Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN) unveiled the new Children's Clinic at Lehigh Valley Hospital—17th Street yesterday. The clinic was recently renovated and expanded to 23 exam rooms for wellness visits and 11 rooms.

Last year, the Children's Clinic had more than 35,000 visits. This year, the clinic is on target to reach more than 40,000 visits.

Since it was first founded in the 1950's by Forrest Moyer, M.D., LVHN's “father of pediatrics,” the Children's Clinic has grown in space and capacity as the number of children who lack access to care also grows.

“In the past, we'd just add space wherever it was available,” says medical director of outpatient pediatrics Jarrett Patton, M.D. “It was often confusing for parents and not the most efficient way for us to care for our patients.”

With the consolidation, this new space will allow for the expansion of services including well care, acute care and partnerships with pediatric specialty physicians. It will also allow for more outreach to support our school-based health services using telehealth technology.

The Children's Clinic will provide care for the uninsured, the underinsured, and the Medicaid population and also accepts most private insurances.

“Our goal has always been to give families high quality children's care close to home, regardless of ability to pay” said LVHN President and CEO Ron Swinfard, M.D. “The Children's Clinic helps us achieve that mission.”