Welcome, families
We’re so glad you’re here. Whether you’re expecting your first baby or looking for a new medical home for your child, we’d be honored to walk alongside your family, from those very first newborn visits all the way through the teen years.
Choosing a pediatrician is a big decision, and this page is here to make it easier. You’ll find everything you need to get started: how to become a new patient, what to bring to your first visit, and office policies.
Becoming a New Patient
Joining the practice is a simple, three-step process.
Steps to join the practice:
1. Choose a pediatrician: Every one of our Irvine pediatricians is board-certified with extensive training in caring for patients from infancy through the teen years. Read about our doctors and pick the one who feels like the right fit.
2. Call to schedule and verify your insurance: Give us a call and we’ll get your first appointment on the calendar. We’ll also confirm we accept your insurance and verify your coverage before your visit.
Office Hours
Monday through Friday
8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
1:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
3. Prepare for your first visit: We can’t wait to meet your family. Here’s how to make your first appointment as smooth as possible:
Plan to arrive 15-20 minutes early. We’ll use that time to start your child’s chart and get you checked in.
Please bring:
- A valid insurance card (or, if you don’t have it yet: insurance company name, claims address, copay amount, policy holder name, policy number, group number, and suffix)
- Photo ID for the parent or guardian
- Copay, if applicable
- Your child’s immunization record
- Any relevant medical, school, or specialty records — especially helpful if your child has a complex or longstanding medical history
Please complete these forms ahead of time:
Forms and documents
Access and complete required forms before your visit to help ensure a smooth and efficient check-in process.
Prenatal appointments
Expecting parents are warmly invited to schedule a prenatal appointment. It’s a chance to meet your child’s future care team, ask questions, and get a feel for what to expect at baby’s very first visit. Learn more on our Expecting and New Parents page.
Same-day availability
We may have same-day sick visits available for certain concerns. Give us a call at (949) 733-2800 as early as you can, and we’ll do our best to fit you in!
Ready to Schedule?
For comprehensive, personalized pediatric care, schedule an appointment with one of our Irvine pediatricians.
Additional Resources
Cancellations and late arrivals
Life with kids is unpredictable. We get it. If you need to cancel or reschedule, please give us a call as early as you can.
If you’re running more than 15 minutes late, we may need to reschedule so we can stay on time for other families.
Referrals
Depending on your insurance, some specialists require a referral from your primary care physician. Our referrals coordinator will review your physician’s orders and help find the right specialist for your child. Once we receive your request, approval typically takes 7–10 business days. We’ll call you with all the information you need to schedule your appointment as soon as the referral is approved.
Please note: it’s the insurance holder’s responsibility to obtain a referral before seeing a specialist. We can’t guarantee retroactive referrals will be approved by your insurance, so reach out to us first.
Immunizations
We follow the immunization schedule recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). If your child isn’t fully up to date, schedule a visit and your pediatrician will work with you on a plan to catch up.
Well-child visits
Well visits matter, even when your child seems perfectly healthy. They’re a chance for your pediatrician to check on growth and development, administer recommended vaccines, run any needed screenings, and connect you with specialists if something comes up.
Billing & insurance
Accepted insurance plans
We accept over 50 insurance contracts, but the network is always changing. A few things to keep in mind:
- Bring your insurance card to every visit, especially if you’re a new patient or have a new plan
- New patients should call ahead so we can verify coverage before your visit
- We’ll file your primary insurance for you and collect your copay and deductible at the time of your visit
- We only file secondary insurance if we’re contracted to do so
- Without a billing contract with your insurance, you’ll be considered self-pay. We’re happy to provide a quote before your visit
Ultimately, you’re responsible for confirming with your insurance company which providers and medications they cover. We’ll help where we can, but the financial responsibility rests with you as the policyholder.
Frequently asked questions
Please bring your child’s insurance card, a photo ID for the parent or guardian, and any completed forms requested before your visit. If this is your child’s first appointment, arriving a few minutes early may help ensure a smooth check-in process. Additional items such as immunization records or referral information may be requested based on the type of visit.
The easiest way to schedule is to give our office a call during regular business hours. Our friendly front desk team will be happy to find a time that works for you. Whether you need a same-day sick visit, a routine well-child checkup, or a prenatal consultation, we’ll do our best to accommodate your family’s schedule.
Office Hours (Monday through Friday):
- 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
- 1:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
As part of Rady Children’s Health, we give our patients access to trusted care even when our office is closed.
Call our 24/7 Nurse Advice Line at 1-844-GET-CHOC for free guidance from pediatric experts, who can also set up a virtual physician visit when needed. For in-person care of non-life-threatening illnesses and injuries, Rady Children’s Health offers pediatric urgent care in Irvine and Orange. Visit our After-Hours Care page for full details and locations.
Pediatric orthopedic specialists treat fractures and sports injuries Saturday mornings from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., no referral required, at CHOC Specialty Care Clinic, Orange, CA. Learn more.
Yes! We welcome new patients of all ages, from newborns to young adults up to age 18.
Call us at (949) 733-2800. Records requests require a signed authorization from a parent or legal guardian and typically take a few business days to process.
