What PM Pediatrics is and when to use it

PM Pediatrics is a chain of urgent care clinics that treat children from infancy through age 21. The clinics operate extended hours — typically 12 p.m. to midnight, seven days a week — which is where the "PM" comes from. They handle the same range of conditions as other pediatric urgent care: ear infections, sore throats, minor fractures, rashes, fever, vomiting, and cuts that need stitches.

PM Pediatrics locations exist in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania. Each clinic is staffed by pediatric nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and pediatricians. They do not require an appointment, so you can walk in during their operating hours.

You would go to PM Pediatrics instead of your child's regular doctor when you need care outside regular office hours but the problem is not life-threatening. If your child has difficulty breathing, chest pain, severe injury, or signs of a serious infection, go to an emergency department instead.

Key Takeaways

  • PM Pediatrics operates in the evening and night hours (usually 12 p.m. to midnight) in four states, filling the gap between your pediatrician's office hours and the emergency department.
  • You do not need an appointment; you walk in and check in at the front desk, though wait times vary by location and time of day.
  • The clinics treat common childhood illnesses and injuries but do not perform surgery or admit patients to hospital beds.
  • You will need your child's insurance card and photo ID at check-in, and you pay any copay or coinsurance your plan requires.
  • PM Pediatrics sends records to your child's primary care doctor, so follow-up care can continue with your regular pediatrician.

How to find a PM Pediatrics location near you

PM Pediatrics has clinics in New York City, the surrounding suburbs, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania. The exact number and location of clinics changes, so the most current list is on the PM Pediatrics website or by calling their main line.

When you search for a location, note the operating hours for that specific clinic. Most operate from noon to midnight, but some may have different hours. If you are not sure whether a clinic is open, call ahead rather than driving there.

Some clinics are busier than others depending on time of day and day of week. Weekend evenings and the hours right after school ends tend to be peak times. If you can go during a quieter time, you may wait less.

What happens when you arrive at PM Pediatrics

When you walk in, you check in at the front desk. Bring your child's insurance card and a photo ID. The staff will ask you to fill out a form with your child's medical history, current medications, allergies, and the reason for the visit.

You will then wait in the waiting room until a nurse calls your child back. The nurse takes vital signs — temperature, heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing rate — and asks more detailed questions about the symptoms. This usually takes 5 to 15 minutes depending on how busy the clinic is.

After that, a provider (a pediatrician, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant) examines your child. The visit itself typically lasts 15 to 30 minutes. The provider may order tests like a throat culture, urinalysis, or X-ray if needed. Some clinics have these services on-site; others send samples to a lab.

What PM Pediatrics can and cannot treat

PM Pediatrics handles acute illnesses and minor injuries. Common reasons children visit include ear infections, strep throat, urinary tract infections, minor sprains and fractures, lacerations that need stitches, rashes, fever, vomiting, diarrhea, and cough. They can prescribe antibiotics, pain relievers, and other medications.

PM Pediatrics does not perform surgery, admit patients to hospital beds, or treat life-threatening emergencies. They also do not typically handle complex chronic conditions that need specialist care or ongoing monitoring. If your child needs imaging beyond basic X-rays, blood work beyond routine tests, or admission to a hospital, you would be referred to an emergency department.

Some clinics offer additional services like rapid flu and COVID-19 testing, but not all locations have every service. Ask when you call or arrive whether the specific test or service you need is available.

Insurance and payment at PM Pediatrics

PM Pediatrics accepts most major insurance plans, including Medicaid and Medicare. At check-in, you will be asked for your insurance card. The clinic will verify your coverage and tell you what your copay or coinsurance is before the visit.

If you do not have insurance, PM Pediatrics will still see your child. You will be responsible for the full cost of the visit. Prices vary by location and the services provided, but an urgent care visit typically costs between $100 and $300 without insurance. Ask about the cost upfront if you are uninsured.

After your visit, the clinic sends a bill to your insurance company. If there is a balance you owe after insurance pays, the clinic will send you an invoice. Some clinics offer payment plans if you cannot pay the full amount at once.

After your visit: records and follow-up

Before you leave, the clinic gives you a summary of the visit, any test results, and instructions for care at home. If your child was prescribed medication, you will receive a prescription you can fill at any pharmacy.

PM Pediatrics sends a report of the visit to your child's primary care doctor. This means your pediatrician will know what happened and what was treated, so they can follow up if needed. If your child needs ongoing care — for example, if an infection requires a second round of antibiotics or a fracture needs a follow-up X-ray — your pediatrician can coordinate that.

If the clinic recommends that your child see a specialist or return for a follow-up visit, they will give you those instructions before you leave. Some conditions improve on their own with home care; others need monitoring.

When to go to an emergency department instead

PM Pediatrics is for urgent but not emergent problems. Go to an emergency department if your child has difficulty breathing, chest pain, severe bleeding, signs of a serious allergic reaction, suspected poisoning, severe head injury, loss of consciousness, or signs of meningitis (stiff neck, high fever, rash). These situations need imaging, lab work, and specialist care that only a hospital can provide.

If you are unsure whether your child needs an emergency department or urgent care, call your pediatrician or a nurse hotline. Many insurance plans have a nurse line you can call 24/7 to talk through symptoms.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an appointment at PM Pediatrics?

No. PM Pediatrics operates on a walk-in basis. You can arrive during operating hours without calling ahead. However, if you want to know the current wait time before you go, many locations post wait times on their website or you can call the clinic directly.

What if my child's regular doctor is not available?

PM Pediatrics is designed for exactly this situation. You do not need a referral from your pediatrician to go. The clinic will send records to your pediatrician afterward so they know what happened and can follow up if needed.

Can PM Pediatrics treat my newborn?

PM Pediatrics treats children from infancy through age 21. However, very young infants (typically under 2 months) with fever or other serious symptoms are usually sent to an emergency department because they need more intensive evaluation. Call the clinic or your pediatrician if you are unsure.

What if I do not have insurance?

PM Pediatrics will still see your child. You will pay out of pocket, and the cost varies by location and services. Ask about the cost before the visit so there are no surprises. Some clinics offer payment plans if you cannot pay the full amount when ready.

How long does a visit usually take?

The actual time with a provider is usually 15 to 30 minutes, but total time from check-in to leaving depends on how busy the clinic is. Peak times (evenings and weekends) may mean a longer wait. Quieter times may be faster.