mission
The CHKD Pediatric Urgent Care center was established in 2015 as part of the CHKD Health System’s initiative to expand urgent care services throughout the Hampton Roads region. The name CHKD - an acronym derived from the Chesapeake and Delaware areas - reflects the system’s commitment to serving communities along the Atlantic coast. From its inception, the center adopted a mission to provide high‑quality, child‑specific urgent care that reduces unnecessary emergency department visits and promotes healthier outcomes.
Evolution of Services
In the early years, the facility focused on basic urgent care functions, such as treatment of common infections and minor traumas. As demand grew and medical technology advanced, the clinic expanded its services to include advanced imaging, laboratory diagnostics, and telehealth consultations. This evolution enabled the center to handle a broader spectrum of conditions, from simple sprains to more complex presentations such as dehydration or mild respiratory distress.
Integration with CHKD Health System
The pediatric urgent care is fully integrated with the CHKD network, sharing electronic medical records, clinical protocols, and quality improvement initiatives. This integration ensures continuity of care, allowing primary pediatricians and specialists within the CHKD system to receive real‑time updates on patient encounters. The collaboration also facilitates referral pathways to CHKD’s tertiary hospitals when more intensive care is required.
Services and Treatment Modalities
Primary Medical Services
CHKD Pediatric Urgent Care offers comprehensive medical evaluation for a wide range of pediatric conditions. Common services include:
- Assessment and treatment of ear, nose, and throat infections
- Management of asthma and wheezing episodes
- Treatment of fevers, coughs, and upper respiratory infections
- Evaluation of injuries such as sprains, strains, lacerations, and fractures
- Management of gastrointestinal complaints including vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration
- Vaccinations and preventive health counseling
Diagnostic Capabilities
The center is equipped with point‑of‑care laboratory testing for rapid results, including complete blood counts, rapid strep tests, and urinalysis. Radiology services provide portable X‑ray units for limb and chest imaging. These diagnostic tools enable clinicians to make timely decisions, often within the same visit, thereby reducing the need for follow‑up appointments or hospital admissions.
Specialized Care Programs
In addition to routine urgent care, CHKD offers specialized programs tailored to the needs of certain pediatric populations:
- Asthma Management Clinic – providing inhaler technique education, medication titration, and action plan development.
- Allergy and Immunology Consultations – offering skin testing and allergy immunotherapy guidance.
- Telemedicine Services – enabling virtual visits for non‑urgent concerns, follow‑ups, and remote triage.
Facilities and Equipment
Clinic Design and Child‑Friendly Environment
The facility is designed to create a welcoming atmosphere for children and their families. Color‑coded waiting areas, engaging murals, and interactive play stations are incorporated to reduce anxiety. Examination rooms feature child‑sized furniture, adjustable lighting, and privacy partitions to accommodate patients of all ages. The design follows evidence‑based guidelines for pediatric patient comfort, aiming to streamline workflow while maintaining a therapeutic setting.
Medical Equipment Inventory
CHKD Pediatric Urgent Care houses a range of medical equipment to support comprehensive care:
- High‑definition digital X‑ray machines for orthopedic imaging
- Portable ultrasound units for abdominal and musculoskeletal assessment
- Advanced laboratory analyzers for point‑of‑care testing
- Infusion pumps and IV therapy supplies for fluid resuscitation
- Specialized pediatric resuscitation equipment, including pediatric airway adjuncts and oxygen delivery devices
Technology Integration
Electronic health records (EHR) are integrated with clinical decision support systems, providing clinicians with evidence‑based guidelines at the point of care. Telehealth platforms are secured and HIPAA‑compliant, allowing for virtual encounters without compromising patient privacy. The facility also utilizes electronic prescribing and medication reconciliation tools to reduce errors and improve medication safety for children.
Staff and Credentials
Clinical Team Composition
The clinical staff at CHKD Pediatric Urgent Care includes board‑certified pediatricians, family medicine physicians with pediatric training, and advanced practice providers such as nurse practitioners and physician assistants. The team is supported by pediatric nurses, clinical technicians, and administrative personnel trained in child health care and customer service.
Professional Development and Accreditation
Staff members engage in ongoing education through accredited continuing medical education (CME) programs, conferences, and simulation training. The center is accredited by the Urgent Care Association of America, meeting rigorous standards for clinical quality, safety, and patient experience. Additionally, the facility adheres to the American Academy of Pediatrics’ guidelines for urgent care practices.
Patient Experience and Accessibility
Appointment Scheduling and Wait Times
Patients can schedule visits through an online portal, telephone line, or walk‑in policy. The clinic maintains a target wait time of less than 30 minutes for non‑urgent cases and strives for immediate evaluation of urgent presentations. The triage system prioritizes patients based on symptom severity and acuity, ensuring that those with the greatest medical needs receive prompt attention.
Family Support Services
Recognizing the importance of family involvement, the center provides resources such as educational pamphlets, multilingual staff, and interpreter services. A dedicated child life specialist facilitates counseling for children undergoing procedures or experiencing medical anxiety, improving overall satisfaction and reducing stress.
Partnerships and Community Outreach
Collaborations with Primary Care Practices
CHKD Pediatric Urgent Care partners with community pediatric practices to streamline referrals and coordinate care. Shared patient records allow for seamless transitions between urgent and primary care settings, reducing duplication of services and enhancing continuity.
Public Health Initiatives
The clinic participates in statewide vaccination campaigns, flu shot drives, and health education seminars hosted at schools and community centers. Outreach efforts target underserved populations, ensuring equitable access to pediatric urgent care services across Virginia Beach and surrounding counties.
Accreditation and Quality Standards
National Recognition
In addition to its UCA accreditation, CHKD Pediatric Urgent Care holds certification from the Joint Commission, affirming compliance with patient safety and quality metrics. The facility routinely undergoes external audits to verify adherence to clinical guidelines and infection control protocols.
Internal Quality Improvement
Annual performance reviews assess key indicators such as patient wait times, treatment outcomes, and satisfaction scores. A multidisciplinary quality committee analyzes data, identifies improvement opportunities, and implements evidence‑based interventions to enhance care delivery.
Financial and Insurance Information
Billing Practices
The center accepts a broad spectrum of insurance plans, including Medicaid, Medicare, and commercial payers. Patients without insurance are offered a sliding fee scale based on income, ensuring affordability. All billing is conducted in accordance with federal and state regulations, and patients receive detailed statements for transparency.
Insurance Partnerships
CHKD maintains contracts with major health plans such as Blue Cross Blue Shield, UnitedHealthcare, and the State of Virginia Medicaid program. These agreements provide streamlined reimbursement processes and allow for coordinated care management through provider networks.
Comparative Analysis
Comparison with Local Emergency Departments
While emergency departments (EDs) provide comprehensive acute care, CHKD Pediatric Urgent Care offers a more focused, lower‑cost alternative for conditions that do not require the resources of an ED. Studies indicate that timely urgent care can reduce ED overcrowding and lower overall healthcare expenditures for pediatric patients.
Regional Urgent Care Landscape
Within the Hampton Roads region, several urgent care centers serve pediatric patients. CHKD distinguishes itself through its integration with a larger health system, advanced diagnostic capabilities, and a child‑focused care model. Comparative metrics such as average wait time, patient satisfaction, and treatment success rates demonstrate competitive performance.
Future Competitive Positioning
As telemedicine adoption increases, CHKD is positioned to expand its virtual pediatric services, potentially extending reach to rural or underserved areas. Investment in mobile health units and community partnerships may further strengthen its competitive edge.
Recent Developments and Future Plans
Expansion of Telehealth Services
In 2024, the center launched a dedicated pediatric telehealth platform, enabling remote consultations for mild infections, follow‑up visits, and chronic disease monitoring. Early adoption data suggest improved patient satisfaction and reduced no‑show rates.
Infrastructure Upgrades
Planned upgrades include the installation of a state‑of‑the‑art pediatric imaging suite and the addition of a dedicated asthma clinic. These enhancements aim to increase capacity and improve diagnostic accuracy for respiratory illnesses.
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