Allied Physicians Group Introduces Innovative Approach to Pediatric Urgent Care on Long Island

Allied Physicians Group, a physician-led organization and the largest independent provider of pediatric care in New York State with 36 pediatric offices, is introducing an innovative approach to pediatric urgent care on Long Island. The new model combines pediatric practices during the day with pediatric urgent care during evenings, weekends, and holidays giving families another option for specialized care during hours when many pediatric offices are closed. Urgent care services are available from 4 pm to midnight and weekends from 12 noon to 12 midnight.

The first grand opening took place September 14^th at Allied's 2799 Route 112, Suite 11, Medford, New York location followed by the Franklin Square grand opening on September 17^th in Nassau County at 380 Dogwood Avenue, Franklin Square, New York. These are the first two locations in Allied's planned pediatric urgent care expansion, with an additional locations planned for Staten Island and Riverhead in the coming months.

Led by Dr. Shannon O'Malley, an experienced and respected pediatric urgent care physician, the initiative differs from the majority of traditional pediatric practices and standalone urgent care centers. During regular hours, the locations operate as pediatric practices. During evenings, weekends, and holidays they transition to urgent care focused specifically on the healthcare needs of children.

The concept originated within Allied, where many of the members are mothers of young children shared the challenges they encountered finding convenient after-hours care from providers they trusted and who understood children's specific healthcare needs. Their input sparked the idea that became Allied Pediatric Urgent Care, reflecting Allied's commitment to developing ideas from within the organization into new approaches to pediatric healthcare.

“Having spent much of my career in pediatric urgent care, I believe families should never have to choose between convenience and specialized pediatric care. That’s what we’re building with Allied Pediatric Urgent Care. We’re bringing urgent care directly into established Allied general pediatrics offices- places that are already familiar and trusted by families and making that care available when families often need it most: nights and weekends, when their pediatrician’s office may be closed. When a child gets sick after dinner, develops a fever at night, or gets injured during a weekend game, parents shouldn’t have to wonder where to go or settle for an unfamiliar walk-in clinic. We want families to know they have a trusted place to turn for timely, pediatric-focused care,” said, Dr. Shannon O’Malley, Medical Director- Urgent Care for Allied Physicians Group.

Dr. O’Malley says, “Our goal is simple: to bring together convenience, familiarity, and specialized pediatric expertise- providing the right care, in the right setting, at the times families need us most. We’re building the kind of pediatric urgent care experience that I would want available to my own family.”

The services will be available to all families, including children who are not existing Allied patients. Care will include common childhood illnesses, respiratory conditions, allergies, asthma, sports injuries, lacerations, abrasions and other minor injuries.

Affordability is another significant difference. Visits will be billed as regular pediatric office visits, allowing families to pay their regular office copay rather than a higher urgent care copay. Depending on insurance coverage, this may reduce a family's copay by as much as two-thirds.

“Families want healthcare that is accessible, affordable, and tailored to the unique needs of their children," said Dr. Kerry Fierstein, CEO of Allied Physicians Group. "This innovative care model combines convenient extended hours with the continuity, expertise, and trusted relationships that come from a physician-led pediatric organization. It is another example of how Allied is reimagining care delivery to better serve children and families across our communities."

Pediatric urgent care also offers an alternative to costly and time-consuming hospital emergency department visits for many illnesses and minor injuries that can appropriately be treated in an outpatient setting. When follow-up or specialty care is appropriate, families have access to Allied's broader network of pediatric healthcare providers.

For more information about Allied Physicians Group, its pediatric urgent care services or to find an office, visit alliedphysiciansgroup.com.

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About Allied Physicians Group

Allied Physicians Group has built the largest independent pediatric footprint in New York State. As a physician-led organization, Allied believes patients receive better and more attentive care when they are seen by an independent pediatrician who has the freedom to make decisions that are best for the child. Allied Physicians Group has 36 offices across the Greater New York City, Long Island and lower Hudson Valley region, including pediatric urgent care locations in Medford and Franklin Square. Each year, the organization's 150 clinicians care for more than 180,000 patients. For more information about Allied Physicians Group, visit alliedphysiciansgroup.com.