While urgent care centers aren’t necessarily new to the area, a pediatric walk-in clinic is new and makes for a unique care option in our community. Usually found only in larger cities, the new HSHS Medical Group Pediatric Walk-In Clinic is the first of its kind in our region. Led by board-certified pediatricians Gopi Nambiar, MD, FAAP, and Erin Blackburn, MD, FAAP, the new clinic offers access to specialized care—treating everything from colds to other common pediatric conditions. Camp and sports physicals are also available. All pediatric patients are welcome to walk in for care, whether they are established HSHS Medical Group patients or just need care for today.
“We offer care for common pediatric conditions that can happen with any child,” said Dr. Nambiar. “The clinic is an excellent option for pediatric patients from birth to 18 years of age who are needing treatment for allergies, cough or cold, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, ear and eye infections, to name a few.”
The Pediatric Walk-In Clinic features x-ray and lab services on site to serve patients more quickly and efficiently. “When a patient walks in with a sore throat for example, a rapid strep test will be performed right away, and we have the results in 10 or 15 minutes. By the time I come in to examine the patient, I already have the test results in front of me and can prescribe medicine immediately. It’s a great convenience for patients and parents not to have to make multiple stops or walk long distances in a hospital for care. We have protocols in place, so our workflows are more efficient and faster. This is a huge benefit and very much appreciated by patients and their families,” said Dr. Nambiar.
According to Dr. Nambiar, there are other advantages over a traditional urgent care: “Typically when you walk into an urgent care you won’t be able to see a pediatrician. Offering pediatric care at the highest level is our key difference.”
Scheduled to open June 18, the new HSHS Medical Group Pediatric Walk-In Clinic is conveniently located at HSHS Medical Group Multispecialty Care, Pediatrics at 2901 Old Jacksonville Rd. in Springfield, IL. Hours are Monday-Friday, 8 am-4 pm. No appointment is necessary. All pediatric patients are welcome to walk in for care, whether they are established HSHS Medical Group patients or just need care for today. Simply walk in or call 217-241-1295.
Dr. Nambiar concludes, “Being available and providing access to pediatric care in a walk-in setting is unique. When patients need us, we are here for them—close to home.”