East TN Children’s Hosp. Knoxville: Pediatric Care & Info

by
Knoxville, Tennessee pediatric hospital guide · Reviewed August 22, 2026

East Tennessee Children’s Hospital is now Dolly Parton Children’s Hospital

The Knoxville hospital long known as East Tennessee Children’s Hospital officially became Dolly Parton Children’s Hospital on February 26, 2026. The hospital remains at 2018 W. Clinch Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37916, and its main phone number remains 865-541-8000.

The hospital is a freestanding pediatric medical center and a Tennessee Comprehensive Regional Pediatric Center, providing emergency, inpatient, intensive care, neonatal, surgery, specialty-clinic, rehabilitation, behavioral-health and outpatient services for children from Knoxville and the wider East Tennessee region.

This guide uses both names because families still search for “East Tennessee Children’s Hospital,” but current directions, records, billing, insurance and hospital information should now be looked for under Dolly Parton Children’s Hospital.

Formerly East Tennessee Children’s Hospital Pediatric Emergency Department 24/7 152-bed pediatric hospital Level III NICU with surgery PICU Pediatric surgery Specialty clinics
Life-threatening emergency: call 911. The pediatric Emergency Department at Dolly Parton Children’s Hospital operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The hospital’s main contact is 865-541-8000. Follow signs for the Emergency Department and Garage A when arriving by private vehicle.
Current official name Dolly Parton Children’s Hospital

Formerly East Tennessee Children’s Hospital.

Main campus 2018 W. Clinch Avenue

Knoxville, TN 37916.

Main hospital phone 865-541-8000

Hospital switchboard and general information.

Physician referral 865-541-8439

Help finding the appropriate pediatric doctor or specialty.

Patient financial services 865-541-8187

Billing, estimates, insurance and financial-assistance questions.

Medical records 865-541-8102

Health Information Management and record-release questions.

Start here: which part of the Knoxville campus should you use?

The main campus contains the hospital, Emergency Department, South and North Towers, physician offices, specialty clinics and multiple parking garages.

Pediatric emergency
Go to the pediatric Emergency Department at the main hospital. Garage A is designated for Emergency Department patients and outpatient-clinic visits. Call 911 for an immediately life-threatening emergency.
General hospital visit
Use 2018 W. Clinch Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37916. During normal daytime/evening access, follow hospital signage to the appropriate tower and Information Desk.
After 9 p.m.
The North Tower entrance closes at 9 p.m.. Use the South Tower main entrance and take the elevator to the 5th-floor security station for visitor access.
Specialty doctor
Many pediatric specialty clinics are in the South Tower or the Medical Office Building/Koppel Plaza area. Confirm the exact building and floor before parking.
Pediatric surgery
Garage B is identified for surgery and outpatient-clinic patients. Pediatric Surgery offices are at 2100 Clinch Avenue, Medical Office Building, Suite 510.
Neurology / neurosciences
Pediatric Neurology is at 2100 Clinch Avenue, MOB Suite 210. Garage C is the standard nearby public garage.
Hematology / oncology
The pediatric Hematology/Oncology Clinic is in the South Tower, second floor at 2018 Clinch Avenue.

Dolly Parton Children’s Hospital phone numbers

These numbers answer the most common patient and family needs without requiring repeated transfers through the hospital switchboard.

Need Phone / contact Use
Main hospital 865-541-8000 Switchboard, general information and hospital routing.
Physician Referral Service 865-541-8439 Help choosing a pediatric specialist based on specialty, insurance, location and child’s needs.
Patient Financial Services 865-541-8187 Hospital bills, insurance, payment arrangements and financial assistance.
Medical Records / HIM 865-541-8102 Medical-record release questions.
Medical Records fax 865-381-5462 Fax completed record-release authorization and required documentation.
Patient Portal representative-access help 865-541-8454 Questions about parent/legal-representative portal access.
Outpatient Pharmacy 865-541-8980 Prescription pickup and outpatient pharmacy questions.
Child Life 865-541-8909
865-541-3688 		Child Life support for procedures, hospital coping, play and preparation.
Pediatric Cardiology 865-522-0420 Cardiology clinic and appointment routing.
Pediatric Neurology 865-523-5437 Neurology appointments and Neurosciences Center questions.
Pediatric Gastroenterology 865-824-0083 GI specialty clinic scheduling and questions.
Hematology / Oncology 865-541-8266 South Tower pediatric hematology/oncology clinic.
Hematology / Oncology clinic questions 865-541-8519 Hospital’s specialty page also publishes this clinic-question number.
Pediatric Surgery office 865-546-2131 Pediatric surgery office at 2100 Clinch Ave, Suite 510.
Inpatient Surgery Unit 865-541-8580 Inpatient pediatric surgical-service questions.

Hospital hours, entrances and after-hours access

The hospital provides 24-hour inpatient and emergency care, but entrances, clinics, records and retail services have their own schedules.

Service / entrance Current published hours Important detail
Hospital / Emergency Department 24 hours daily The ER remains accessible around the clock.
North Tower entrance 5:30 a.m.–9 p.m. Closes at 9 p.m. and reopens daily at 5:30 a.m.
After-hours visitor entrance 9 p.m.–5:30 a.m. Use South Tower Main Entrance, then go to the 5th-floor security station.
Medical Records Mon–Fri: 8 a.m.–4 p.m. 6th Floor North Tower.
Outpatient Pharmacy Mon–Fri: 8 a.m.–6 p.m. 2nd Floor South Tower; closed major holidays.
Child Life Daily: 7 a.m.–11 p.m. Available seven days a week, including holidays.
Hematology/Oncology Clinic Mon–Fri: 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m. South Tower, second floor.
Physician Referral Service Mon–Fri: 8 a.m.–4 p.m. Call 865-541-8439.
Patient Financial Services Mon–Fri: approximately 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Call 865-541-8187.

Pediatric Emergency Department in Knoxville

The hospital maintains a dedicated pediatric Emergency Department for infants, children and adolescents.

Emergency location 2018 W. Clinch Avenue

Knoxville, TN 37916.

Emergency availability 24/7

Use 911 for immediate life-threatening emergencies.

Trauma care: an important distinction

Dolly Parton Children’s Hospital is a Tennessee Comprehensive Regional Pediatric Center. It provides pediatric emergency and specialty care and works with the regional trauma system, including UT Medical Center, so seriously injured children can receive care at the institution best equipped for their specific trauma needs.

Do not label this hospital an ACS Level I Pediatric Trauma Center. Current Tennessee trauma listings distinguish the state’s ACS Level I pediatric trauma centers from Comprehensive Regional Pediatric Centers. This page uses the hospital’s current verified designation rather than overstating it.

Emergency Department visitors

Current visitor policy allows a maximum of two visitors in Emergency Department examination and treatment areas. Two visitor passes are issued at check-in.

Where to park for the ER

Garage A is designated for Emergency Department patients and outpatient-clinic visits.

How to make an appointment with a pediatric specialist

The hospital does not use one universal appointment line for every specialty. Direct clinic scheduling is often faster.

Identify the pediatric specialty. Examples include cardiology, neurology, GI, endocrinology, pulmonology, hematology/oncology, nephrology, surgery or urology.
Check whether a referral is required. Some specialty clinics require a pediatrician or other physician to send a referral and relevant records before the appointment is created.
Call the specialty directly. Use the clinic-specific numbers listed in this guide whenever available.
Need help choosing a doctor? Call the Physician Referral Service at 865-541-8439, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m.–4 p.m.
Confirm where the doctor will see your child. Some specialists see patients in the South Tower, Koppel Plaza/Medical Office Building or an off-campus outpatient center.
Ask for the current doctor schedule. Request the earliest available appointment and specifically ask which days that physician is seeing patients at the Knoxville main-campus location.
Language needs: the Physician Referral Service states that language services are available when helping families find a provider.
Current pediatric doctor directory

Doctors at East Tennessee Children’s / Dolly Parton Children’s Hospital

The hospital has hundreds of pediatric physicians and advanced-practice providers. Below are current specialists explicitly connected to major Knoxville specialty services on the hospital’s own provider pages.

Doctor timing rule: when the hospital publishes clinic opening hours but not a doctor’s personal schedule, this article labels those hours as clinic hours. A clinic being open 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m. does not mean every doctor listed below is present for that entire period every weekday.

Pediatric hematology/oncology doctors

The official Hematology/Oncology service page currently lists the following physicians:

Doctor Specialty Clinic location / phone Published availability information
William Brodwater, MD Pediatric Hematology-Oncology South Tower, 2nd Floor
865-541-8266 		Hematology/Oncology Clinic is officially open Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.. Individual physician days/times are not published as a permanent rota; call the clinic for the doctor’s current appointment sessions.
Jennifer D. Hamm, MD Pediatric Hematology-Oncology South Tower, 2nd Floor
J. Stephen Corns, DO Pediatric Hematology-Oncology South Tower, 2nd Floor
Leonid Melnikov, DO Pediatric Hematology-Oncology South Tower, 2nd Floor

Pediatric neurology doctors

Doctor Specialty Clinic location / phone Timing
Anna Kosentka, MD Pediatric Neurology 2100 Clinch Avenue
Medical Office Building, Suite 210
865-523-5437 		The official Neurosciences page does not publish permanent individual weekly appointment days. Call 865-523-5437 for each doctor’s current clinic sessions and next opening.
Cassie Ables, MD Pediatric Neurology
Namita Garg, MD Pediatric Neurology
Jessica Lee Sheah, MD Pediatric Neurology

Pediatric surgery team

Provider Specialty Clinic Scheduling information
Daniel E. Levin, MD Pediatric Surgery 2100 Clinch Avenue
Medical Office Building, Suite 510
865-546-2131 		The hospital’s pediatric-surgery page does not publish a permanent physician-by-physician weekday timetable. Call the surgery office for current clinic days and available consultation times.
W. Glaze Vaughan, MD Pediatric Surgery
Eric R. Jensen, MD Pediatric Surgery
Rachael Foust, PA-C Pediatric Surgery

Finding doctors in other specialties

The current provider directory includes pediatric specialists in cardiology, endocrinology, gastroenterology, nephrology, pulmonology, urology, psychiatry, psychology, critical care, neonatology, hospital medicine and other fields.

Best phone script for exact doctor timing

“I want an appointment with Dr. [full name]. Which days is the doctor currently seeing patients at the Knoxville location, what is the earliest available appointment, and does my child need a referral or insurance authorization first?”

Published specialty-clinic hours and locations

These are clinic schedules published by the hospital, not guessed physician hours.

Clinic Location Phone Published schedule / access
Hematology/Oncology 2018 Clinch Ave, South Tower, 2nd Floor 865-541-8266 Mon–Fri: 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Pediatric Neurology 2100 Clinch Ave, MOB Suite 210 865-523-5437 Appointment based; fixed individual doctor days are not publicly listed.
Pediatric Surgery 2100 Clinch Ave, MOB Suite 510 865-546-2131 Appointment based; call for current physician clinic sessions.
Pediatric Cardiology Main-campus specialty network 865-522-0420 Call for current doctor and clinic-day availability.
Pediatric Gastroenterology Main-campus specialty network 865-824-0083 Call for current clinic schedule and referral requirements.

Pediatric services at Dolly Parton Children’s Hospital

The Knoxville hospital combines hospital-based care with specialty clinics and outpatient programs.

Emergency medicine

24-hour pediatric emergency evaluation and treatment.

PICU

Pediatric intensive and intermediate care for seriously ill or injured children.

NICU

State-listed Level III neonatal intensive care with surgical capability.

Cardiology

Pediatric heart evaluation, diagnostics and specialty cardiology care.

Hematology / oncology

Blood-disorder and pediatric cancer diagnosis, treatment and long-term follow-up.

Nephrology

Pediatric kidney and hypertension evaluation and management.

Neurology

Pediatric neurological disorders, seizures and other nervous-system conditions.

Neurosurgery

Pediatric neurosurgical specialty services.

Endocrinology

Diabetes, growth, thyroid and pediatric hormonal disorders.

Gastroenterology

Digestive, liver, nutrition and gastrointestinal specialty care.

Pulmonology

Pediatric lung, airway and respiratory specialty care.

Sleep medicine

Pediatric sleep evaluation and sleep-related breathing care.

Orthopedics

Bone, joint, injury and pediatric orthopedic services.

Pediatric surgery

Inpatient and outpatient surgery performed by pediatric surgical specialists.

Urology

Pediatric urinary and genitourinary specialty care.

Infectious disease

Specialized evaluation of complex pediatric infections.

Genetics

Genetic evaluation and related pediatric specialty services.

Behavioral health

Pediatric psychiatry, psychology and behavioral-health programs.

Rehabilitation

Physical, occupational, speech and pediatric rehabilitation services.

Primary care

Pediatric primary-care practices throughout the East Tennessee service area.

Radiology / imaging

Pediatric diagnostic imaging and radiology support.

NICU and Pediatric Intensive Care Unit

The hospital provides advanced inpatient care for premature newborns and critically ill children.

NICU

Tennessee’s current neonatal-services listing identifies Dolly Parton Children’s Hospital as providing a Level III NICU with surgical capability. This supports premature and medically complex newborns who require intensive monitoring and specialty care.

PICU

The pediatric intensive care service manages critically ill medical and surgical patients and is supported by pediatric critical-care specialists and the hospital’s broader subspecialty network.

NICU visitor rules

  • Parents/caregivers may visit 24 hours a day.
  • Other visiting hours: 8 a.m.–6:45 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.–10 p.m..
  • Other visitors must generally be 16 or older.
  • A parent/caregiver must be present for other visitors.
  • Maximum of four people in the room from 8 a.m.–10 p.m., including parents/caregivers.
  • After 10 p.m., no more than two parents/caregivers may remain overnight.

PICU visitor rules

  • At least one parent/caregiver is encouraged to remain with the child around the clock.
  • Published visiting blocks are 7:15 a.m.–6:45 p.m. and 7:15 p.m.–6:45 a.m..
  • Maximum of four people in the room.
  • Only one parent/caregiver may sleep at bedside.
  • Visitors must generally be age 3 or older.

Pediatric surgery: doctors, office and parking

Pediatric Surgery office 865-546-2131

2100 Clinch Avenue
Medical Office Building, Suite 510
Knoxville, TN 37916

Inpatient Surgery Unit 865-541-8580

For inpatient surgical-service questions.

Pediatric surgeons care for surgical conditions involving areas such as the abdomen, chest, head and neck, skin and other organ systems in children. The service also provides perioperative preparation and pre-admission education for families.

Parking for surgery

Hospital parking guidance identifies Garage B for surgeries and outpatient-clinic visits. Surgery families can receive one free parking pass per family from Surgery.

Doctor fees, emergency fees and hospital cost estimates

Dolly Parton Children’s Hospital does not publish one flat doctor consultation fee or one flat Emergency Department fee that applies to every child.

Why there is no single ER fee

A pediatric emergency visit can generate charges for different services, including:

  • Hospital Emergency Department/facility services.
  • Emergency physician professional services.
  • Laboratory testing.
  • X-ray, ultrasound, CT or other imaging.
  • Medication.
  • Medical supplies.
  • Procedures.
  • Specialist consultations.
  • Observation or inpatient admission.

Emergency doctor professional bill

The hospital identifies Southeastern Emergency Physicians / TeamHealth as a professional billing organization associated with emergency physician services. Current published billing contacts include:

  • 888-952-6772
  • 800-818-8441

Doctor consultation fee

A new pediatric cardiology visit, surgery consultation, oncology follow-up and neurology evaluation can use different billing codes. Some hospital-based specialty clinics may also generate both a facility charge and provider/professional charge.

Hospital billing guidance specifically identifies hospital-based departments that can use provider-based billing, including:

  • Pediatric Gastroenterology.
  • Cardiology.
  • Endocrinology.
  • Genetics.
  • Hematology/Oncology.
  • Neurology.
  • Pulmonology.
  • Sleep Medicine.
Important: a gross hospital charge or chargemaster amount is not a reliable prediction of what your family will personally owe. Insurance-negotiated rates, deductible, copay, coinsurance, self-pay discounts and financial assistance can materially change the final responsibility.

Hospital price estimator

The hospital provides an online Patient Cost Estimator for planned services. Have all active insurance information available, including the Member ID, before generating an estimate.

The estimate is not a guarantee. The actual bill can change based on medical necessity, added services and the benefits applied by the insurance company.

Price transparency file

The hospital’s current public price-transparency information states that its machine-readable pricing data is current as of October 1, 2025 and is scheduled for annual October updates.

Hospital cost-estimate information

Insurance accepted at Dolly Parton Children’s Hospital

The hospital says it accepts most healthcare plans, but families should verify the exact plan and physician network before planned care.

TennCare plans currently listed

  • BlueCare.
  • CoverKids.
  • TennCare Select / BPN.
  • UnitedHealthcare Community Plan.
  • Wellpoint.

Government coverage

  • TRICARE Prime.
  • TRICARE Select.

Commercial plans currently represented in hospital contract information

Aetna

Multiple Aetna products are listed.

BlueCross BlueShield

Network P/S and Marketplace Network S products are listed.

Cigna

OAP, HMO, PPO, EPO, POS and Marketplace-related products are listed.

UnitedHealthcare

Multiple UnitedHealthcare products are represented.

Humana

Various Humana/ChoiceCare arrangements are listed.

First Health / Coventry

Included among current contracted-network information.

Multiplan / PHCS

Network products are listed.

BeechStreet

BeechStreet PPO appears in current hospital contract information.

Other PPO networks

Hospital contract information also lists several regional/national network arrangements.

2026 Cigna update: the hospital reported in February 2026 that Cigna reversed a planned termination, allowing the contract relationship to continue.

Before a planned specialist visit

  1. Call the insurance number on the child’s card.
  2. Confirm Dolly Parton Children’s Hospital is in network.
  3. Confirm the specific doctor or physician group is in network.
  4. Ask whether a referral or prior authorization is required.
  5. Ask whether the clinic uses hospital/provider-based billing.

Hospital billing and separate professional bills

Patient Account Representatives 865-541-8187

Monday–Friday, approximately 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

Hospital payment portal Separate from Patient Portal

Families can pay bills and manage eligible account information online.

Hospital bill vs. separate provider bill

Depending on the visit, families may receive bills from organizations separate from Dolly Parton Children’s Hospital.

Possible professional service Published billing contact
Children’s Anesthesiologists PC 877-746-7090
Vista Radiology 865-766-0112
Innovative Pathology / Solstas / Quest 865-522-7591
Southeastern Emergency Physicians / TeamHealth 888-952-6772 or 800-818-8441
Pediatric Analgesia / Sedation Specialists 865-309-5437
Neonatology physician billing / Mednax 844-678-9580

Online bill tools

The hospital’s online billing system can be used to:

  • Pay eligible hospital balances.
  • Set up recurring payments/payment arrangements when available.
  • Request an itemized bill.
  • Update insurance details.
  • Update address/contact information.
  • Receive an emailed payment receipt.

Financial assistance, self-pay discounts and payment plans

The hospital’s financial-assistance program applies to eligible hospital charges, including emergency hospital charges.

Patient Account Representative 865-541-8187

Call during weekday business hours for assistance.

Uninsured discount 40%

The current hospital assistance page states uninsured families receive a 40% discount from hospital charges.

Charity-care income guidelines

Current hospital policy information says:

  • Families earning below 250% of the current Federal Poverty Guidelines may qualify for charity care, subject to program requirements.
  • Partial assistance can extend to qualifying households with income up to 400% of Federal Poverty Guidelines.
Do not use an old dollar-income example. Federal Poverty Guidelines change each year. The percentage thresholds above are more durable; call the hospital for the current 2026 household-income amount for your family size.

Application process

Call 865-541-8187. Ask for the current financial-assistance application and document checklist.
Complete the household financial information. The hospital expects applicable insurance/coverage options to be explored first.
Submit the application. Forms may be mailed, and copies can also be obtained through Patient Financial Services at Koppel Plaza.
Watch for a written decision. The hospital states completed applications are generally processed within two weeks.

Mailing address

Dolly Parton Children’s Hospital
P.O. Box 15010
Knoxville, TN 37901-5010
Attn: Business Office Director

Hospital bills vs. separate doctor bills

Approval through the hospital’s assistance program generally applies to hospital charges. Separate emergency physicians, radiologists, anesthesiologists and other professional groups may have their own financial-assistance process.

The hospital’s current assistance page lists examples of separate provider assistance contacts including:

  • TeamHealth: 888-952-6772
  • Vista Radiology: 865-766-0112
  • Anesthesia assistance: 877-288-1799

The hospital also states that monthly payment arrangements may be available for self-pay balances and that families can apply for financial assistance even after receiving a bill.

Dolly Parton Children’s Hospital Patient Portal

The Knoxville children’s hospital currently uses its own patient-portal login rather than labeling the patient system simply as “MyChart” on the public website.

The portal can provide authorized access to parts of the child’s healthcare record and account information. Access rules differ for minors because children younger than 18 generally need a parent or legal representative to request appropriate portal access.

Minor vs. adult account

Patient under 18
Parent/legal-guardian access uses the hospital’s representative-access process. Do not simply create an adult account in the child’s name.
Patient age 18+
Eligible adult patients can use the portal’s direct account-creation process.

For questions involving legal-representative or parent access, current portal guidance lists 865-541-8454.

Patient Portal login

How to request medical records

Health Information Management handles formal requests for hospital records.

Medical Records phone 865-541-8102

For release-of-information questions.

Fax 865-381-5462

For completed authorization and required documentation.

Medical Records office

Health Information Management
6th Floor, North Tower
2018 W. Clinch Avenue
Knoxville, TN 37916

Hours: Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–4 p.m.

What to submit

For a parent requesting records for a child younger than 18, the hospital instructs families to provide:

  • A completed and signed authorization.
  • The authorization must be dated.
  • A clear copy/photo of a valid photo ID or driver’s license.
  • Legal authority documents when requesting another person’s records as guardian, POA or other representative.

Email

medrecords@etch.com

Mail

Dolly Parton Children’s Hospital
ATTN: Medical Records – Release of Information
2018 Clinch Avenue
Knoxville, TN 37916

Parking garages, parking fee and free parking passes

The hospital has multiple garages serving different parts of the campus.

Garage A ER + outpatient clinics

Best starting garage for Emergency Department and selected outpatient visits.

Garage B Surgery + outpatient clinics

Also provides convenient access to the outpatient pharmacy.

Garage C $3 per day

General hospital, Koppel Plaza and Medical Office Building parking.

Garage C standard rate

Hospital parking guidance currently lists a $3 flat daily parking fee for Garage C. Payment can be made at the lobby pay station or through available exit-payment options.

Parking-attendant hours

Published attendant hours are approximately 7:30 a.m.–8 p.m..

Who can receive free parking?

Patient type Current parking benefit Where to get it
Inpatient family Free parking; one weekly pass per family Admitting. Pass can be reissued for longer hospital stays.
Outpatient testing One free same-day pass per family Admitting.
Surgery patient One free pass per family Surgery department.
Outpatient Pharmacy Free parking while using pharmacy Lower level of Garage B; tell attendant you are visiting the pharmacy.

Accessible and high-top vehicle parking

The hospital’s Neurosciences Center guidance identifies free accessible/high-top vehicle parking in Lot D behind Koppel Plaza on Clinch Avenue. Use the call button at the lot entrance and tell the attendant you have an appointment.

Additional accessible spaces are available in the administration lot at 2100 White Avenue.

Patient drop-off for Koppel Plaza / Neurosciences

A patient drop-off roundabout is located between Koppel Plaza and the North Tower on 21st Street.

Visiting hours and overnight parent rules

Parents/caregivers are treated differently from ordinary visitors in a children’s hospital, and intensive-care units have their own rules.

General medical/surgical inpatient units

  • Parents/caregivers are encouraged to stay with the child 24 hours a day.
  • General visiting hours: 8 a.m.–10 p.m. daily.
  • Visitors younger than 14 must be accompanied by an adult.
  • From 10 p.m.–8 a.m., only two people may remain at bedside.
  • Overnight visitors must be age 18 or older.
  • In a semi-private room, generally only one caregiver can stay overnight.

After-hours entry

The North Tower entrance closes at 9 p.m.. Visitors arriving between 9 p.m. and 5:30 a.m. should enter through the South Tower Main Entrance and use the elevator to reach the 5th-floor security station.

NICU

  • Parents/caregivers: 24/7.
  • Other visiting hours: 8 a.m.–6:45 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.–10 p.m.
  • Other visitors generally must be age 16+.
  • A parent must be present with other visitors.
  • Maximum four people in room during daytime/evening visiting hours.

PICU

  • Parent/caregiver presence encouraged 24/7.
  • Visiting blocks: 7:15 a.m.–6:45 p.m. and 7:15 p.m.–6:45 a.m.
  • Maximum four people in room.
  • One parent/caregiver may sleep bedside.
  • Visitors generally must be age 3+.

Emergency Department

Maximum two visitors in examination/treatment areas.

Outpatient surgery, radiology, rehabilitation and clinics

Current policy generally limits waiting/exam/treatment-area visitors to two people, including family members and siblings.

Illness/outbreak restrictions can override normal rules. The hospital can restrict younger visitors or tighten access during influenza, respiratory-virus or other contagious-disease outbreaks.

Balloons

The hospital is a latex-free facility. Latex balloons should not be brought into the hospital; use Mylar balloons instead.

Mail to an inpatient child

Attention: [Patient Name]
[Room Number]
Dolly Parton Children’s Hospital
2018 W. Clinch Avenue
Knoxville, TN 37916

Outpatient Pharmacy: hours, phone and parking

Phone 865-541-8980

Outpatient prescription questions.

Location 2nd Floor South Tower

Main Knoxville hospital.

Hours Mon–Fri, 8 a.m.–6 p.m.

Closed on specified major holidays.

Pharmacy parking

Park on the lower level of Garage B. Parking is free for pharmacy visits when you tell the attendant that you are going to the Outpatient Pharmacy.

Email: outpatientpharmacy@etch.com

Major holiday closures

The pharmacy currently lists closure on New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, July 4, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Cafeteria, café and food hours

Main cafeteria

The hospital cafeteria is on the ground floor of the North Tower and accepts cash and credit cards.

Meal/service Published hours
Weekday breakfast 6 a.m.–10 a.m.
Weekday lunch 11:15 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
Weekday grill 11:15 a.m.–2:30 p.m.
Grab & Go 2:30 p.m.–4:30 p.m.
Dinner 5:30 p.m.–7 p.m.
Late-night service 11:30 p.m.–2:30 a.m., Sunday–Friday
Weekend/holiday breakfast 7 a.m.–10 a.m.
Weekend/holiday lunch 11:15 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
Weekend/holiday dinner 5:30 p.m.–7 p.m.

Vending machines are available 24 hours on the ground floor across from the cafeteria.

Clayton Café

Clayton Café is on the 2nd Floor South Tower and serves sandwiches, soups, salads, snacks, beverages and Starbucks products.

Current published hours: 7 a.m.–3 p.m..

Child Life specialists and support for scared or anxious children

Child Life is not limited to inpatient rooms; specialists work across multiple hospital settings.

Child Life hours 7 a.m.–11 p.m. daily

Seven days a week, including holidays.

Child Life phones 865-541-8909

Also 865-541-3688.

Certified Child Life specialists support children and families in:

  • Inpatient units.
  • Emergency Department.
  • Outpatient clinics.
  • Outpatient surgery.
  • Radiology/imaging.

Their role includes age-appropriate preparation, therapeutic play, distraction, coping techniques and helping children understand what is happening during medical care.

Email: childlife@etch.com

How hospital check-in works for scheduled testing or admission

Go to the hospital Information Desk. Follow the appointment’s entrance and building instructions.
Electronically sign in. Hospital directions instruct families to provide a phone number, child’s name and date of birth.
Wait in the lobby. Registration will contact/text you when ready to continue the registration process.
Follow the department instructions. Surgery, imaging and specialty testing may have additional preparation or arrival requirements.

The hospital also provides check-in instructions in Spanish.

What to bring to a pediatric appointment

Routine specialty appointment

  • Parent/guardian photo identification.
  • Child’s insurance card.
  • Referral or authorization if required.
  • Current medication list.
  • Allergy list.
  • Relevant outside records.
  • Previous imaging or lab results when requested.
  • Appointment location and physician name.

Surgery or procedure

  • Exact fasting instructions.
  • Medication instructions.
  • Arrival time.
  • Insurance information.
  • Legal guardian paperwork if applicable.
  • Responsible adult transportation when instructed.
  • Comfort item for the child when permitted.
Procedure instructions from the hospital always take priority. Do not use a generic online fasting or medication rule instead of instructions provided by your child’s surgery, imaging or specialty team.

After your child’s hospital visit

Need records
Call Medical Records at 865-541-8102 or use the formal authorization process.
Need portal access
Use patientportal.etch.com; parent/legal-representative access questions can be directed to 865-541-8454.
Need medicine
Outpatient Pharmacy: 865-541-8980, Monday–Friday 8 a.m.–6 p.m.
Need specialist follow-up
Call the specialty clinic or Physician Referral Service at 865-541-8439.
Hospital bill question
Call Patient Financial Services at 865-541-8187.
Cannot afford the hospital bill
Ask 865-541-8187 about the 40% uninsured discount, charity care and payment arrangements.
Symptoms become an emergency
Follow discharge instructions and call 911 for an immediately life-threatening condition.

East Tennessee Children’s / Dolly Parton Children’s Hospital map

Use the main-campus address below, then follow on-campus signage for the correct tower, garage or Emergency Department entrance.

Main campus: Dolly Parton Children’s Hospital, formerly East Tennessee Children’s Hospital, 2018 W. Clinch Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37916. Garage A serves ER/outpatient visits; Garage B serves surgery/outpatient visits; Garage C is commonly used for general hospital and medical-office access.

East Tennessee Children’s Hospital Knoxville FAQs

Current answers using the hospital’s new Dolly Parton Children’s Hospital name.

1. Is East Tennessee Children’s Hospital now called Dolly Parton Children’s Hospital?
Yes. East Tennessee Children’s Hospital officially became Dolly Parton Children’s Hospital on February 26, 2026. The main campus remains at 2018 W. Clinch Avenue in Knoxville and the main number remains 865-541-8000.
2. Is the children’s Emergency Department open 24 hours?
Yes. The pediatric Emergency Department at the Knoxville main campus operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Call 911 for an immediately life-threatening emergency.
3. What is the main phone number for Dolly Parton Children’s Hospital?
The main hospital switchboard is 865-541-8000. The hospital is at 2018 W. Clinch Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37916.
4. How much is parking at the Knoxville children’s hospital?
The standard published Garage C fee is $3 per day. Inpatient families receive free parking passes, outpatient-testing families can receive one free same-day pass, and surgery families receive one free pass. Some other specific hospital services also provide parking validation or free parking.
5. What are the hospital visiting hours?
General medical/surgical inpatient visiting hours are 8 a.m.–10 p.m. daily, while parents/caregivers are encouraged to stay with their hospitalized child around the clock. NICU, PICU, Emergency Department and outpatient areas have separate visitor rules.
6. How do I find a pediatric doctor and the doctor’s schedule?
Call the hospital Physician Referral Service at 865-541-8439, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m.–4 p.m., or use the hospital provider directory. Because individual doctor days change, call the specialty clinic and ask which days the requested doctor is currently seeing patients at the Knoxville location.
7. How much does an Emergency Department visit cost?
There is no single flat emergency fee. Costs depend on the hospital evaluation, emergency physician services, tests, imaging, medication, procedures and whether the child is admitted. Emergency physician services can also be billed separately. The hospital offers an online Patient Cost Estimator for planned care.
8. How do I request my child’s medical records?
Contact Health Information Management at 865-541-8102. The Medical Records office is on the 6th Floor of the North Tower and is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m.–4 p.m. The records fax number is 865-381-5462.
9. Does Dolly Parton Children’s Hospital offer financial assistance?
Yes. The hospital currently states that uninsured families receive a 40% discount from hospital charges. Charity-care assistance may be available below 250% of Federal Poverty Guidelines, with partial assistance extending to qualifying families up to 400% FPL. Call 865-541-8187 for the current application.
10. Which entrance should I use after 9 p.m.?
The North Tower entrance closes at 9 p.m. and reopens at 5:30 a.m.. Between those times, non-emergency visitors should use the South Tower Main Entrance and take the elevator to the 5th-floor security station.

Primary official information used for this guide

The useful information from these hospital resources has been summarized directly above. The links below are mainly for actions that must still be completed through the hospital, such as doctor lookup, record requests, billing and cost estimation.

Reviewed August 22, 2026. Physician appointment availability, insurance networks, visitor rules, parking procedures, clinic schedules and patient costs can change. Same-day decisions should be confirmed with the appropriate hospital department.

Independent patient-navigation guide: USHospitalGuides.com is not Dolly Parton Children’s Hospital and does not provide individualized medical diagnosis or treatment advice. This page helps families navigate hospital contacts, appointments, parking, records, costs and visitor services. Call 911 for a life-threatening emergency.