Primary Care Center (CHPCC)

Frequently asked questions

What does Children's Hospital Primary Care Center (CHPCC) do? 

Children's Hospital Primary Care Center (CHPCC) provides primary care services to infants, children and young adults from Boston-area communities and elsewhere, with a focus on the whole health of each child.

Our services include: 

• Immunizations, wellness check-ups and preventive care 
• Medical treatment when a child is ill 
• Medical consultations 
• 24-hour on-call coverage 
• Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking providers and interpreter services 
• Financial counseling 
• Programs to address the unique needs of special pediatrics populations. To find out more about our programs, see About Us, or click on the individual menu links on the left-hand side of your screen 
• Psychosocial services and support 

Where is CHPCC located? 

We are located on the ground floor of the Hunnewell Building at Boston Children's Hospital. The entrance to the Hunnewell Building is located on your left hand side as you walk up the main driveway of Children's. 

What hours is CHPCC routinely open? 

Monday to Thursday: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Friday: 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. 

What do I need to know when calling CHPCC? 

• There is always a health care provider available to answer your questions at 617-355-7701. 
• Calls for medical forms and routine medication refills should be made 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. 
• Calls for appointments can be made Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., and on Fridays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. 
• Please request an interpreter when scheduling your appointment if needed. 
• When calling for a prescription refill, have the name and telephone number of your local pharmacy available. 
• Please call us one week before your medication runs out. This is important as it takes at least 24 hours to process refill prescriptions. 
• If you need a camp or school physical form, you do not have to wait until the month your child begins school or camp. If your child has had a physical within 12 months of the start date, you should be all set. You may need an update on immunizations, which can be accommodated more quickly with a shorter visit. Please call the clinic to schedule.To request a physical form, please call 617-355-7701 between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Please allow seven working days for us to process your request. 

What if I do not have any insurance? 

The following programs may help pay for your child's medical bills: 

• Children's Medical Security Plan 1-800-909-2677 
• Children's Free Care 617-355-7086 
• Medicaid 1-800-841-2900 

We can assist you in applying for one of these plans on the date of your visit. Please bring at least one of the following: 

• last year's tax return 
• your last three pay stubs 

For more information, please talk to a financial counselor at CHPCC by calling 617-355-8945. 

What should I bring to my child's first visit to CHPCC? 

• If your child is a newborn, please bring the discharge information that you received from the nursery. 
• For older children, please bring copies of their medical records, being sure to include shot records and samples of current medications. 
• Please bring your insurance information. 
• Important: All patients are asked to bring their up-to-date insurance information card to each visit. 

Will my child have their own primary care provider? 

Every child has a primary care provider. We are happy to help you select a primary care provider (PCP) who will help you manage your child's care and help you arrange specialty services as needed. Your child's PCP will be responsible for seeing your children for their well child care. Well child care visits are check ups while your child is growing to make sure that your child is healthy and developing normally. 

Please call us at least six weeks before your child is scheduled to have their well child care visit. This will increase the chances of you seeing your own primary care physician. 

Who are the providers who may treat my child? 

While your child has one primary care provider, the services that we deliver are within a team structure. Residents, nurse practitioners and fellows deliver primary care under the supervision of attending physicians. Residents and fellows are doctors who are getting further training in pediatrics. 

How do I reach my provider if I have a question? 

Each provider handles their calls a little bit differently so please ask your provider during your visit how best to reach then. There is always a health care provider available to answer medical questions at 617-355-7701. 

How much notice should I provide if I need to cancel my child's appointment? 

We require at least 24 hours notice as this will allow us the opportunity to offer your appointment to another family. 

What if I am late for my child's appointment? 

Please arrive at registration 15 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment time. If you are 20 minutes late or more for your appointment, you may be asked to reschedule. 

What if my child is sick? 

Urgent care is available from 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Thursday. On Fridays it is available from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Urgent care appointments are for sick children only. 

We ask that you call us to schedule an appointment so that we can get your child's medical record and tell your primary care provider. Whenever possible, your child's primary care provider will see your child. 

Does an urgent care appointment guarantee that my child will be seen at this time? 

Having an appointment guarantees that your child will be seen. But patients are seen in an order that is based on how sick the child is. Patients who "walk in" without calling may have to wait until the end of the clinical session or be directed to our emergency room. There is a health care provider on-call to answer questions and refer you to the Emergency Department if necessary.