Best Pediatricians and Urgent Care Centers in Tampa - 2025 Guide
Finding quality healthcare for your children is one of the most important decisions you'll make as a parent. Tampa Bay offers excellent pediatric care options, from trusted family pediatricians to specialized urgent care centers designed specifically for kids.
Top Pediatric Practices in Tampa Bay
1. Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital
Location: St. Petersburg
Specialty: Comprehensive pediatric care, specialists
Best For: Complex medical needs, specialists
Why We Love It:
- Nationally ranked children's hospital
- Over 200 pediatric specialists
- 24/7 emergency care
- State-of-the-art facilities
- Research and clinical trials
Services:
- Primary care pediatrics
- Specialty care (cardiology, neurology, oncology, etc.)
- Emergency department
- Urgent care centers
- Outpatient surgery
2. Tampa Bay Pediatrics
Multiple Locations: South Tampa, Brandon, Riverview
Best For: Primary care, well visits, sick visits
Features:
- Same-day sick appointments
- Online patient portal
- After-hours nurse line
- Newborn care specialists
- Adolescent medicine
What Parents Say:
- Friendly, caring staff
- Short wait times
- Easy appointment scheduling
- Thorough well-child visits
3. Brandon Pediatrics
Location: Brandon
Best For: East Tampa families, comprehensive care
Highlights:
- Board-certified pediatricians
- Extended hours
- On-site lab services
- Immunizations
- Sports physicals
4. Carrollwood Pediatrics
Location: Carrollwood
Best For: North Tampa families
Services:
- Newborn to adolescent care
- Behavioral health support
- Nutrition counseling
- Asthma management
- ADHD evaluation and treatment
Urgent Care Centers for Kids
When to Choose Urgent Care vs. ER
Urgent Care is Best For:
- Minor injuries (sprains, small cuts)
- Ear infections
- Sore throats
- Mild asthma attacks
- Rashes
- Fever without severe symptoms
- Vomiting/diarrhea (mild to moderate)
Go to the ER For:
- Difficulty breathing
- Severe injuries
- High fever in infants under 3 months
- Seizures
- Loss of consciousness
- Severe allergic reactions
- Suspected broken bones
Top Urgent Care Centers
Johns Hopkins All Children's Urgent Care
Locations: Multiple throughout Tampa Bay
Hours: 7 days a week, extended hours
Why Choose:
- Pediatric-focused care
- Connected to All Children's Hospital
- Board-certified pediatricians
- On-site X-ray and lab
- Online check-in available
Locations:
- Carrollwood
- South Tampa
- Brandon
- Wesley Chapel
AdventHealth Centra Care
Locations: Throughout Tampa Bay
Hours: 7 days a week, many open until 10 PM
Features:
- Pediatric and family care
- Walk-ins welcome
- Online check-in
- Most insurance accepted
- Connected to AdventHealth hospitals
Services:
- Minor injuries
- Illness treatment
- X-rays
- Lab work
- Vaccinations
- Sports physicals
BayCare Urgent Care
Locations: Multiple Tampa Bay locations
Hours: 7 days a week
Highlights:
- Part of BayCare Health System
- Pediatric-trained staff
- Short wait times
- Electronic medical records
- Seamless hospital referrals if needed
Specialized Pediatric Services
Allergy & Asthma Specialists
Allergy Partners of Tampa Bay
- Multiple locations
- Pediatric allergists
- Asthma management
- Food allergy testing
- Immunotherapy
Pediatric Dentistry
Tampa Bay Pediatric Dentistry
- Child-friendly environment
- Preventive care
- Sedation dentistry available
- Emergency dental care
Behavioral Health
All Children's Behavioral Health
- Child psychologists
- Psychiatry services
- Therapy programs
- ADHD evaluation
- Autism services
Finding the Right Pediatrician
Questions to Ask
During Your Search:
- What are your office hours?
- Do you offer same-day sick appointments?
- Who covers after-hours calls?
- Which hospitals are you affiliated with?
- Do you have a patient portal?
- What insurance do you accept?
At Your First Visit:
- What's your philosophy on antibiotics?
- How do you handle vaccine schedules?
- When should I call vs. come in?
- What's your policy on phone consultations?
Red Flags to Watch For
- Long wait times consistently
- Rushed appointments
- Difficulty getting appointments
- Poor communication
- Staff turnover
- Outdated facilities
Insurance and Costs
Accepted Insurance
Most Tampa Bay pediatricians accept:
- Florida Blue
- Cigna
- Aetna
- UnitedHealthcare
- Humana
- Medicaid/Florida KidCare
- Tricare
Always verify with the specific practice before your first visit.
Urgent Care Costs
With Insurance:
- Copay typically $25-$75
- Depends on your plan
Without Insurance:
- Average visit: $100-$200
- X-rays: Additional $50-$150
- Lab work: Additional $50-$200
Tip: Many urgent care centers offer self-pay discounts if you pay at time of service.
Telehealth Options
Virtual Pediatric Care
Johns Hopkins All Children's Virtual Care
- Video visits with pediatricians
- Available 7 days a week
- Treats common illnesses
- Prescription capability
AdventHealth Virtual Care
- 24/7 availability
- App-based visits
- Quick access to care
- Lower cost than in-person
When to Use Telehealth:
- Minor illnesses
- Rashes (visual assessment)
- Follow-up appointments
- Medication questions
- Behavioral health consultations
Emergency Preparedness
Keep This Information Handy
Create a Medical Info Sheet:
- Pediatrician name and phone
- Nearest urgent care
- Nearest ER
- Insurance information
- Medication allergies
- Current medications
- Medical conditions
Emergency Numbers:
- 911 for emergencies
- Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222
- Pediatrician after-hours line
- Nurse hotline (if available through insurance)
Stock Your Medicine Cabinet
Essentials:
- Infant/children's acetaminophen (Tylenol)
- Infant/children's ibuprofen (Advil/Motrin) - for 6 months+
- Thermometer
- Band-aids and antibiotic ointment
- Saline nose drops
- Hydration solution (Pedialyte)
- Allergy medicine (if approved by doctor)
Seasonal Health Tips
Summer Health
- Sunscreen (SPF 30+)
- Insect repellent
- Hydration
- Heat safety
- Pool safety
Winter Health
- Flu shots (September-October)
- Hand washing
- Humidifiers for dry air
- Vitamin D
- Cold prevention
Year-Round
- Regular well-child visits
- Keep vaccinations up to date
- Dental checkups every 6 months
- Vision and hearing screenings
- Healthy eating and exercise
Resources for Tampa Bay Parents
Health Information
Trusted Websites:
- HealthyChildren.org (American Academy of Pediatrics)
- CDC.gov (Vaccine schedules, growth charts)
- KidsHealth.org (Age-specific health info)
Local Resources:
- Florida KidCare (health insurance for kids)
- Healthy Start Coalition (prenatal and infant care)
- WIC Program (nutrition assistance)
- Early Steps (developmental services)
Support Groups
Tampa Bay Parent Groups:
- Tampa Bay Moms (Facebook)
- Special needs parent support groups
- Breastfeeding support groups
- Mental health support for parents
Related Resources
Explore more Tampa family content:
Conclusion
Tampa Bay offers excellent pediatric healthcare options for families. Whether you need a trusted pediatrician for regular checkups or quick access to urgent care for unexpected illnesses, you'll find quality care throughout the area.
Key Takeaways:
- Establish care with a pediatrician before you need urgent care
- Know the difference between urgent care and ER situations
- Keep emergency contact information easily accessible
- Take advantage of telehealth for minor concerns
- Stay up to date with well-child visits and vaccinations
Finding the right healthcare providers for your children gives you peace of mind and ensures your family gets the best care possible.
