At MercyOne, we know that healthy families start with healthy kids. Our expert pediatricians and pediatric specialty care providers are ready to treat your children, from newborn care, to your high school senior’s last sports physical. When injuries or chronic illnesses or conditions arise, MercyOne has a wide range of pediatric specialists ready to give your child the specialized care they need.

Pediatrics care is care dedicated to children ages 0-18. Pediatricians are expertly trained in children’s bodies, including growth and development tracking, early intervention for health and well-being concerns, and treatment of common minor illnesses or injuries.

What do Pediatricians do?

Pediatricians are your child’s health partners. They perform age-appropriate screenings, administer required and recommended immunizations, treat sick or hurt children, and coordinate care as they grow into adulthood.

Pediatricians are trained and qualified to:

Provide preventive care

  • Annual well-child visits
  • Age-appropriate recommended screenings
  • Growth and development tracking
  • Administer seasonal immunizations
  • Early intervention for physical issues, mental health concerns and intellectual disabilities
  • Perform school, sport or camp physicals  

Treat common, minor illnesses

  • Sick visits
  • Digestive discomfort or pain
  • Cold, flu and allergies
  • Minor injuries (small cuts, muscle sprains)
  • Infections and skin conditions

Manage chronic conditions

  • Heart conditions
  • Musco skeletal issues
  • Diabetes
  • Asthma
  • Allergies

Coordinate care

  • Help manage treatment plans and medications
  • Refer to specialists as needed 

MercyOne Children’s Hospital provides a full spectrum of pediatric care designed to support children at every stage, from routine care to complex conditions. Services include a 24/7 pediatric emergency department, inpatient care, pediatric intensive care and neonatal intensive care, along with urgent care and primary pediatric clinics. Children also have access to a growing network of pediatric specialists including cardiology, gastroenterology, neurology and surgery, ensuring coordinated, comprehensive care close to home.  

Pediatrics Emergency Care 
MercyOne provides 24/7 pediatric emergency care for infants, children and adolescents, offering specialized treatment in a child-focused environment. Care is delivered by board-certified physicians and pediatric-trained nurses, with access to subspecialists and advanced capabilities as a Level II Pediatric Trauma Center. With a focus on coordinated, timely care, MercyOne ensures children receive expert support when it matters most.

Pediatric Specialty Care
At MercyOne, our pediatric specialty care teams connect children and families to advanced expertise across a wide range of conditions without traveling far. Our expanding specialty clinics make it easier for families to access advanced care close to home. Ask your primary care provider about a referral to a MercyOne specialist.

MercyOne Children’s Hospital William and Josephine Norkaitis NICU 
The MercyOne Children’s Hospital William and Josephine Norkaitis NICU provides advanced, around-the-clock care for premature and medically fragile newborns, supported by in-house neonatologists and specially trained nurses using the latest technology. Located within MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center, the unit combines high-level clinical expertise with a family-centered approach, offering private patient rooms, space for parents to stay at the bedside and access to additional support services such as therapists, child-focused specialists and an on-site Ronald McDonald House so families can remain close to their baby.

Pediatrics Urgent Care
MercyOne Des Moines Pediatrics Urgent Care offers convenient, specialized care for children with minor illnesses and injuries when their regular provider is unavailable. As the area’s only dedicated pediatric urgent care, board-certified providers deliver on site treatment with access to same-day lab and X-ray services for faster diagnosis, along with extended weekday and weekend hours to make care easy and accessible for families. 

A pediatrician is a physician or advanced practitioner who is trained and educated in the development of children’s bodies, including common physical conditions and illnesses that affect patients 18 years of age or younger.

All kids should have an annual check-up, even if they feel healthy. Your pediatrician should be your first stop to treat illnesses or injuries, as they know your child’s health and family history (in emergencies, always seek your nearest emergency department. For urgent, but non-emergency conditions, visit a convenient care location near you).

Family medicine providers can see patients of all ages, including children. The advantage of having your child see a pediatrician, is it’s their sole focus. The advantage of a family medicine provider is that they can continue to see your child after they turn 18, and that they can see your entire family. It’s a matter of personal preference.

Yes, many MercyOne Pediatrics Care locations offer same-day or next-day appointments for sick visits and urgent health concerns, depending on availability.

Find a location near you

Yes, virtual visits are available for certain conditions with certain providers, allowing you to receive care from the comfort of your home.

Only children under the age of 18 can see pediatricians

You can schedule online or call directly depending on your location/provider.

Schedule Online

If your child needs specialty care, your primary care provider will help coordinate a referral to the right pediatric specialist. Our team works together to ensure a smooth, connected experience from your child’s first appointment through ongoing care.

In most cases, a referral from your child’s primary care provider is needed to see a pediatric specialist. Your provider will help coordinate the referral and connect you with the right specialist based on your child’s needs.

Your child’s care team will share test results as soon as they’re available and clearly explain what they mean. We’ll outline next steps and make sure you know who to contact if you have questions or need additional support. 

You can also stay connected with your child’s health through MyChart, at any place and anytime!


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