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CHOC Community Pediatrics

A CHOC Primary Care Practice

Frequently Asked Questions

We know that raising a child comes with a million questions, and we’re honored to be part of your family’s journey. Below, you’ll find answers to the questions we hear most often.

Don’t see what you’re looking for? Please don’t hesitate to reach out to our office directly. There’s no such thing as a question too small when it comes to your child’s health.

What is Rady Children’s Health — Orange County (formerly CHOC) Community Pediatrics?

Rady Children’s Health — Orange County Community Pediatrics is a network of community-based pediatric primary care clinics serving infants, children, and adolescents across Orange County. Our mission is to provide high-quality, accessible pediatric care to all children.

Where are your clinic locations?

We operate multiple clinic locations to serve families across the area:

Who are your doctors?

Our clinics are staffed by board-certified pediatricians and care teams experienced in serving diverse community populations. Visit our Our Pediatric Experts page to learn more.

How do I schedule an appointment?

To book an appointment, call us at (888) 770-2462.

What services do you offer?

Our clinics provide comprehensive primary care for children from birth through adolescence, including:

  • Well-child visits and developmental screenings
  • Sick visits for acute illnesses and injuries
  • Immunizations
  • Sports and school physicals
  • Management of ongoing conditions
  • Referrals to Rady Children’s Health specialists

View our Well-Visit Schedule to know what to expect at each stage of your child’s growth. Learn more about the services we offer on our Services page.

What is your immunization policy?

Our practice follows the vaccination schedule set by the AAP. These guidelines are developed by some of the world’s leading pediatric health experts and are based on decades of scientific research.

We want to be transparent about this: our commitment to the recommended vaccine schedule is not political. It is medical. Vaccines are among the most thoroughly studied interventions in the history of medicine, and the schedule is carefully designed to protect children at the ages when they are most vulnerable.

We also understand that in today’s world, it can be hard to know who or what to trust. If you have questions, doubts, or things you’ve read or heard that concern you, we genuinely want to hear them. Our door is open for those conversations — always kindly, always without judgment. Your child’s safety is our shared goal.

What do I do if my child gets sick after hours?

We partner with Rady Children’s Health to offer several options when our office is closed:

  • 24/7 Nurse Advice Line: Call 1-844-GET-CHOC for free, round-the-clock guidance from pediatric healthcare experts. This line can also connect you to a virtual physician visit when needed.
  • Pediatric Urgent Care: For non-life-threatening illnesses and injuries that need in-person evaluation, Rady Children’s Health has urgent care locations available in Irvine and Orange.
  • Emergency: If your child is experiencing a life-threatening emergency, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room immediately. See our pediatric emergency departments here.

See our After-Hours Care page for full details.

When should I use urgent care vs. the emergency room?

Urgent care is appropriate for non-life-threatening situations such as:

  • Ear infections, sore throats, or minor infections
  • Minor cuts, sprains, or injuries
  • Fever in children over 3 months who are otherwise stable
  • Vomiting or diarrhea without signs of severe dehydration

Go to the ER or call 911 for situations such as:

  • Difficulty breathing or turning blue
  • Seizures or loss of consciousness
  • Severe allergic reactions
  • Head injuries with confusion or repeated vomiting
  • Any fever in a baby under 3 months old

Not sure? Call 1-844-GET-CHOC and a pediatric nurse will help you decide.

Are you accepting new patients?

Yes. We welcome all children from birth through adolescence and are committed to making care accessible to every family in our community. Call (888) 770-2462 to find the right location for your family.