Pediatric care for newborns through teens
Pediatric Care in Central Iowa
Choose a pediatric care team that gets to know your child. Primary Health Care provides checkups, vaccines, sick visits, school and sports physicals, and support for healthy growth and development.
Now accepting pediatric patients at select PHC locations.
Medicaid and most private insurance plans are accepted. If you need help with costs, a sliding fee discount may be available.
Pediatric Services for Newborns, Children and Teens
Your child’s health needs change as they grow. Our pediatric care team provides routine checkups, care when your child is sick, and support for their physical, emotional and developmental health.
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Newborn & Infant Care
First checkups after leaving the hospital, weight checks, feeding support, growth monitoring and guidance for new parents.
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Well-Child Visits & Vaccines
Routine checkups, recommended vaccines, health screenings, and support for your child’s growth and development.
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Pediatric Sick Visits
Care for common illnesses, minor infections, rashes, asthma concerns and other health needs. Same-day or next-day visits may be available.
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School & Sports Physicals
Health exams and forms for daycare, school, sports and other activities. Bring any forms your child needs to the visit.
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Growth, Behavior & Development
Help with developmental milestones, sleep, nutrition, behavior, learning and emotional health. We can coordinate additional care when needed.
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Teen Health Care
Checkups, vaccines, sports physicals and a safe place for teens and caregivers to ask questions about physical and emotional health.
Pediatric care built around your family
Why Families Choose PHC
Your child deserves care from a team that listens, explains what to expect and helps your family take the next step. PHC provides pediatric care through every stage of childhood.
Find pediatric care near youCare That Grows With Your Child
Our team cares for newborns, children and teens. Regular visits help us get to know your child and follow their health as they grow.
Connected Health Services
PHC offers medical, dental, behavioral health and pharmacy services. Our teams can help coordinate care when your child needs more support.
Care Across Central Iowa
Pediatric care is available at select PHC clinics in Des Moines, Ames and Marshalltown. Services and appointment times vary by location.
Clear Communication
We explain care in clear language and make time for questions. Interpreter services are available at no cost to patients.
Now accepting pediatric patients at PHC East
Meet Dr. Heidi Shreck
Pediatrician
Dr. Heidi Shreck provides pediatric care for newborns, children and teens at PHC’s East Side Clinic in Des Moines. She works with parents and caregivers to support each child’s health, development and well-being.
Families can see Dr. Shreck for well-child visits, vaccines, sick visits, school and sports physicals, and ongoing health needs as their child grows.
- Medical school
- University of Iowa Carver School of Medicine
- Pediatric residency
- University of Utah
Call PHC East to ask about appointment availability with Dr. Shreck.
Pediatric Care Locations in Central Iowa
Find pediatric and children’s primary care in Des Moines, Urbandale, Ames and Marshalltown. Call the clinic you prefer to ask about providers and available appointments.
Some PHC locations offer care with a pediatrician. Other locations provide care for children through family medicine providers. Services and appointment availability vary.
East Des Moines
PHC East Side Clinic
Pediatrician: Dr. Heidi Shreck
3509 E. 29th StreetDes Moines, IA 50317
Pediatric care for newborns, children and teens, including checkups, sick visits, vaccines and physicals.
South Des Moines
PHC South / BEC Clinic
Pediatrician: Dr. Jennifer Groos
2353 SE 14th StreetDes Moines, IA 50320
Well-child care, vaccines, sick visits, and school and sports physicals for children and teens.
Marshalltown
PHC Marshalltown
Pediatric and family medicine care
101 Iowa Avenue W., Suite 102Marshalltown, IA 50158
Well-child care, vaccines, sick visits, and school and sports physicals for children and teens.
Ames
PHC Ames Medical Clinic
Primary care for children and families
3510 Lincoln WayAmes, IA 50014
Primary care for patients of all ages, including checkups, sick visits and ongoing health needs.
Downtown Des Moines
PHC at MercyOne
Family medicine care for children
250 Laurel StreetDes Moines, IA 50314
Checkups, sick visits, vaccines and school physicals through PHC’s family medicine residency clinic.
Urbandale
PHC West Side Clinic
Family medicine and pediatric care
7555 Hickman RoadUrbandale, IA 50322
Checkups, sick visits, vaccines and school physicals for children and families.
Not sure which clinic to call? View all PHC locations .
Insurance, Medicaid & Costs
PHC accepts Iowa Medicaid and most private insurance plans for pediatric care. Coverage and costs depend on your plan and the services your child receives.
Using Insurance or Medicaid
Bring your child’s current insurance or Medicaid card to each visit. Contact your insurance plan to confirm that PHC and your child’s provider are in your network.
- Iowa Medicaid is accepted.
- Most private insurance plans are accepted.
- Copays and coverage depend on your plan.
Help With the Cost of Care
A sliding fee discount may lower your family’s cost based on household income and family size. A PHC health benefits specialist can explain your options and how to apply.
- Discounts are based on income and family size.
- Ask what information you need to bring.
- Help with insurance applications may be available.
Common Questions
Pediatrics FAQs
Find answers about appointments, insurance and pediatric care at Primary Health Care.
Do you accept Medicaid for pediatric care?
Yes. PHC accepts Iowa Medicaid for pediatric care. We also accept most private insurance plans. Contact your insurance plan if you need help confirming that PHC is in your network.
Can my child receive care without insurance?
Yes. Children can receive care at PHC even if they do not have insurance. Eligible families may receive a sliding fee discount based on income and household size.
What ages do PHC pediatricians see?
Our pediatric team cares for newborns, infants, children and teens. Available services and age requirements may vary by location.
Do you offer same-day appointments for sick children?
Same-day or next-day appointments may be available. Call (515) 248-1447 to ask about current appointment openings.
Does PHC provide vaccines and school physicals?
Yes. Pediatric services include routine vaccines, well-child visits, sports physicals, school physicals and required health forms.
What should I bring to my child’s appointment?
Please bring these items if they are available:
- Your child’s insurance or Medicaid card
- A list of medications and allergies
- Immunization records if your child is new to PHC
- Any school, daycare or sports forms that need to be completed
How do I schedule a pediatric appointment?
Call (515) 248-1447 to schedule an appointment. You can also review our clinic locations to find a PHC clinic near you.
Still have questions?
Call PHC for help finding a clinic or scheduling your child’s visit.
Pediatricians at PHC
Our Pediatric Providers
Meet the pediatricians providing compassionate, personalized care for infants, children and adolescents at Primary Health Care.
Information for Parents
Pediatric Health Resources
Find helpful information about checkups, vaccines, newborn care and keeping your child healthy.
Why Regular Pediatric Visits Matter for Your Child
Learn how regular pediatric visits support your child’s growth, development and health from the newborn years through adolescence.
Back-to-School Health Checklist for Iowa Families
From annual checkups to dental visits and vaccinations, a little preparation now can help your child start the school year ready to learn. Use this back-to-school health checklist to help your family get ready.
Sick Visit vs. Well Visit: What’s the Difference?
Learn the difference between sick visits and well-child visits, and when to schedule each for your child.