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178 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 09/14/2026
Availability last updated 09/14/2026
Pediatrician (Virtual)
Los Angeles, CA
Accepts Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna + 19 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits ·
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Dr. Richard Cabrera is a pediatrician at Tri-State Community Healthcare in Pomona and Los Angeles, CA. He offers his patients in-person and virtual consultations. Dr. Cabrera maintains a friendly, caring, and empathetic approach, making his patients comfortable during consultations. He understands...Click to read more
Physician Assistant (Virtual)
Los Angeles, CA
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits ·
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Ms. Homira Omar is a skilled physician assistant practicing at Tri-State Community Healthcare in Los Angeles, CA, with virtual consultations available for convenience. She is certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants, reflecting her expertise and commitment to pro...Click to read more
Hospice and Palliative Medicine Specialist (Virtual)
4.11
·18 reviews
Receptionist very nice, took me in right away. Didn’t wait long. Doctor listen to my concerns. Overall had a great experience. - Oct 20, 2024 by Anthony D.Click to read more
Duarte, CA
Accepts Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna + 10 more
Accepting new patients · 25 years of experience · Offers video visits ·
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Dr. Bob Chiang, MD, earned his Doctor of Medicine from Chung Shan Medical University. He is trained and board certified in Family Practice and Palliative Care, with additional training in Internal Medicine and Hospital Medicine. With over 20 years of experience as a clinician, Dr. Chiang also manage...Click to read more
Pediatrician (Virtual)
5.00
·1 review
Santa Monica, CA
Accepts Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna + 12 more
Accepting new patients · 25+ years of experience · Offers video visits · Highly recommended ·
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Dr. Caroline Mimi Shim, an east coast native-growing up in New Jersey, earned her undergraduate degree in Neurobiology at the University of Pennsylvania and her MD at UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. She completed her internship and pediatric residency at NYP/Weill Cornell Hospital in New Y...Click to read more
Pediatrician (Virtual)
Santa Monica, CA
Accepts Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna + 12 more
Accepting new patients · 25+ years of experience · Offers video visits ·
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Alisa Bromberg, M.D. graduated Phi Beta Kappa from UC Berkeley and received her medical degree from Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, in 1993. She completed her internship and residency at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles and has been working as a board certified pediatrician in th...Click to read more
Pediatrician (Virtual)
5.00
·20 reviews
Santa Monica, CA
Accepts Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna + 12 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits · Highly recommended ·
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Daniel Ganjian M.D. was only six years old when he knew that he wanted to help people through science. He received a Bachelor's degree with highest honors from the University of California, Los Angeles, and a medical degree from the University of California, Irvine. He completed training in Pediatri...Click to read more
Nurse Practitioner (Pediatrics) (Virtual)
San Pedro, CA
Accepts Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna + 11 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits ·
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Sarah Brodhead, NP is passionate about the health and well-being of her patients. After working at Children's Hospital of Los Angeles (CHLA) and then in private practice in Orange County, she decided to return to Los Angeles to work for Providence and serve in the community where she grew up. She ha...Click to read more
Family Physician (Virtual)
Los Angeles, CA
Accepts Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna + 13 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits · Expertise in diabetic emergency + 4 more
Primary Care Doctor (Virtual)
4.33
·3 reviews
Los Angeles, CA
Accepts Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna + 19 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits · Expertise in acute urinary tract infection + 1 more ·
Read bio
Dr. Shahram Mirhashemi is a caring primary care doctor who currently practices at Tri-State Community Healthcare in San Fernando, CA. He also supports patients virtually by providing online consultations. Dr. Mirhashemi earned his medical degree from the Mazandaran University of Medical Science as...Click to read more
Family Nurse Practitioner (Virtual)
3.00
·4 reviews
very unpleasant facility, false advertisement for vaccines they do not have and I contacted someone many times prior to my arrival about this appointment. would not recommend, also long wait times and front desk staff - although they're nice - they aren't too savvy when it comes to processing the ri...Click to read more
Los Angeles, CA
Accepts Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna + 19 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits ·
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Ms. Nastaran Minassians is a highly-skilled family nurse practitioner. She provides in-person services at Tri-State Community Healthcare in Los Angeles, CA. She also offers virtual consultations.  Ms. Minassians sees patients with various illnesses and injuries and develops treatment plans tailored...Click to read more
Primary Care Doctor (Virtual)
4.43
·23 reviews
Excellent FriendlyClick to read more
Los Angeles, CA
Accepts Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna + 19 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits · Excellent wait time ·
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Dr. Qianna Liu is a dedicated primary care doctor who practices at Tri-State Community Healthcare in Los Angeles, CA. She also offers virtual care.  She obtained her medical degree from the Western University of Health Sciences. Dr. Liu provides comprehensive medical care, addressing the overall we...Click to read more
Pediatrician (Virtual)
Adelanto, CA
Accepts Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna + 18 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits ·
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Dr. Amna Waraich is a licensed and experienced pediatrician. She sees patients at Tri-State Community Healthcare in Pomona, CA, and also provides virtual consultations. She earned a medical degree from the University of the Punjab, Lahore. Dr. Waraich is board-certified by the American Board of Ped...Click to read more
Cardiologist (Virtual)
5.00
·1 review
Van Nuys, CA
Accepts Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna + 7 more
Accepting new patients · 23 years of experience · Offers video visits · Highly recommendedExpertise in high cholesterol + 1 more
Family Nurse Practitioner (Virtual)
Adelanto, CA
Accepts Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna + 18 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits ·
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Ms. Talin Bedelian is a compassionate and reliable family nurse practitioner. At present, she offers her services at Tri-State Community Healthcare in Adelanto, CA. She also provides virtual appointments.  Ms. Bedelian's extensive education and clinical training allow her to address a range of heal...Click to read more
Family Nurse Practitioner (Virtual)
5.00
·1 review
Adelanto, CA
Accepts Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna + 18 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits · Highly recommended ·
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Ms. Roxanne Barbe is a family nurse practitioner at Tri-State Community Healthcare in Adelanto, CA. She offers in-person and virtual consultations to patients with common illnesses, chronic diseases, and minor injuries. Ms. Barbe maintains a friendly and caring approach during consultations. She ex...Click to read more
Physician Assistant (Virtual)
5.00
·3 reviews
Taylor Cartright was very nice, patient, knowledgeable. Made us feel very comfortable. - Jan 15, 2025 by DARREN D.Click to read more
Adelanto, CA
Accepts Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna + 18 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits · Highly recommended · Excellent wait time ·
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Ms. Taylor Cartwright is a skilled physician assistant from Adelanto, CA. She works at Tri-State Community Healthcare and offers both in-person and virtual consultations. Ms. Cartwright believes in listening to each individual and curating a partnership to maintain and improve lifelong health. She ...Click to read more
Family Nurse Practitioner (Virtual)
4.50
·2 reviews
Adelanto, CA
Accepts Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna + 18 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits ·
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Ms. Bertha Nkemere is a licensed family nurse practitioner. She sees patients at Tri-State Community Healthcare in Adelanto, CA, and also provides virtual consultations. She has knowledge and experience in patient care and treatment. Ms. Nkemere can diagnose and treat common health issues. She list...Click to read more
Primary Care Doctor (Virtual)
5.00
·4 reviews
Dr. Louis Flores is a good Doctor! I had a different doctor before him who I was seeing for many years since I was a little kid. I was afraid of choosing a different doctor that now takes my insurance. But I’m glad I chose Dr. Louis Flores I can say he will be my primary doctor from now on and many ...Click to read more
San Fernando, CA
Accepts Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna + 17 more
Accepting new patients · 25+ years of experience · Offers video visits · Highly recommended · Excellent wait time · Expertise in pain in joint + 9 more ·
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Dr. Louis Flores is a dedicated and compassionate primary care doctor practicing at Tri-State Community Healthcare. He welcomes patients from all backgrounds and communities in San Fernando, CA. He also offers virtual consultations. Dr. Flores earned a medical degree from the Universidad Autónoma d...Click to read more
Primary Care Doctor (Virtual)
4.33
·3 reviews
San Fernando, CA
Accepts Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna + 19 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits · Expertise in acute urinary tract infection + 1 more ·
Read bio
Dr. Shahram Mirhashemi is a caring primary care doctor who currently practices at Tri-State Community Healthcare in San Fernando, CA. He also supports patients virtually by providing online consultations. Dr. Mirhashemi earned his medical degree from the Mazandaran University of Medical Science as...Click to read more
Family Nurse Practitioner (Virtual)
5.00
·7 reviews
I liked my overall experience, NP Sonja was very attentive and helpful, I want to be her new patient, it’s convenient in town and in my insurance network - Jan 29, 2025 by Zahira L.Click to read more
Needles, CA
Accepts Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna + 19 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits · Highly recommended ·
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Ms. Sonja Mann is a dedicated family nurse practitioner at Tri-State Community Healthcare, where she provides in-patient to the Needles, CA, community. She also offers virtual services. In her role, Ms. Mann values building meaningful connections with her patients. She believes open communication ...Click to read more
Primary Care Doctor (Virtual)
4.60
·5 reviews
Needles, CA
Accepts Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna + 14 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits · Excellent wait time · Expertise in underactive thyroid + 9 more ·
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Dr. Mark Folmsbee is a dedicated primary care doctor in Needles, CA. He practices at Tri-State Community Healthcare and offers in-person and virtual consultations.  Dr. Folmsbee earned his medical degree from A.T. Still University, where he received comprehensive training in patient-centered health...Click to read more
Pediatrician (Virtual)
4.80
·181 reviews
Doctor was very thoughtful, patient, considerate and understanding. - Sep 12, 2022 by Rini S.Click to read more
Milpitas, CA
Accepts Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna + 27 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits · Highly recommended · Excellent wait time ·
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Dr. Jigna Negandhi has been practicing pediatrics for the last 10 years. She completed her medical degree at Shri Bhausaheb Hire Government Medical College and completed her residency in Pediatrics at Maimonides Medical Center. For the past 2 years, she has worked as a pool physician at Santa Clara ...Click to read more
Pediatrician (Virtual)
4.00
·2 reviews
I completed all paperwork and added my son's insurance through Zocdoc, but the practice uses an external system I was never told about. I had no idea I needed to check extra emails, so I missed my appointment. They then made me fill out extensive new paperwork in Word format just to reschedule. Ver...Click to read more
Los Altos,, CA
Accepts Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna + 3 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits ·
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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
Family Nurse Practitioner (Virtual)
4.86
·42 reviews
The provider Lucas was wonderful. He addressed all of my concerns and help me with anything I needed pertaining to my health. He was very responsive and assisted me with all of my concerns. - Dec 1, 2025 by Davisha H.Click to read more
Markleeville, CA
Accepts Aetna, Cigna
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits · Highly recommended · Excellent wait time ·
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Lucas Tonies, MSN, FNP-C, CCRN, is a Nurse Practitioner providing primary and telemedicine care at NoMi Beach Health. He spent nearly two decades in critical care before moving into outpatient medicine, where he focuses on prevention, early intervention, and care plans built around each patient’s ac...Click to read more
Family Physician (Virtual)
Markleeville, CA
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits ·
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Dear Patient, Welcome, and thank you for choosing our practice for your primary care needs. We are pleased to provide personalized, physician-led medical care with transparent pricing and timely access. We are a CASH-BASED PRIMARY CARE PRACTICE, and all visits are conducted exclusively by a physici...Click to read more
Urgent Care Clinic (Virtual)
4.03
·1610 reviews
Fast appointment and received my Rx refill quickly. by HCClick to read more
Markleeville, CA
Accepts Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna + 337 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits ·
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Please note: Once a request is made on Zocdoc, a text message will be sent to complete your registration for HelixVM. The appointment is NOT confirmed until registration is completed. Please be sure to have your insurance and credit card nearby. HelixVM is a Virtual Medicine Practice building the f...Click to read more
Family Physician (Virtual)
South Lake Tahoe, CA
Accepts Aetna, Cigna, Medicare + 1 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits · Expertise in diabetic emergency + 9 more ·
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I am a board certified osteopathic family physician. I trained at Touro University, Nevada for medical school, and Valley Hospital for my family medicine residency in Las Vegas, NV. Prior to medical school I lived in Reno for 10 years in the early 2000s and since then have always dreamed of living i...Click to read more
Family Nurse Practitioner (Virtual)
San Francisco, CA
Accepts BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare + 3 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits ·
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Ms. Natalia Poleschuk is a highly skilled family nurse practitioner in San Francisco, CA. She sees patients both in-person and virtually at Free Association Clinic. Ms. Poleschuk earned her master's degree in family health nursing from the United States University. She provides routine checkups, he...Click to read more
Other providers
Availability last updated 09/14/2026
Availability last updated 09/14/2026
Pediatrician
7785.5 mi · 4355 Ruffin Rd, 110, San Diego, CA 92123
Accepting new patients · 25+ years of experience ·
Read bio
Howard Wolfinger, MD is a Pediatrician in San Diego, CA. They completed their residency at Children'S Hosp Of L A. They attended medical school at Columbia University College Of Physicians And Surgeons in 1963. Howard Wolfinger was board certified by American Board of Pediatrics Certification in Ped...Click to read more
Pediatrician
7785.5 mi · 9455 Clairemont Mesa Blvd, San Diego, CA 92123
Accepts Cigna
Read bio
Bernardo Kracer, MD is a Pediatrician in Orange, CA and San Diego, CA. Bernardo Kracer was board certified by American Board of Pediatrics Certification in Pediatrics and American Board of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine Certification in Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine. Their offices are located in 1201 W L...Click to read more
Pediatrician
7785.5 mi · 4050 Beyer Blvd, San Ysidro, CA 92173
Accepts UnitedHealthcare
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits ·
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Andres Gomez Garza, MD is a Pediatrician in San Ysidro, CA. Their office is located in 4050 Beyer Blvd, San Ysidro, CA.Click to read more
Pediatrician
7785.5 mi · 7090 Miratech Dr, San Diego, CA 92121
Accepting new patients ·
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Tanya Lozano, MD is a Pediatrician in San Diego, CA and Los Angeles, CA. Their offices are located in 7090 Miratech Dr, San Diego, CA and 2503 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA.Click to read more
Pediatrician
7785.5 mi · 120 Town Center Pkwy, Santee, CA 92071
Accepts Aetna, UnitedHealthcare + 3 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits ·
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Erica Ike, DO is a Pediatrician in Apple Valley, CA, El Cajon, CA and Santee, CA. Their offices are located in 18002 Wika Rd, Apple Valley, CA, 875 El Cajon Blvd, El Cajon, CA and 120 Town Center Pkwy, Santee, CA.Click to read more
Pediatrician
7785.5 mi · 10243 Genetic Center Dr, San Diego, CA 92121
Accepts Cigna, UnitedHealthcare + 3 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits ·
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Meenal Swami, MD is a Pediatrician in Poway, CA and San Diego, CA. Meenal Swami was board certified by American Board of Pediatrics Certification in Pediatrics. Their offices are located in 15525 Pomerado Rd B1, Poway, CA and 10243 Genetic Center Dr, San Diego, CA.Click to read more
Pediatrician
7785.5 mi · 10243 Genetic Center Dr, San Diego, CA 92121
Accepts Aetna, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare + 3 more
Accepting new patients · 25+ years of experience · Offers video visits ·
Read bio
Jennifer Dolby, MD is a Pediatrician in Oceanside, CA and San Diego, CA. They attended medical school at Bowman Gray School Of Medical Of Wake Forest University in 1989. They completed their residency at University Ca San Diego Medical Center. Jennifer Dolby was board certified by American Board of ...Click to read more
Pediatrician
7785.5 mi · 16918 Dove Canyon Rd, 200, San Diego, CA 92127
Accepts Aetna, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare + 3 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits ·
Read bio
Jaime Friedman, MD is a Pediatrician in El Cajon, CA and San Diego, CA. Jaime Friedman was board certified by American Board of Pediatrics Certification in Pediatrics. Their offices are located in 250 E Chase Ave 108, El Cajon, CA, 3020 Childrens Way, San Diego, CA and 3860 Calle Fortunada 200, San ...Click to read more
Pediatrician
7785.5 mi · 16899 W Bernardo Dr, San Diego, CA 92127
Accepts Cigna, UnitedHealthcare + 3 more
Accepting new patients · 25 years of experience · Offers video visits ·
Read bio
Jennie Ou, MD is a Pediatrician in San Diego, CA. They attended medical school at University Of California in 2001. They completed their residency at University Ca Irvine Medical Center. Jennie Ou was board certified by American Board of Pediatrics Certification in Pediatrics. Their offices are loca...Click to read more
Pediatrician
7785.5 mi · 732 N Broadway, Escondido, CA 92025
Accepting new patients · 23 years of experience · Offers video visits ·
Read bio
Chelsea Clapp, MD is a Pediatrician in San Diego, CA and Escondido, CA. They completed their residency at Ucla School Of Medicine. They attended medical school at University Of California in 2003. Chelsea Clapp was board certified by American Board of Pediatrics Certification in Pediatrics. Their of...Click to read more
Pediatrician
7785.5 mi · 426 N Date St, Escondido, CA 92025
Accepts UnitedHealthcare + 3 more
Accepting new patients · 25+ years of experience · Offers video visits ·
Read bio
Nancy Aldana, MD is a Pediatrician in Escondido, CA. They completed their residency at Childrens Hosp-Oakland. They attended medical school at University Of California in 1995. Nancy Aldana was board certified by American Board of Pediatrics Certification in Pediatrics. Their offices are located in ...Click to read more
Calendar Check
1-3 days

Average time it takes to be seen by a provider

Doctor
100k

Verified providers with a 4.8 average rating

Primary Care Physician
15+ years

In the business of finding quality care for patients

Patients trust Zocdoc
Doctor is great. Great experience using Zocdoc and they even had availability sooner than the provider website
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This was my first Zocdoc experience and everything went perfectly!
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Zocdoc is great and so convenient. It always makes my appointments go smoothly as well.
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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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