Pediatrics

We have a minimal supply of COVID vaccines for children. Please call the Pediatric Department to schedule your child's vaccine.

Welcome to Yale Health Pediatrics

Well-Child Appointments

When enrolled, your child will automatically be assigned a physician or nurse practitioner as their primary care provider. Requests for a specific provider may be accommodated by calling Member Services (203-432-0246) after enrolling your child.

We follow the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended schedule for routine well-child visits to ensure your child’s growth and development are on track.

• Newborns are typically seen 1–3 days after hospital discharge and again at two weeks and 1 month.
• Regular visit series occur at 2, 4, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 24, and 30 months.
• Annual visits through adolescence.
• Additional visits may be needed if special health concerns arise.

If another pediatric practice has previously seen your child, we recommend completing a Release of Health Information form before your child's first visit to ensure a seamless experience.

Tip: We understand the importance of your time. Schedule well-child visits as early as possible to ensure your preferred time. We strive to accommodate your schedule as much as possible.

Tip: Please note that our Pediatrics Department does not provide walk-in appointments.  However, if you call us, we can often schedule an appointment the same day or the next day.  If you have an urgent question or if your child needs to be seen urgently, please call us. 

Advice and Sick Visits

If your child is unwell or you have concerns about an illness or injury, our dedicated pediatric triage team is available to assist. Call us from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday to discuss your child’s symptoms with our nurses.

Our specially trained pediatric triage nurses will help decide whether your child needs to be seen in the office that day, less urgently on another day, or if the problem can be solved with simple steps at home. The triage team has direct access to clinicians, facilitating a more efficient response to your child's needs.  

Tip: This service is incredibly helpful for parents because it provides quick access to expert advice, ensuring your child gets the right care when needed. It can save you unnecessary trips to the doctor’s office for minor concerns while also giving you peace of mind, knowing that the nurse will guide you appropriately if the situation requires immediate attention. 

After-hours - Weekdays

If your child has an urgent issue after 5:00 p.m. on weekdays, please call Acute Care at 203-432-0123 to speak with the Acute Care triage nurse. If necessary, they will contact the on-call pediatric provider, who can then call you to discuss your concerns.  

Teens and Confidentiality

At Yale Health Pediatrics, we prioritize creating a safe and respectful environment for teens. We encourage them to take charge of their health and well-being as they grow. Starting in middle school, providers may request to speak with your teen privately during visits to foster open communication and trust. While confidentiality is key, you always have the option to decline this request.

Connecticut law: Certain healthcare decisions can be made by teens aged 13 to 17 without parental consent (e.g., reproductive health, mental health, substance use, and HIV/AIDS testing).

MyChart and Proxy Access

As a parent or guardian, you can use MyChart to access your child’s health information. From 13 to 17 years old, access becomes more limited due to privacy laws. However, you can still access much of your child's chart, including messages, medications, allergy information, and immunizations through “Teen Limited Proxy.” Teens can create their own MyChart account to view their complete health records. 

For special circumstances, parents can discuss maintaining full access with their child’s primary care provider. Learn more about MyChart Proxy Access for Teens.

School, Daycare, and Camp Forms

We provide a health form at every well-child visit from age 2 months and up. Please keep copies, as they may be required throughout the year. Completed health forms can also be found in the “letters” section of MyChart. If your child needs a form type that is not available in MyChart, send us the form by a link in MyChart, fax it to 203-432-0072, or drop it off at the front desk of the pediatric department. Forms are usually completed within 5-7 days.

The most common forms are located on Forms & Guidelines.

Vaccines

Vaccines play a critical role in preventing disease and promoting public health. We adhere to the American Academy of Pediatrics' vaccination schedule to protect your child from preventable illnesses. Deviation from this schedule is strongly discouraged, as it can put your child at unnecessary risk.

Tip: Discuss vaccine schedules and specific vaccines, such as COVID, with your provider during routine visits.

Medical Chaperones

For patients aged 13 and older, a medical chaperone will be present during sensitive exams, treatments, or procedures to ensure comfort and safety.

Collaborative Mental Health Care in Pediatrics

We have embedded a mental health program in Pediatrics to meet the growing demand for mental health services for children and adolescents. We provide easy access to treatment for common mental health conditions within our office space. Collaboration between your primary care provider, an on-site social worker, and a consulting psychiatrist ensures comprehensive care in a familiar environment. Participation in the program may occur with or without an outside therapist, depending on the child’s needs.  Click for more information on this program.