Pittsburgh Children’s Hospital: Pediatric Care & Info

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Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania · Pediatric Hospital Guide · Updated September 2026

UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh contact, ER, appointments, portal, records, parking, and pediatric care help

UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, often searched as Pittsburgh Children’s Hospital or Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, is a major pediatric hospital in Pittsburgh’s Lawrenceville neighborhood at One Children’s Way / 4401 Penn Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15224.

This guide is built for parents and caregivers who need the right phone number, emergency route, appointment path, patient portal, medical-record request, billing help, visitor rules, parking plan, and pediatric specialty contact information before visiting.

Call Main Hospital: 412-692-5325 Emergency Department: 412-692-5555 Schedule Appointment Patient Portals
Medical emergency: If a child has trouble breathing, a severe allergic reaction, seizure, major injury, poisoning, signs of stroke, severe dehydration, loss of consciousness, or a rapidly worsening condition, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department. UPMC Children’s Emergency Department phone is 412-692-5555.
Main campus 4401 Penn Ave.

One Children’s Way / 4401 Penn Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15224.

Main phone 412-692-5325

Use for general inquiries, patient information, and operator-routed calls.

Emergency Department 412-692-5555

Located on Floor 1 at the main Lawrenceville hospital campus.

Scheduling line 412-530-5213

Listed for scheduling help Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Physician referral 412-692-7337

Use when you need help finding the right pediatric specialist.

Directions phone 412-692-8088

Helpful before driving to the Lawrenceville campus or parking garages.

Start here: choose the right route before you call, drive, or log in

Children’s hospital visits can involve several departments. Use this table to avoid calling the wrong number or missing a required form, referral, authorization, or portal step.

Family need Best action Prepare first
Medical emergency Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department. For UPMC Children’s ED, call 412-692-5555. Child’s name, age, symptoms, medications, allergies, condition history, and exact location.
New specialist appointment Use online scheduling or call 412-530-5213. For referral help, call 412-692-7337. Diagnosis, referral, insurance card, primary doctor name, test results, and preferred specialty.
Existing specialist follow-up Use MyUPMC if your child is established with a UPMC Children’s specialist. Portal access, preferred dates, medication updates, recent symptoms, and school or activity restrictions.
Two or more appointments in one month Contact Visit Navigation Services at 412-692-5687 or visitnavigation@chp.edu. All departments needed, preferred travel dates, lodging needs, and child’s comfort needs.
Medical records Submit a signed authorization to Health Information Management. Patient details, parent/legal guardian signature, recipient name, date range, delivery method, and photo ID if requested.
Hospital bill Call billing support or use the online bill-pay link on your statement. Account number, statement date, insurance EOB, child’s guarantor information, and any financial assistance questions.
Parking and arrival Use Mid-Campus Garage, Penn Garage, or valet guidance depending on your visit type. Allow extra time for traffic, construction, garage entry, ID check, and check-in.

UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh phone directory

These official numbers help families reach the right department faster than a generic hospital listing.

Department or purpose Phone / contact Use it for
Information / general inquiries 412-692-5325 Main hospital operator, patient information, general routing, and all other calls.
Emergency Department 412-692-5555 Pediatric emergency department questions before arrival. Call 911 for a life-threatening emergency.
Schedule by phone 412-530-5213 Speak with a scheduling agent Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Physician referral service 412-692-7337 Help finding a pediatric specialist or identifying the correct department.
Directions 412-692-8088 Driving and campus direction questions before leaving home.
Pittsburgh Poison Center 800-222-1222 Poison exposure questions. Call 911 immediately if symptoms are severe.
Medical Records key number 412-692-5280 General medical-record routing listed in the phone directory.
Health Information Management 412-692-6834 Questions about written record-release authorization, records status, and records fees.
Patient representative 412-692-5489 Questions, concerns, or compliments about care and hospital services.
Billing inquiries 888-873-0698 Billing questions listed in the UPMC Children’s phone directory.
UPMC Patient Financial Services 1-800-371-8359 Payment plans, price estimates, financial assistance, and hospital-bill support.
UPMC Customer Service 1-844-591-5949 Customer-service help for UPMC billing and account questions.
MyCHP support 1-877-621-8014 Technical support for MyCHP account access.
MyUPMC support 1-866-884-8579 Technical support for MyUPMC access and proxy setup.

Emergency Department and urgent pediatric care

UPMC Children’s Emergency Department is on Floor 1 of the main hospital at 4401 Penn Avenue and is staffed for pediatric emergency care 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Emergency Department

Phone: 412-692-5555

Location: UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, 4401 Penn Avenue, Floor 1, Pittsburgh, PA 15224.

When to call 911

Call 911 for severe breathing trouble, severe allergic reaction, unresponsiveness, uncontrolled bleeding, major trauma, stroke-like symptoms, severe seizure, or any situation where safe transport is uncertain.

Poison exposure

Call 800-222-1222 for the Pittsburgh Poison Center unless symptoms are immediately life-threatening. Bring the container, product name, medication bottle, or photo of the substance if safe.

Not sure where to go?

For minor bone, muscle, or joint injuries, UPMC Children’s lists Orthopaedic Urgent Care from its scheduling page. For acute or serious illness, use the Emergency Department or call 911.

Bring to the ED
Insurance card, photo ID, medication list, allergies, primary doctor name, specialist names, recent discharge papers, formula or feeding details, and legal guardianship documents if needed.
Tell triage quickly
Symptom start time, fever history, breathing changes, dehydration signs, head injury details, seizure duration, medication timing, and whether symptoms are getting worse.
Use ED for
Severe or rapidly worsening illness, major injury, dehydration, severe asthma symptoms, severe allergic reaction, poisoning, severe pain, or complex pediatric conditions that need emergency evaluation.
Avoid delay
Do not wait for an online reply, portal message, or routine appointment when symptoms are emergency-level.

How to schedule a Pittsburgh Children’s Hospital appointment

Scheduling depends on whether the child is new to a specialty, already established, needs multiple coordinated visits, or needs urgent specialty guidance.

For new specialist care, start online or by phone. Use the official Schedule an Appointment page to find participating pediatric specialties, or call 412-530-5213 Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
For referral help, call the Physician Referral Line. If you do not know which department is right, call 412-692-7337. Be ready with diagnosis, symptoms, prior tests, and your child’s primary care provider information.
For existing specialist follow-up, use MyUPMC. Established patients with UPMC Children’s specialists can use MyUPMC for follow-up scheduling when available.
For complex visit coordination, use Visit Navigation. Families needing two or more appointments coordinated within the same month can contact Visit Navigation Services at 412-692-5687 or visitnavigation@chp.edu.
Complete pre-registration when prompted. UPMC Children’s may send email, text, or MyUPMC push notifications for pre-registration. Finish forms before arrival to reduce check-in friction.
Scheduling script: “My child needs care for __. We have a referral from __, insurance is __, recent tests include __, and we prefer __ dates. Is this the right specialty, and should we bring records or imaging before the visit?”

MyCHP and MyUPMC patient portals

UPMC Children’s uses patient portals for pediatric proxy access, messages, results, appointments, refills, pre-registration, and medical information.

MyCHP

MyCHP is used for care received at UPMC Children’s Hospital and neighborhood locations. Families can message the care team, view appointments, immunizations, allergies, health history, test results, discharge summaries, instructions, and after-care education.

MyUPMC

MyUPMC can be used for pre-registration, sooner-appointment notifications, follow-up scheduling, medication history, appointment history, test results, refills, and messages to a child’s pediatrician where supported.

Proxy access

Parents and legal guardians can request pediatric proxy access through portal links or by talking with the UPMC care team at the next appointment. Proxy rules vary by patient age and legal status.

Support numbers

For MyCHP help call 1-877-621-8014. For MyUPMC help call 1-866-884-8579.

Best for results
Use the portal to review lab, radiology, immunization, allergy, health-history, discharge, and after-care information when available.
Best for refills
Use portal refill tools when shown, but call the care team if the medication is urgent, missing, expired, or connected to a worsening symptom.
Best for video visits
Use the UPMC Children’s app or web login as instructed. Video visits require a scheduled appointment and the correct portal account.
Do not use for
Emergency symptoms, severe pain, breathing trouble, seizures, poisoning, or rapid deterioration. Use emergency care instead.

Medical records, release forms, and Health Information Management

Medical records are protected by HIPAA and Pennsylvania rules. UPMC Children’s requires signed authorization for many record releases.

Record task Official route What to include
Request records Complete the Authorization for Release of Protected Health Information form. Patient name, date of birth, requested records, date range, recipient, delivery format, and signature.
Fax records request Fax to 412-692-6068. Signed authorization and complete recipient details.
Email records request Email RecordRelease@chp.edu. Signed form and required identity or authorization details.
Mail records request UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, Health Information Management, 4401 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15224. Original signed authorization or requested paperwork.
Ask questions Call Health Information Management at 412-692-6834. Patient details, request date, Verisma access code if received, and record type requested.
Check hours HIM listed hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Call ahead near holidays or if a record deadline is urgent.
Record release reminder: The record-release form notes that charges may apply for reproduction of medical records, and records may be sent after payment if a fee is required.

Pediatric services and departments

UPMC Children’s lists a broad pediatric service directory. The table below converts the most-searched service areas into practical parent actions.

Service area What it covers Best next step
Emergency Medicine Acute illness, chronic-condition flare-ups, injuries, and pediatric emergency evaluation. Use the ED for serious symptoms; use wait-time tools only when safe.
Express Care Minor illness or injury when a pediatrician’s office is closed. Check current location guidance and call first if measles exposure or symptoms are possible.
Brain Care Institute Neurology, neurosurgery, neurocritical care, and complex brain or spine concerns. Prepare prior imaging, EEG reports, seizure history, medications, and school impact notes.
Heart Institute / Cardiology Congenital or acquired heart disease, cardiology, and heart-related specialty care. Bring prior echo, EKG, catheterization, surgery, medication, and oxygen-use records.
Cancer and Blood Disorders Pediatric oncology, hematology, blood and marrow transplant, and related programs. Ask which records, pathology reports, imaging, and lab results must arrive before the appointment.
Gastroenterology Digestive, intestinal, liver, hepatobiliary, feeding, and swallowing concerns. Prepare growth charts, stool history, diet details, lab reports, endoscopy reports, and medication trials.
Endocrinology / Diabetes Diabetes, hormone conditions, growth concerns, and metabolic follow-up. Bring glucose logs, device downloads, medication list, growth data, and recent labs.
Surgery General, thoracic, specialty surgical evaluations, same-day surgery, and pre-op planning. Ask about fasting rules, pre-registration, anesthesia review, arrival floor, and discharge instructions.
Radiology and Imaging Pediatric diagnostic imaging and related specialty imaging services. Ask whether sedation, fasting, prior imaging, or insurance authorization is needed.
Rehabilitation Therapies Physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, and rehabilitation medicine. Bring therapy notes, school IEP/504 information, mobility equipment, and home goals.

Selected pediatric specialty phone numbers from the official specialty PDF

UPMC Children’s publishes an outpatient specialty-care phone/fax list. Use these numbers as a starting point, then confirm current scheduling rules online or by phone.

Specialty Phone Helpful preparation
Adolescent Medicine 412-692-6677 Referral, teen health history, medications, privacy questions, and school concerns.
Allergy and Immunology 412-692-7885 Reaction history, allergy testing, asthma history, epinephrine use, and medication list.
Behavioral Health 412-692-5100 Current symptoms, safety concerns, school notes, therapy history, and medication list.
Cardiology 412-692-5540 EKG, echo, surgery history, exercise symptoms, family history, and medications.
Child Development Unit 412-692-5560 Developmental history, school reports, therapies, IEP/504 plan, and behavioral concerns.
Dental Services 412-692-5440 Dental history, medical complexity, sedation concerns, and prior X-rays if available.
Gastroenterology and Hepatology 412-692-5180 Growth chart, diet, stool pattern, pain history, labs, imaging, and medication trials.
Neurology 412-692-5520 Seizure videos, EEG reports, imaging, medications, headache logs, and school concerns.
Orthopaedic Surgery 412-692-5530 Injury date, X-rays, brace or cast details, sports history, and pain location.
Radiology 412-692-5500 Order, prior imaging, sedation questions, fasting rules, and insurance authorization.
Urology 412-692-7932 Symptoms, urine studies, imaging, medications, prior surgeries, and infection history.
Speech-Language Pathology 412-692-5580 School reports, feeding/swallowing notes, therapy history, and communication goals.
Important: Specialty numbers may not replace central scheduling, insurance authorization, or referral requirements. If unsure, call the scheduling line or Physician Referral Service first.

Admissions, insurance, pre-registration, and arrival timing

For scheduled admissions and procedures, families should confirm insurance authorization, referral requirements, arrival time, and parking before leaving home.

Insurance cards and authorization

UPMC Children’s says families should bring health insurance cards plus any authorizations or referrals from the child’s primary care physician or insurance company.

Elective admission notice

For scheduled non-emergency admissions, contact your insurance company as soon as the hospital stay is scheduled because some plans require preauthorization or a second opinion.

Admission day

The Admissions Department may call in the morning to verify scheduled arrival time. If the child has an early morning clinic appointment on admission day, call Admissions before leaving home.

Traffic and parking buffer

UPMC Children’s advises allowing extra time for traffic and parking. This matters even more during construction or appointment-heavy mornings.

Admission checklist: Insurance card, photo ID, authorization or referral, medication list, allergy list, legal guardianship paperwork, comfort item, charger, formula or feeding supplies, and recent records from outside facilities.

Billing, online bill pay, price estimates, and financial assistance

Hospital bills may involve facility charges, physician charges, insurance processing, payment plans, financial assistance, and patient responsibility after insurance.

Billing need Official route What to have ready
Billing question Call Billing Inquiries at 888-873-0698. Statement, account number, guarantor details, date of service, and insurance EOB.
UPMC financial services Call UPMC Patient Financial Services at 1-800-371-8359. Income information, insurance details, bill amount, household size, and financial assistance questions.
Customer service Call UPMC Customer Service at 1-844-591-5949. Statement image, payment history, portal login issue, or explanation-of-benefits question.
Online payment Use the UPMC bill-pay portal linked from the billing page or your billing statement. Account number, payment method, statement balance, and guarantor information.
Good faith estimate or surprise-bill question Review UPMC No Surprises Act and estimate resources before a scheduled service. Procedure name, location, insurance plan, date, and ordering provider.
Financial assistance Ask UPMC Patient Financial Services about financial assistance and payment plan options. Income documents, household information, insurance status, and bill details.
Before paying a confusing bill: Compare the UPMC statement, insurance explanation of benefits, date of service, provider name, facility location, and any financial assistance application status.

Visitor rules, parent presence, IDs, masking, and hospital access

Visitor rules can vary by unit, patient condition, public health guidance, and clinical judgment. Always confirm with the unit if your visit is time-sensitive.

Parents
UPMC Children’s and inpatient pediatric units allow parents to be with their children 24 hours a day unless medical or nursing staff advise otherwise.
Visitors age 2 to 18
Visitors between ages 2 and 18 must be accompanied by an adult and must be able to wear a mask under UPMC visitor guidance.
Adult visitor ID
Visitors to inpatient areas and Same Day Surgery who are over age 18 must present valid photo ID and may be screened through a national sex offender database.
Feeling sick
If a visitor has fever, respiratory illness, stomach illness, or feels unwell, UPMC guidance says to wear a mask and consider delaying the visit.
Mask questions
For the latest UPMC masking information, call 833-390-9489 before visiting.
Parent planning tip: Ask the unit about overnight rules, sibling visits, quiet hours, food storage, parking validation, interpreter support, and whether the child’s condition limits visitors.

Google map, directions, garage parking, valet, and arrival planning

The main campus is in Lawrenceville. UPMC Children’s notes that construction can affect traffic flow, so build extra time into appointment, admission, and procedure days.

UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh
One Children’s Way / 4401 Penn Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15224
Main: 412-692-5325
Directions by phone: 412-692-8088

Use the embedded map for route planning. Confirm current traffic, construction, and garage access before time-sensitive appointments.
Arrival item Useful detail Practical note
Mid-Campus Garage Primary parking facility for inpatient families and visitors, with protected walkways to the hospital. Can be entered from 44th Street or 45th Street.
Valet parking Available when required through the main drive entrance on 45th Street. Helpful for mobility, procedure-day, or complex arrival needs.
Penn Garage Used for some hospital access and emergency-area parking needs. Check campus directions if the visit letter names a specific entrance.
EV charging The Mid-Campus Garage lists two reserved EV charging spaces on Level 2. Availability is limited; do not rely on it for urgent visits.
Extra time UPMC Children’s posts construction and traffic alerts around the hospital. Add buffer time for garage entry, elevator access, ID screening, and check-in.

Family support, Welcome Center, interpreters, and adaptive care

These hospital support services help families who need directions, visitor passes, translation, accommodations, or extra preparation for a child with developmental or behavioral needs.

Welcome / Information Center

Hours are listed as 7 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Phone is 412-692-7240. The center can help with directions, visitor passes, access cards, wheelchairs, transportation arrangements, parking questions, and hospital maps.

Interpreter and communication help

The Welcome Center page notes support for hearing-impaired or non-English-speaking patients and families, including foreign language interpreters, sign language interpreters, listening devices, TDD/TTY devices, and video interpreting resources.

Adaptive Care Program

The Adaptive Care Team supports patients with developmental and behavioral challenges. If your child may benefit, email CHPadaptivecare@chp.edu.

Visit Navigation Services

For families needing two or more appointments coordinated within the same month, call 412-692-5687 or email visitnavigation@chp.edu.

Official PDFs and forms worth checking before your visit

UPMC Children’s publishes forms and PDFs that can answer practical questions about records, video visits, same-day surgery, nursing standards, and specialty contacts.

Official PDF or form What it helps with Best use
Authorization for Release of Protected Health Information Submitting medical-record requests by fax, email, or mail. Complete before requesting records for another doctor, school, legal need, or insurance claim.
Pediatric Specialty Video Visits Brochure Understanding app, device, MyCHP account, appointment, and video-visit preparation steps. Open before a scheduled telehealth appointment so camera, portal, and connection tests are ready.
Outpatient Specialty Care Services Phone/Fax PDF Finding specialty phone and fax numbers for departments such as cardiology, neurology, urology, radiology, and more. Use alongside central scheduling because current appointment rules can vary by clinic.
Patient and Family Handbook Understanding inpatient experience, family resources, hospital expectations, and care planning. Read before admission, surgery, or a planned hospital stay.
Nursing Standards of Care Understanding nursing-care expectations, cultural and spiritual considerations, and patient-record privacy. Open when reviewing inpatient care expectations or patient-family rights questions.
PDF note: Forms and PDF instructions can change. Use official links for the latest version before submitting records, preparing for telehealth, or planning surgery.

Official source checklist for this guide

This article summarizes key details from official UPMC Children’s and UPMC pages so families can act quickly while still using official links for final decisions.

Official source What it verifies When to open it
UPMC Children’s homepage Main address, main phone, appointment links, services, portal, records, billing, and hospital overview. Open when starting from the hospital’s main official source.
Contact page General hospital contact, main number, appointment referral guidance, and address. Open before calling or using a contact route.
Key phone numbers General inquiries, emergency department, directions, billing, medical records, patient representative, poison center, and referral numbers. Open when you need a department-specific phone number.
Emergency Department page ED address, Floor 1 location, ED phone, and 24/7 pediatric emergency care information. Open before going to UPMC Children’s ED if it is safe to check.
Schedule an appointment Online scheduling, new-patient specialty list, existing-patient MyUPMC scheduling, and scheduling phone number. Open for new or follow-up specialist appointments.
Patient portals MyCHP, MyUPMC, proxy access, test results, appointments, refills, and support numbers. Open for portal setup or account support.
Health Information Management Medical-record release rules, fax, email, mailing address, phone, fees, and office hours. Open before requesting medical records.
Directions to main campus Main campus location, construction alert, and directions phone number. Open before driving to Lawrenceville.
Parking in Lawrenceville Mid-Campus Garage, valet, garage access, and EV charging details. Open before choosing an entrance or garage.
Visitor information Parent presence, adult ID screening, visitor age guidance, and inpatient visit rules. Open before bringing siblings, relatives, or support people.
Independent guide notice: USHospitalGuides.com is not UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, not UPMC, not an emergency service, and not a medical provider. Use official hospital links or phone numbers for final appointment, billing, clinical, and emergency decisions.

Important pediatric health and safety notice

This guide helps with contact, scheduling, location, portals, records, billing, and family preparation. It does not diagnose, treat, or replace a licensed clinician’s medical advice.

Do not delay urgent care. For severe symptoms, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department. Online information, email, portals, and website forms are not safe substitutes for emergency evaluation.

Pittsburgh Children’s Hospital FAQs

These FAQs focus on address, phone numbers, emergency care, appointments, portal access, records, billing, parking, visitors, and family support.

1. What is the address for Pittsburgh Children’s Hospital?
UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh is located at One Children’s Way / 4401 Penn Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15224.
2. What is the main phone number for UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh?
The main hospital phone number is 412-692-5325. Use it for general inquiries, patient information, and operator-routed calls.
3. What is the Emergency Department phone number?
The UPMC Children’s Emergency Department phone number is 412-692-5555. For a life-threatening emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.
4. How do I schedule an appointment at Pittsburgh Children’s Hospital?
Use the official online scheduling page, call the scheduling line at 412-530-5213 Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., or call the Physician Referral Service at 412-692-7337 if you need help finding the right specialist.
5. Which portal should families use, MyCHP or MyUPMC?
MyCHP is used for care received at UPMC Children’s Hospital and neighborhood locations. MyUPMC is used for tasks such as pre-registration, follow-up scheduling, sooner appointment notifications, medication history, refills, and some UPMC Children’s Community Pediatrics information.
6. How do I request medical records from UPMC Children’s?
Complete a signed Authorization for Release of Protected Health Information and submit it to Health Information Management. Requests can be faxed to 412-692-6068, emailed to RecordRelease@chp.edu, or mailed to Health Information Management at 4401 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15224.
7. Who can help with a hospital bill?
For UPMC Children’s billing inquiries, call 888-873-0698. Families can also contact UPMC Patient Financial Services at 1-800-371-8359 or UPMC Customer Service at 1-844-591-5949 for payment plans, price estimates, and financial assistance questions.
8. Where should families park at UPMC Children’s Hospital?
The Mid-Campus Garage on 45th Street is the primary parking facility for inpatient families and visitors. The Penn Garage and valet service may also be used depending on visit type and entrance needs.
9. Are parents allowed to stay with children in the hospital?
UPMC visitor guidance says parents are welcome to be with their children 24 hours a day in UPMC Children’s and inpatient pediatric units unless medical or nursing staff advise otherwise.
10. Is there help for families managing multiple appointments or special needs?
Yes. Visit Navigation Services can help qualifying families coordinate two or more appointments within the same month. The Adaptive Care Team can help children with developmental or behavioral challenges through an Adaptive Care Plan.