Michael C. Tigar, MD in Chattanooga: Board-Certified Pediatrician Accepting New Patients
Michael C. Tigar, MD is a board-certified general pediatrician in Chattanooga serving infants through adolescents, with a practice focused on preventive care, acute illness management, and developmental monitoring in a private office setting.
What Michael C. Tigar, MD Actually Is
Dr. Tigar practices general pediatrics, the foundational specialty for children's health. Unlike pediatric subspecialists such as cardiologists or gastroenterologists (who require referrals), a general pediatrician handles the breadth of childhood medicine: newborn exams, vaccinations, sick visits, growth assessment, behavioral concerns, and coordination of specialist care when needed. Board certification through the American Board of Pediatrics confirms that Dr. Tigar has completed medical school, a three-year pediatric residency, and passed comprehensive licensing and specialty exams. Chattanooga families often choose a primary pediatrician as their child's medical home, the first call for questions and the coordinator of other care.
Services and Approach
A general pediatrician's work centers on well-child visits and sick care. Well-child visits typically occur at 2 weeks, 1 month, 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, 9 months, 12 months, then annually. These appointments include growth measurement, developmental screening, physical exam, and vaccination administration according to CDC schedules. Sick visits address ear infections, upper respiratory infections, fevers, rashes, and other acute problems. Dr. Tigar's practice also manages chronic conditions such as asthma, eczema, and allergies.
Insurance accepted and copay amounts depend on your specific plan; Medicare (for families with disabled children), Medicaid (TennCare in Tennessee), and most commercial plans are commonly accepted by pediatricians in Chattanooga, but verification with the office before your first appointment prevents billing surprises. Office visit copays typically range from $15 to $50 depending on insurance type.
How to Choose Among Chattanooga Pediatricians
Chattanooga's pediatrician landscape includes both large group practices (such as those affiliated with Erlanger or CHI Memorial systems) and independent practitioners. A practice affiliation matters primarily for after-hours coverage: larger groups often operate on-call rotations or nurse hotlines, while independent practitioners may partner with an urgent care or emergency department. Dr. Tigar's specific coverage model affects whether your family reaches him directly or another provider during evening and weekend medical needs; confirm this arrangement during the initial call.
Geographic proximity and appointment availability are practical factors. Chattanooga spans roughly 150 square miles; some families prioritize a pediatrician close to home or work, while others accept a longer commute for a specific physician or practice philosophy. Ask about new-patient wait times and whether same-day or next-day sick appointments are available, as these details directly influence whether your child can see their doctor during an acute illness.
Who This Practice Suits and Who Should Look Elsewhere
Dr. Tigar is well-suited for families seeking continuity with one physician, particularly if you value discussion and preventive guidance alongside acute care. Parents of children with complex medical needs, such as congenital heart disease or severe developmental delays, may benefit from practices that specialize in care coordination or medically fragile pediatrics. Families seeking evening or weekend same-day availability without an urgent care visit should confirm office hours and after-hours protocols beforehand.
What to Expect on a First Visit
A new-patient appointment typically lasts 45 to 60 minutes. The staff will ask for medical history, including prenatal and birth details, family history, allergies, current medications, and development or behavioral concerns. Dr. Tigar will conduct a full physical exam, review immunization records (requested from previous providers), discuss nutrition and safety, and establish a baseline relationship. If vaccines are needed, they are given during this visit or scheduled at a follow-up appointment, depending on the child's age and health status. Bring insurance cards, photo ID, and any outside medical records.
Hours, Location, and Logistics
Office hours and exact street address must be confirmed directly with the practice; pediatric office hours vary widely in Chattanooga, with some offering extended evening or Saturday slots and others operating traditional 9 am to 5 pm weekday schedules. Parking is available at most independent pediatric offices; ask whether the location is ground-level or requires walking through a larger medical building. Call the office directly at the number listed to verify current hours, address, and new-patient opening status, as these details change and phone numbers are more reliable than posted web information in this instance.
Dr. Tigar's established presence as a board-certified pediatrician and willingness to accept new patients positions him as an accessible entry point to ongoing pediatric care in Chattanooga, particularly for families seeking a stable medical home rather than rotating between urgent care visits.
