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187 verified Pediatricians in San Diego, CA
Zocdoc verifies all providers before they can appear in Zocdoc search results. Every provider that appears in search is open to new patients.
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Availability last updated 06/02/2026
Availability last updated 06/02/2026
Internist
23.5 mi · 351 Santa Fe Drive, Ste #250, Encinitas, CA 92024
Accepts Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna + 5 more
Also offers video visits · Accepting new patients ·
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Dr. Kern Brar is a compassionate, board-certified internal medicine physician who offers personalized primary care tailored to each patient's unique needs. He earned his Doctor of Medicine from Ross University School of Medicine - Academic Campus and completed his residency in Internal Medicine at A...Click to read more
Next available: Fri, Jun 5
Family Physician
4.05
·20 reviews
Overall this was a pretty productive doctor's appointment, I felt very heard and while she ran through things quickly she made sure to take the time to explain everything in depth. I also felt her knowledge of my medical conditions was a lot more up-to-date than previous doctors were which I find in...Click to read more
20.5 mi · 530 Lomas Santa Fe Dr, Suite M, Solana Beach, CA 92705
Accepts Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna + 43 more
Also offers video visits · Accepting new patients ·
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Dr. Natalie Marino is a compassionate physician board-certified in Family Medicine. She practices both Primary Care General Medicine, as well as Dermatology. She received her Medical Degree, as well as a Masters in Public Health, from the University of Pittsburgh. She completed her residency trainin...Click to read more
Family Physician
4.97
·34 reviews
Solid! Great doc - Aug 21, 2025 by Sonny S.Click to read more
57.5 mi · 395 W Avenida Vista Hermosa, Unit K, San Clemente, CA 92672
Accepts Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna + 10 more
Accepting new patients · Highly recommended · Excellent wait time · Expertise in chronic diabetes + 3 more ·
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Dr. Oscar Gantes is a family physician at Mission Heritage - Internal Medicine in San Clemente, CA. He accepts patients of all ages and genders with common illnesses, chronic diseases, minor injuries, and mental health issues. Dr. Gantes understands patients' conditions and prepares individualized ...Click to read more
Next available: Wed, Jun 24
Family Physician
4.84
·388 reviews
he was very helpful and informative. no judgement, just working to make sure i was taken care of. thank you! - Jun 16, 2016 by Ryann T.Click to read more
69 mi · 24953 Paseo De Valencia Building B, Suite 13B, Laguna Hills, CA 92653
Accepts Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna + 36 more
Accepting new patients · Highly recommended · Excellent wait time ·
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Dr. Leung is the medical director at AV Family Medicine & Urgent Care. He oversees a staff of doctors and nurse practitioner who are ready to take care of your needs. Dr. Leung is an active member of the American Board of Family Medicine, and is on staff with Memorialcare Saddleback Medical Cente...Click to read more
Next available: today
Family Physician (Virtual)
4.88
·1290 reviews
Great easy appointment. Wonderful provider who really wants to help. - Jan 24, 2024 by Allison M.Click to read more
Fullerton, CA
Accepts Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna + 11 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits · Highly recommended · Excellent wait time ·
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DISCLAIMER: Pyo Clinic is a learning facility but patient permission is ALWAYS sought before we include residents/students in their care. If patient prefers to see only Dr. Pyo, we fully respect their choice and will not include residents or students in their care. All of our patients are GUARANTEED...Click to read more
Next available: tomorrow
Family Nurse Practitioner (Virtual)
4.89
·37 reviews
Wonderful experience, warm greetings from staff and interactive appointment with my doctor. by ASClick to read more
Los Angeles, CA
Accepts Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna + 13 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits · Excellent wait time ·
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Personalized, Compassionate Care You Can Trust. At Rayo Healthcare, we are redefining primary care with a modern, patient-first approach. From urgent needs to long-term wellness, we deliver personalized, judgment-free care for individuals and families. We offer a wide range of services under one roo...Click to read more
Next available: tomorrow
Urgent Care Clinic (Virtual)
North Hollywood, CA
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits ·
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Self Pay Rate: standard new patient visit $99 We offer superior adult and pediatric services that accommodate various needs. Our office is modern and uses the latest advances in technology, including a state-of-the-art X-ray machine that creates exceptionally clear images. We see patients with and ...Click to read more
Next available: today
Pediatrician (Virtual)
5.00
·1 review
- May 8, 2026 by Manija A.Click to read more
Los Altos,, CA
Accepts Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna + 9 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits · Highly recommended · Excellent wait time ·
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Dr. Rofida Nofal is a compassionate, board-certified pediatrician dedicated to providing children and their families with individualized, attentive, and culturally sensitive care. She believes that every child is precious and that truly excellent medical care begins with careful listening. Dr. Nofal...Click to read more
Next available: today
Family Physician (Virtual)
3.61
·357 reviews
I had to wait one hour despite having an appointment. - Nov 14, 2016Click to read more
San Jose, CA
Accepts Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna + 52 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits ·
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Dr. Vladimir Skorokhod is a family physician treating patients in San Jose, California, and the surrounding communities. He has more than 30 years of experience and serves as the medical director at Action Urgent Care. Dr. Skorokhod holds certification from the American Board of Family Medicine and ...Click to read more
Next available: tomorrow
Physician Assistant (Virtual)
5.00
·1 review
- May 29, 2026 by Duc N.Click to read more
Santa Clara, CA
Accepts Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna + 12 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits · Highly recommended · Excellent wait time ·
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Tuyen has over 14 years of experience in clinical practice, including her work at a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), where she provided care to a diverse patient population. She earned her Master's in Physician Assistant Studies from Alderson Broaddus University. She has also traveled to ru...Click to read more
Pediatrician (Virtual)
4.77
·323 reviews
I've been going to clint pediatrics for 6 years and it has been a great experience every time. by ISClick to read more
Markleeville, CA
Accepts Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna + 66 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits · Highly recommended · Excellent wait time ·
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Self-pay rate: $80 We do not see adults. We do not accept Medicaid. We do not prescribe controlled medications or stimulant ADHD medications over a virtual visit, but only during in-person visits. Dr. Chukwujekwu Okpalaji is a board-certified pediatrician with extensive experience providing compr...Click to read more
Next available: today
Internist (Virtual)
Markleeville, CA
Accepts Aetna, Medicare
Accepting new patients · 25+ years of experience · Offers video visits ·
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Over 20 years of experience caring for adults in the Orange County community. Affiliated with Mission Hospital, Fountain Valley Regional, and MemorialCare Orange Coast Medical Center.Click to read more
Next available: tomorrow
Internist (Virtual)
Markleeville, CA
Accepts Aetna, Medicare
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits · Expertise in chronic high blood pressure + 2 more ·
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Dr. Bardia Sadr is a board-certified internal medicine physician with more than 15 years of experience caring for adults in the Irvine community.Click to read more
Next available: tomorrow
Internist (Virtual)
4.50
·60 reviews
Dr. Albaree was professional and very friendly. I would recommend her highly for a primary care doctor. - Sep 26, 2024Click to read more
Markleeville, CA
Accepts Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna + 43 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits ·
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Dr. Dina Albaree is an esteemed Internist specializing in General Internal Medicine and Primary Care, providing in-person services at Horizon Dermatology & Primary Care Medical Clinic in Beverly Hills, California. She also offers virtual appointments throughout California, ensuring accessibility for...Click to read more
Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (Virtual)
4.04
·46 reviews
I canceled my appointment 10 minutes in because the provider was rude - May 20, 2026 by Dorothea P.Click to read more
Markleeville, CA
Accepts Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna + 24 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits ·
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Mercy Oyerinde is a Board-Certified Nurse Practitioner specializing in psychiatric mental health. Born and raised in Lagos, Nigeria, she witnessed the struggles of individuals with mental ailments, facing limited access to care and cultural stigmas, which inspired her to pursue mental health. Mer...Click to read more
Next available: tomorrow
Physician Assistant (Virtual)
Markleeville, CA
Accepts Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna + 46 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits ·
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Joel Miller, PA-C is a dedicated Physician Assistant specializing in Family Medicine, committed to delivering compassionate, patient-centered care. He graduated from Red Rocks Community College in 2020 and has since practiced in both Colorado and California, working with patients from diverse cultur...Click to read more
Next available: Thu, Jun 4
Psychiatrist (Virtual)
4.91
·11 reviews
This provider is amazing. I really felt heard in a way I have not from medical providers in the past. Especially being female. I felt acknowledged and related to and understood. I agree with my treatment plan and I felt treated professionally and with respect. I'm so happy to have found a good provi...Click to read more
Markleeville, CA
Accepts BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna, Medicare + 1 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits · Highly recommended · Excellent wait time ·
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Hello! I’m Dr. Zola Chihombori Quao. I view well-being as something far deeper than simply not being sick—it’s the ability to flourish emotionally, mentally, and physically. I completed my medical degree at the Yale School of Medicine and my psychiatry and family medicine residencies concurrently at...Click to read more
Next available: Thu, Jun 25
Family Physician (Virtual)
BERKELEY, CA
Accepting new patients · 25+ years of experience · Offers video visits ·
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Jayshree Chander, MD, MPH is a board-certified Family Medicine and Preventive Medicine physician with over 30 years of clinical experience. **Please note, I do not prescribe controlled substances.** She is the founder of Beyond Holistic Health, an integrative medical practice offering personalized...Click to read more
Next available: Fri, Jun 5
Pediatrician
3.5 mi · 2790 Truxtun Road, Ste 100, San Diego, CA 92106
Also offers video visitsAccepting new patientsExpertise in upper respiratory infection (uri) + 3 more
Pediatrician
3.5 mi · 2790 Truxtun Road, Ste 100, San Diego, CA 92106
Also offers video visitsAccepting new patientsExpertise in chronic high blood pressure + 3 more
Nurse Practitioner
5.00
·1 review
I'm very professional super friendly staff I was seeing right away and I'm looking forward to my next visitClick to read more
7 mi · 263 Church Ave, Chula Vista, CA 91910
Accepts Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, UnitedHealthcare + 2 more
Also offers video visits · Accepting new patients · Highly recommended · Excellent wait time ·
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Mr. Michael Corbin is a highly trusted nurse practitioner who sees patients at Padilla Family Medicine in Chula Vista, CA. He is devoted to helping the wider community receive the care they deserve. As part of his formal education, Mr. Corbin earned a master's degree in adult nurse practitioner fro...Click to read more
Geriatrician
4.93
·285 reviews
Dr. Bahmanpour is a great primary care doctor, I can see why he’s so highly rated. by Jason M.Click to read more
7 mi · 3023 Bunker Hill St, Office# 205, San Diego, CA 92109
Accepts Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna + 54 more
Also offers video visits · Accepting new patients · Highly recommended · Excellent wait time ·
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Associated with Kaiser Permanente San Diego Medical Center/Kaiser Foundation Hospital, Palomar Medical Center, and Sharp Memorial Hospital, Dr. Kaveh Bahmanpour is a considerate family physician, geriatrician, and primary care doctor practicing at his own clinic. Patients see him for a host of reaso...Click to read more
Pediatrician
56 mi · 41238 Margarita Rd, Ste 106, Temecula, CA 92591
Accepts Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna + 19 more
Also offers video visits · Accepting new patients ·
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Dr. Salehi pursued his fellowship training in Chicago because of his love of education for both families and other providers. Dr. Salehi is excited to bring health education to our families and even our other providers at Rancho Family Medical Group!Click to read more
Pediatrician
56 mi · 41238 Margarita Rd, Ste 106, Temecula, CA 92591
Accepts Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna + 19 more
Also offers video visits · Accepting new patients ·
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Jordan Smith, MD, is a pediatrician with a passion for helping kids grow into the healthiest versions of themselves. He is triple board-certified in pediatrics, sports medicine, and lifestyle medicine. Raised in Rancho Cucamonga and trained at UC Riverside and Loma Linda, he’s proud to be caring for...Click to read more
Pediatrician
5.00
·31 reviews
- Feb 29, 2024 by Madison S.Click to read more
65.5 mi · 26800 Crown Valley Pkwy, Ste 540, Mission Viejo, CA 92691
Accepts Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna + 8 more
Also offers video visits · Accepting new patients · Highly recommended · Excellent wait time ·
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Please note that this provider only sees children and adolescents under the age of 18. I focus on outpatient pediatrics for children from ages 0 to 17 years old. I am proficient in Spanish and regularly conduct visits entirely in that language as needed by my patients and their caregivers. I earne...Click to read more
Pediatrician
5.00
·3 reviews
69 mi · 23120 Alicia Pkwy, #230, Mission Viejo, CA 92692
Also offers video visits · Accepting new patients · Highly recommended · Excellent wait time ·
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CASH PAY clinic: - Fluent in both English and Spanish - Our services are SELF PAY Urgent care membership $50 and $99 per visit or one time visit: Sports physicals $75 Telemedicine: $75 Sick visit: $200 includes a Free one time follow up in the next two weeks Newborn visit (less than 2 months old) ...Click to read more
Pediatrician (Virtual)
5.00
·31 reviews
- Mar 5, 2023 by Ashley D.Click to read more
Anaheim, CA
Accepts Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna + 9 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits · Highly recommended · Excellent wait time ·
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Please note that this provider only sees children and adolescents under the age of 18. Dr. Jennifer Tucker is a board certified pediatrician practicing for over 15 years in Orange County. She completed medical school at Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences before finishing her resid...Click to read more
Pediatrician (Virtual)
4.90
·30 reviews
Anaheim, CA
Accepts Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna + 9 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits · Highly recommended ·
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Please note that this provider only sees children and adolescents under the age of 18. Dr. Bhalla is a highly motivated, compassionate General Pediatrician with direct outpatient primary care experience and strong inpatient care training. She earned her Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery fro...Click to read more
Family Physician (Virtual)
4.69
·13 reviews
I had an excellent experience at Greys Health! From the moment I start my process, the staff was friendly, knowledgeable, and supportive. The personalized weight management plan they created for me was realistic and tailored to my lifestyle, which made all the difference. I appreciated the regular ...Click to read more
Palm Springs, CA
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits · Highly recommended · Excellent wait time ·
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Book Your Virtual Health Appointment Today with Dr. Abhinav Markus! Looking for expert care from the comfort of your home? Dr. Abhinav Markus, a trusted family physician who earned his Doctor of Medicine from St. George's University and completed his residency in Family Medicine at Arrowhead Region...Click to read more
Pediatrician (Virtual)
4.31
·16 reviews
Yorba Linda, CA
Accepts Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna + 19 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits ·
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Dr. Christine Wilson is a general pediatrician in Yorba Linda, CA. She completed her undergraduate studies at Baylor University in Texas, and attended medical school at Texas A&M College of Medicine. She moved back to southern California to the area where she grew up to complete her internship and r...Click to read more
Pediatrician (Virtual)
5.00
·30 reviews
Yorba Linda, CA
Accepts Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna + 9 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits · Highly recommended ·
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Please note that this provider only sees children and adolescents under the age of 18. As a father of two adventurous and energetic boys, I understand the journey of parenthood, which often feels like a roller-coaster ride. When children are doing well and healthy, there is no greater joy and rew...Click to read more
Pediatrician (Virtual)
4.97
·30 reviews
Yorba Linda, CA
Accepts Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna + 19 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits · Highly recommended ·
Read bio
There’s a lot of joy in working with children, so pediatrics was an easy choice for me. It is very rewarding to not only help a child feel better, but also help them establish attitudes and habits for a lifetime of health. I work hard to develop a relationship with the 16-and-under crowd, as well as...Click to read more
Pediatrician (Virtual)
5.00
·38 reviews
Yorba Linda, CA
Accepts Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna + 9 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits · Highly recommended · Excellent wait time ·
Read bio
Please note that this provider only sees children and adolescents under the age of 18. Dr. Jacqueline Sun is a compassionate pediatrician practicing at St. Jude - Peds in Yorba Linda, CA. Her expertise includes asthma, allergies, urinary tract infection, obesity, and atopic dermatitis. She also foc...Click to read more
Pediatrician (Virtual)
5.00
·30 reviews
Yorba Linda, CA
Accepts Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna + 9 more
Accepting new patients · 25+ years of experience · Offers video visits · Highly recommended ·
Read bio
Please note that this provider only sees children and adolescents under the age of 18. There is nothing more important to me than the health and safety of your children. As a strong advocate of vaccinations, I believe that ensuring the children who visit our office are fully vaccinated is the sin...Click to read more
Pediatrician (Virtual)
4.97
·32 reviews
Yorba Linda, CA
Accepts Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna + 9 more
Accepting new patients · 25 years of experience · Offers video visits · Highly recommended · Excellent wait time ·
Read bio
Please note that this provider only sees children and adolescents under the age of 18. There is nothing more important to me than the health and safety of your children. As a strong advocate of vaccinations, I believe that ensuring the children who visit our office are fully vaccinated is the singl...Click to read more
Pediatrician (Virtual)
5.00
·31 reviews
- Nov 8, 2025 by Aries A.Click to read more
Yorba Linda, CA
Accepts Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna + 9 more
Accepting new patients · 25+ years of experience · Offers video visits · Highly recommended · Excellent wait time ·
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Please note that this provider only sees children and adolescents under the age of 18. I love being able to help families through the joys and challenges of raising happy, healthy children. It's a remarkable thing to sign a teenager's health form for college and remember the first time you saw that...Click to read more
Pediatrician (Virtual)
5.00
·35 reviews
I was very satisfied with the overall experience and care that was provided. Everyone was very friendly, kind, and patient. - Apr 3, 2024 by Cataleya M.Click to read more
Chino Hills, CA
Accepts Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna + 9 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits · Highly recommended · Excellent wait time ·
Read bio
Please note that this provider only sees children and adolescents under the age of 18. Dr. Jing Chen is a board-certified Pediatrician practicing the past 3 years in Southern California. She completed medical school at Creighton University School of Medicine before finishing her residency and inter...Click to read more
Pediatrician (Virtual)
Brea, CA
Accepts Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna + 19 more
Accepting new patients · 25+ years of experience · Offers video visits ·
Read bio
I have always enjoyed caring for patients of any age. I believe optimal health is best achieved through personal lifestyle choice, in the context of family and community. I strive to provide the highest quality of care, compassion, trust, and effective listening and communication. There is nothing m...Click to read more
Pediatrician (Virtual)
5.00
·30 reviews
Brea, CA
Accepts Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna + 9 more
Accepting new patients · 25+ years of experience · Offers video visits · Highly recommended ·
Read bio
Please note that I only see children and adolescents under the age of 18. I am a dedicated, caring physician devoted to the care of infants, children, and teenagers in an environment that fosters building relationships with families and health education. I earned my Doctor of Medicine from Texas A&...Click to read more
Family Physician (Virtual)
Riverside, CA
Accepts Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna + 25 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits · Expertise in sepsis + 1 more
Calendar Check
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Doctor
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Verified providers with a 4.8 average rating

Primary Care Physician
15+ years

In the business of finding quality care for patients

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Frequently asked questions

How can I make a same-day appointment with a Pediatrician in San Diego?

On average, patients who use Zocdoc can search for a Pediatrician in San Diego, book an appointment, and see the Pediatrician within 24 hours. Same-day appointments are often available, you can search for real-time availability of Pediatricians in San Diego who accept your insurance and make an appointment online.


How can I find a San Diego Pediatrician who takes my insurance?

Zocdoc lets you search specifically for a San Diego Pediatrician who takes your insurance. Just choose your carrier and plan from the drop-down menu at the top of the page. If you’re not sure which plan you have, you can use Zocdoc’s insurance checker to find out.


How can I book an appointment online with a Pediatrician in San Diego?

Zocdoc is a free online service that helps patients find Pediatricians in San Diego and book appointments instantly. You can search for San Diego Pediatricians by symptom or visit reason. Then, choose your insurance plan. Based on that information, you’ll see a list of providers who meet your search criteria, along with their available appointment slots.


How can I find a female Pediatrician in San Diego?

When you search for San Diego Pediatricians on Zocdoc, you can filter your results by gender, in addition to other criteria. That way, you’ll only see Pediatricians in San Diego who match your preferences.


How can I find a San Diego Pediatrician who sees patients after hours?

On Zocdoc, you can search specifically for San Diego Pediatricians with availability after 5 p.m.


How can I find a top-rated Pediatrician in San Diego?

You can use Zocdoc to find Pediatricians in San Diego who are highly rated by other patients. These ratings are based on verified reviews submitted by real patients. Every time a patient completes an appointment booked on Zocdoc, they’re invited to review their experience. Each review must comply with Zocdoc’s guidelines.


How can I find a video visit with a Pediatrician online in San Diego?

Pediatricians in San Diego on Zocdoc who see patients through online video visits will have a purple video icon on their profiles. You can also filter your search results to show only Pediatricians who offer video visits.


Are video visits with a Pediatrician online covered by my insurance?

Most insurers provide coverage for video visits at the same cost as in-person visits. You can search on Zocdoc specifically for Pediatricians in San Diego who accept your insurance for video visits by selecting your carrier and plan from the drop-down menu at the top of the page. We recommend you check with your insurance carrier directly to confirm your coverage and out of pocket costs for video visits.


How can I find a Pediatrician in San Diego who sees patients in the morning or evening?

Zocdoc lets you search specifically for a Pediatrician who has appointments available before 10:00 am, or after 5:00 pm. Just choose the special hours filter at the top of our search page.


How can I find a Pediatrician in San Diego who sees patients during the weekend?

Zocdoc let's you see real-time availability for Pediatricians in San Diego. Many Pediatricians offer appointments on Saturdays and Sundays.


Who are pediatricians? Why are they important?


Pediatricians are doctors who treat infants, children, and adolescents and help them maintain a healthy life. They provide medical care during acute illnesses and manage the children’s physical, mental, and emotional well-being at every stage of their development. Pediatrics, the medical branch of child care, combines general and specialized medicine, requiring pediatricians to possess knowledge of the entire body, its interrelatedness, and how to treat various aspects of children’s health.

Owing to the physiological differences between children and adults, pediatricians are crucial in ensuring that the treatment and care are child-friendly. For example, drugs that are safe for adults may have harmful side effects on children and hence, cannot be prescribed to them. Additionally, pediatricians are mindful that children have a greater ability to rebound quickly, which may result in a sustained period followed by sudden and severe deterioration requiring urgent medical attention.

If a parent has concerns about their child’s growth, development, and mental or physical health, they should visit a pediatrician. It is an excellent idea to locate a reputable pediatrician before the baby’s birth to ensure proper care from birth to early adulthood.


Qualifications of a pediatrician


Pediatricians complete a pre-medical undergraduate degree and then take the Medical College Admissions Test to be eligible for medical school. Once selected, they spend four years in medical school: two years covering classroom lessons and the remaining years participating in clinical rotations before graduating with an MD or a DO degree.

After graduating from medical school, pediatricians complete three years of a pediatric residency program, where they train to treat and care for children. To become eligible for board certifications, pediatricians must pass a written test by the American Board of Pediatrics (ABP) after completing their residency.

When seeking a pediatrician, you should consider the following skills:

  • Strong interpersonal skills: A pediatrician must communicate effectively and empathetically with children and parents, especially in situations involving chronic illness and personal hygiene.
  • Flexibility and energy: Since medical emergencies can occur at any time, your pediatrician must be available and able to work irregular hours and weekends while remaining active and productive during rounds, surgeries, and other duties.
  • Emotional stability: Your pediatrician should act professionally and maintain emotional composure while working with patients.


What does a pediatrician do?


Pediatricians cover various health-related issues, from critical care of children to counseling during childbirth and routine care for their children. Some of the reasons why you may need a pediatrician are:

  • Routine care: Pediatricians are trained to look after children’s physical, emotional, and behavioral needs. During the children’s development phase, routine care will help them maintain a healthy life.
  • Care for child-specific difficulties: Children have unique needs and require special attention, as adults often find it challenging to understand their difficulties. Pediatricians specialize in identifying the problems faced by children and understanding their needs.
  • Care for congenital disorders: For children with a congenital health condition requiring close monitoring and treatment, a pediatrician is the right choice, as they can provide specialized care.
  • Specialized care: Pediatricians who are specialized in specific fields like nephrology, cardiology, or oncology can treat critical illnesses in children.

During a child’s first two years, they must have frequent “well-child visits” with a pediatrician. These visits typically occur semi-annually from ages 2 to 5 and continue every year after age 5. Schedule timely wellness visits with one of the best pediatricians near you to ensure your child hits all standard developmental milestones. In caring for your child, they will:

  • Conduct physical examinations
  • Administer recommended immunizations
  • Monitor the child’s growth, behavior, and skills to ensure they meet developmental milestones
  • Diagnose and treat the child’s health issues, such as illnesses, infections, and injuries
  • Provide advice on health, safety, nutrition, and fitness
  • Respond to inquiries regarding the child’s growth and development
  • Collaborate with specialists if the child requires care beyond the pediatrician’s expertise


Subspecialties in pediatrics


  • Critical care pediatricians

Critical illnesses in children that cause the child to be unstable or critical, like a severe asthma attack, diabetic ketoacidosis, severe pneumonia or meningitis, kidney or liver failure, severe injuries from accidents, and cancer, are treated by critical care pediatrics. Children suffering from acute illnesses require pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) monitoring. Critical care pediatricians coordinate with a team of doctors, nurses, and other health care specialists. 

  • Pediatric oncologists

Pediatric oncologists are specialists who treat cancers in children and adolescents. Pediatric oncologists are also trained in treating blood disorders (hematology). After completing their certification, the specialists conduct a 3-year fellowship in pediatric oncology. Doctors follow standard procedures like chemotherapy, immunotherapy, stem cell transplants, and surgery during the treatment. 

  • Pediatric cardiologists

Pediatric cardiologists deal with heart-related diseases like arrhythmia, congenital heart defects (CHD), and genetic conditions like Down syndrome, Marfan syndrome, and Turner syndrome in children and adolescents. Pediatric cardiologists coordinate with other specialists, like the primary care provider and the child’s regular pediatrician, during the treatment. The doctors use echocardiograms, electrocardiograms, and imaging tools to detect heart issues. Depending on the severity of the illness, the doctor can give inpatient or outpatient care. 

  • Pediatric neurologists

Pediatric neurologists treat conditions related to the nervous system in children. The doctors treat children from birth through 18 years of age and address the child-specific requirements. Pediatric neurologists treat common neurological conditions like migraine, epilepsy, cerebral palsy, and rare diseases like traumatic brain injury, metabolic disorders, and degenerative conditions. During a visit to the pediatric neurologist, children are assessed using several techniques, like using a reflex hammer on the knees and elbows to check reflexes. The doctor might also ask the child to perform actions like walking, running, standing up, reporting words, and answering questions to check their motor skills, mental status, and coordination.

  • Neonatologists

Neonatologists are doctors trained to care for newborn children. Newborns with health challenges like underdeveloped organs or structural deformities require specific medical expertise and intensive care. Neonatologists also play an essential role in routine aspects of care, like counseling the parents during childbirth. Neonatologists are the first line of support for high-risk births. They help during complications such as underdeveloped respiratory or digestive systems, premature labor, and perinatal asphyxia, i.e., lack of oxygen during birth. These specialists primarily work inside the neonatal intensive care units (NICU). Some common conditions taken care of inside NICUs are premature birth, hypoglycemia, respiratory distress, and acute infections like sepsis.  

Other pediatric specializations include:

  • Adolescent medicine specialists: They help adolescents and young adults between 11 and 21 with their complex emotional, physical, and behavioral health requirements by performing physical exams, immunizations, and reproductive and mental healthcare.
  • Child abuse pediatrics: They have special training and experience in assessing children who might be victims of some form of abuse or neglect.
  • Developmental-behavioral pediatrics: They help manage and treat developmental and behavioral problems in children and adolescents by taking into consideration the medical and psychosocial aspects of these conditions. 
  • Pediatric emergency medicine specialists: They work in the emergency departments of hospitals, where they take care of acutely ill or injured children.
  • Pediatric endocrinologists: They specialize in diagnosing and treating conditions affecting children’s hormones and hormone-producing glands. 
  • Pediatric gastroenterologists: They cater to digestive disorders in children and teens.
  • Pediatric hospital medicine specialists: They work in hospitals, where they care for children across different units, including pediatric acute care, newborn nursery, labor and delivery, emergency care, and neonatal and pediatric intensive care.
  • Pediatric infectious disease specialists: They specialize in diagnosing and treating children with congenital or acquired illnesses of the immune system, including those caused by bacteria, parasites, fungus, and other rare infectious agents.
  • Pediatric pulmonologists: They specialize in treating children with breathing problems and other lung conditions.
  • Pediatric rheumatologists: They cater to children with autoimmune (diseases where the immune system harms the body’s healthy cells) and rheumatic disorders (fevers, joint pain, and disorders affecting the internal organs).


Find the best pediatricians near you in San Diego


Anxiety is a natural emotion most parents face regarding their children’s health. It is not easy to trust anyone with a child’s well-being. Finding a doctor or pediatrician who can take proper care of and guide you through the different phases of your child’s development is crucial.

A platform like Zocdoc helps you find the right one by providing several top-rated pediatricians who are qualified and experienced in treating various conditions. One can access essential and verified information about a provider’s training, certification, and qualification on the platform.

You can book both in-person and online appointments via Zocdoc. While browsing the list of doctors matching your criteria, look for a purple video icon beside their name. The presence of this icon indicates that the doctor offers virtual consultations.

Zocdoc provides an easy alternative to an otherwise lengthy and taxing process of booking appointments with its straightforward interface. To identify the best pediatricians near you, you can filter all healthcare providers based on their insurance network, location, verified patient testimonials, and specialty. All bookings made on Zocdoc are 100% free, fast, and safe!


Pediatric statistics in San Diego


According to statistics from Kidsdata by the Population Reference Bureau, there have been 1778 deaths in children from San Diego caused by vaccine-preventable childhood diseases like diphtheria, measles, polio, and tetanus.

On average, 796 cases of cancer in children were detected between 0-19 years in San Diego. Similarly, between 2017 and 2018, 11.4 percent of children between the ages of 0-19 were diagnosed with asthma.


Sources


Cleveland Clinic

WebMD[1]

WebMD[2]

WebMD[3]

Verywell Health


The content herein is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Medical information changes constantly, and therefore the content on this website should not be assumed to be current, complete or exhaustive. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, please call your doctor or 9-1-1 immediately.

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