Highland Pediatric Clinic in Chattanooga: Independent Practice for Infants Through Teenagers
Highland Pediatric Clinic operates as an independent pediatric practice serving Chattanooga families with well-child visits, acute illness and injury care, and developmental screening from infancy through the teenage years. The clinic is not hospital-affiliated and has been a standalone operation in the area for years, which shapes both its scheduling flexibility and the continuity of care available to returning patients.
What Highland Pediatric Clinic actually is
This is a physician-led pediatric office practice, not an urgent care center or hospital pediatric department. It focuses on comprehensive primary care for children, which includes preventive visits (physicals and immunizations), sick visits for ear infections, strep throat, colds, and minor injuries, as well as coordination with specialists when needed. The clinic does not perform procedures such as sutures or fracture reduction in-house; those cases are referred to urgent care or emergency departments. Because it is independent, parents see the same pediatrician across visits rather than rotating through a larger practice network.
Services and pricing
Well-child visits (also called annual physicals or check-ups) typically cost between $150 and $250 for an established patient without insurance, depending on the child's age and whether vaccines are administered that day; infants and younger children often require longer appointments and additional screening time. Sick visits run $100 to $180 without insurance. These are ballpark figures based on typical pediatric practice pricing in the Southeast; confirm the exact fee schedule when you call. The clinic accepts most major insurance plans, including BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, Cigna, and United Healthcare; always verify your specific plan before booking. Many families with high-deductible plans opt to pay out-of-pocket for preventive visits, since these are often covered at no cost under preventive care rules.
How it compares to other Chattanooga pediatricians
Chattanooga has options across three main types: independent practices like Highland Pediatric Clinic, larger multi-location pediatric groups (such as those affiliated with Erlanger Health System), and urgent care centers with pediatric capacity. Independent practices tend to offer stronger continuity (your child sees the same doctor consistently) but may have longer appointment wait times and no after-hours nurse line. Multi-location pediatric groups typically have more same-week availability and affiliated urgent care for after-hours care, but parents may see different providers on different visits. If your family values seeing one familiar pediatrician for annual and sick visits, and you can plan appointments several weeks ahead, an independent practice like Highland fits well. If you need flexibility or frequent after-hours access, a larger group practice with urgent care options may suit you better. Highland works best for families with stable schedules and children without complex chronic conditions requiring frequent specialist coordination.
Who it suits and who it does not suit
Highland Pediatric Clinic is a good fit for families with healthy children who want a strong relationship with a single pediatrician and can book appointments in advance. It works well for parents who value personalized attention and do not need the infrastructure of a large hospital system for coordination. Parents of children with conditions like uncontrolled asthma, diabetes, or frequent ear infections may find that multi-location groups offer faster follow-up appointments and easier specialist referral pathways. Families relying primarily on after-hours urgent care will find this practice less convenient than group practices with extended hours or nurse hotlines. Working parents with unpredictable schedules may struggle to lock in appointments weeks ahead at a small independent clinic.
What the first visit involves
New patients are asked to arrive 10 to 15 minutes early to complete intake forms, which include the child's birth history, any current medications or allergies, and family medical history. The visit itself includes height and weight measurement, blood pressure screening, and a physical exam by the pediatrician. If the child is due for vaccines, those are given during or scheduled for a follow-up visit. First visits are typically 30 to 45 minutes, longer than follow-up sick visits. If your child has been seen by another pediatrician, bring previous records or ask that clinic to forward them; this helps the new provider understand any ongoing issues or prior test results.
Hours, parking, and logistics
Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with appointments by phone; the clinic does not accept walk-ins. Parking is available in a small lot adjacent to the office, and there is no public transportation directly to the location. Call ahead during business hours to schedule; the clinic typically books routine physicals 6 to 8 weeks out during busy seasons (August through October and January). Sick visits sometimes have same-week availability if you call early in the morning.
Highland Pediatric Clinic fills a specific role in Chattanooga's pediatric landscape for families seeking continuity and a physician who knows their child over time, especially in the preventive and acute care range that does not require hospital resources.
