We will try to post here any change in our hours
due to the impending ice/snow storm,
however, we may not be able to
if there are widespread power outages
and internet interruptions.
If you call the office, and cannot get an answer, you are safe to assume the office is closed,
and we will reopen as soon as
it is safe to do so.
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Welcome!
The ChildHealth Center, PA, consists of a team of board-certified pediatricians, physician assistants, and nurse practitioners who are dedicated to promoting the health and well-being of pediatric patients from birth through college age. We have proudly served families in the Hickory and neighboring communities in a four county area for over 40 years. We strive to treat our patients and their families as we would want to be treated--with care and respect. Our goal is to provide the highest quality of pediatric care available. We count it a privilege to help care for your child's health!
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** IMPORTANT MEASLES UPDATE**
As you may have heard, there is an ongoing outbreak of measles in South Carolina (focused around Spartanburg, but cases have been found in Greenville as well). As of yesterday, there were 646 cases in SC. Unfortunately, measles is now starting to spread to North Carolina. An outbreak started in Buncombe County last month, after some residents visited people in SC. It was just 3 people initially, but now spread of the virus has been documented for a total of 6 cases in Buncombe County.
As a result of this spread, the NC Dept. of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) is now recommending an extra (early) dose of the MMR vaccine for any children 6-12 months of age who either live or spend time in Buncombe County.
Buncombe County includes Asheville, Black Mountain, Weaverville, Woodfin, Montreat, and Biltmore Forest, as well as Arden, Fairview, Swannanoa, and Barnardsville. It also includes the areas of Avery Creek, Bent Creek and Royal Pines.
Please note that getting the MMR vaccine between the ages of 6 and 12 months is an "extra" dose. The child will still need to get the 12 month MMR vaccine and the booster dose to ensure full immunity. Unfortunately, the MMR vaccine is not approved for under age 6 months.
If your 6-12 month-old resides in or spends time in Buncombe County and you would like for them to get an early/extra MMR vaccine, this can be done at our office as a nurse visit. Please call the office for an appointment.
Please be assured that it is safe to give the MMR vaccine early. The potential side effects are the same as for the older kids, specifically, they can get a fever and/or and a rash, usually 6-12 days following the vaccination. This is not severe.
Note that the measles infection (NOT the vaccine) can cause severe sequelae in infants <12 months, and includes pneumonia, encephalitis (brain inflammation) and a degenerative brain condition that shows up years later. It is much safer to get the MMR vaccine early than to have these young children get the measles infection.
If there are any further updates to these recommendations, we will let you know.
Sincerely, the physicians at The ChildHealth Center, PA.
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Does your family need help with food?
Click the icon below to open a PDF
that tells you where you can find free hot meals:
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lick the icon below
to see a list of food pantries in the area:
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Flu Clinics
We do encourage the flu vaccine for our patients, ages 6 months and up.
We have received shipments of both private and state flu vaccines.
We will be offering flu clinics Wednesdays during the month of October.
Please call during normal business hours to schedule your children for an immunization.
These can also be administered during routine scheduled visits such as well checkups or rechecks for other conditions.
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Fact-Checked
a new resource from the AAP
The news is full of questions about vaccine safety as well as safety about other things like vitamins and fluoride.
The AAP has launched a new site to dive into common concerns parents may have after having heard certain things in the media.
Click HERE to access this AAP resource.
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Reminder about Appointments
Both well visits and sick visits are in high demand, and we do adjust our schedules to accomodate more sick visit in the colder months and more well visits in the summer. Please be on time for your appointment. If you are late, you may be asked to reschedule. We are doing our very best to get everyone seen in a timely manner.
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Missed Appointment Policy
EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY
1st no show- warning
2nd no show-$25 charge
3rd no show-$40 charge
4th no show contract terminate from practice.
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Contact Information
- Telephone
- 828-322-4453
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- After Hours Advice: We have contracted with Pediatric Health Line, staffed by Registered Nurses, to provide after hours general advice whenever our office is closed. They DO NOT have access to your child's chart and therefore cannot schedule appointments, give you results of tests, nor send in medication refills--these things must be done during regular business hours only. To reach a nurse, call 828-270-3204. Answers to many common questions can be found here.
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- FAX
- 828-324-9295
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- Postal address
- 1455 25th Avenue Dr. NE, Hickory, NC 28601
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Office Hours:
Monday through Friday: 8:00 am through 5:00pm. Calls go to answering service at 4:30. Calls received after 4:30 will be answered the following business day.
Saturday and Sunday: We are closed. However, our after hours phone triage is available, but they cannot call in medications.
Closed: Easter Sunday, Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Years Day. We close early the Friday after Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and New Year's Eve.
After Hours Advice: We have contracted with Pediatric Health Line, staffed by Registered Nurses, to provide after hours advice whenever our office is closed. They cannot schedule appointments nor send in medication refills. To reach a nurse, call 828-270-3204.
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**CHANGES TO MEDICAID**
Please click HERE to find out more about a plan you will need to select for your child.
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Need info on illnesses, Tylenol dosing, and so on?
Click on the Medical Information Tab to the left. . . .
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We are accepting new patients*
We accept a wide variety of insurance policies as well as Medicaid. Please contact our office if you have questions.
*However, we DO NOT accept new patients who refuse immunizations.
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CHADIS
CHADIS is a new questionnaire system that some of our practitioners are using. All those important (but sometimes time-consuming) questions we have you complete at well visits and certain rechecks can now be completed at your convenience at home prior to your child's appointment, and the information will be directly entered into your child's medical record. This will save both you and us a lot of time! Once you sign up, the system will automatically email you a link to the questions.
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Take a Survey!
We want to provide you with a great experience at The ChildHealth Center, PA.
Please take our brief survey to let us know how we are doing.
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