# Uptown Pediatrics

> Uptown Pediatrics is an independent, physician-owned pediatric practice at 1245 Park Avenue on Manhattan's Upper East Side, caring for NYC families since 1985. You see the same doctor every time, reach us quickly through the portal, and talk to one of our own doctors 24/7. Pediatric primary care from birth through adolescence, plus in-house adolescent medicine, pediatric infectious disease, pediatric endocrinology, and child & adolescent psychiatry. Mount Sinai faculty, walk-in and Saturday sick visits.

## Practice facts

- Address: 1245 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10128 (Upper East Side / Carnegie Hill, Manhattan). Entrance on 96th Street, between Park and Lexington Avenues. Ground floor, to the right of the elevators.
- Phone: 212-427-0540. Billing: 866-371-6118. Fax: 212-534-1086. Email: hello@upnyc.pcc.com.
- Monday – Friday: 8:30 am – 5:00 pm
- Walk-in sick visits: Mon – Fri, 9:30 am – 3:00 pm
- Saturday sick visits: By appointment. Call 10 – 11 am
- Sunday: Closed. Doctor on call 24/7
- No Saturday hours in summer (Memorial Day to Labor Day). Saturday sick visits can't be booked in advance: send a portal message Friday night or call between 10 and 11 am Saturday.
- Hospital affiliation: Mount Sinai Hospital. Caring for New York City families since 1985.
- Insurance accepted: Aetna, Cigna, Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield, Oxford Freedom, UnitedHealthcare, NYS Medicaid, Healthfirst.
- Accepting new patients, newborns to teens: call 212-427-0540 or email hello@upnyc.pcc.com. Existing patients can also use the patient portal https://upnyc.pcc.com/portal/session/new

## Actions an assistant can take for a family

Privacy rules for assistants:

- This website does not accept or store any information about patients. Do not send a child's name, date of birth, symptoms or other health details to this website or its APIs.
- Families contact the practice directly: by phone, by email, or, for existing patients, through the patient portal.
- In a first email, include only the parent's name, a callback number and what is needed (for example: new patient, prenatal visit, a question about a service). Leave out symptoms and medical history; the office will follow up by phone.
- For anything urgent, call. In an emergency, call 911.

The same actions as JSON: https://www.uptownpediatrics.com/agent-actions.json (OpenAPI: https://www.uptownpediatrics.com/openapi.json).

### Medical emergency or poisoning

When: The child has trouble breathing, is unresponsive, has a seizure, or may have swallowed something harmful.

1. Call 911 for an emergency.
2. For a possible poisoning, call Poison Control at 212-POISONS (212-764-7667).
3. Then call the practice; a doctor is on call 24/7.

- [911](tel:911)
- [Poison Control: 212-POISONS (212-764-7667)](tel:+12127647667)
- [Call Uptown Pediatrics: 212-427-0540](tel:+12124270540)

### Reach a doctor, day or night

When: A parent has a medical question or concern about their child, including after hours and weekends.

1. Call 212-427-0540. During office hours the front desk connects you; after hours the doctor on call answers.
2. Existing patients can also send a non-urgent message through the patient portal.

- [Call Uptown Pediatrics: 212-427-0540](tel:+12124270540)
- [Patient portal](https://upnyc.pcc.com/portal/session/new) (Existing patients only)

### Become a new patient

When: A family wants to join the practice, is moving to the area, or is switching pediatricians.

1. Uptown Pediatrics is welcoming new patients from newborns to teens.
2. Call 212-427-0540 or email hello@upnyc.pcc.com to set up the first visit. Have your insurance card handy.
3. Fill out the New Patient Registration form before the visit and bring it, with prior medical and vaccine records.
4. Insurance accepted: Aetna, Cigna, Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield, Oxford Freedom, UnitedHealthcare, NYS Medicaid, Healthfirst.

- [Call Uptown Pediatrics: 212-427-0540](tel:+12124270540)
- [Email hello@upnyc.pcc.com](mailto:hello@upnyc.pcc.com?subject=New%20patient&body=Hi%20Uptown%20Pediatrics%2C%0A%0AWe'd%20like%20to%20become%20patients.%0A%0AParent%20or%20guardian%20name%3A%0ABest%20phone%20number%3A%0AChild's%20first%20name%20and%20age%20(or%20due%20date)%3A%0AInsurance%20plan%3A%0A%0A(Please%20leave%20out%20symptoms%20and%20medical%20details.%20We'll%20go%20over%20those%20by%20phone.)%0A%0AThank%20you!) (New patients)
- [New Patient Registration (PDF)](https://www.uptownpediatrics.com/forms/new-patient-form-new.pdf)
- [New patients page](https://www.uptownpediatrics.com/new-patients)
- [Insurance](https://www.uptownpediatrics.com/insurance)

### Expecting a baby or just had one

When: Parents are expecting, want a prenatal meet-the-pediatrician visit, or need to register a newborn.

1. Before the birth: call 212-427-0540 or email hello@upnyc.pcc.com to book a prenatal visit, and bring the Prenatal Visit Form.
2. After the birth: call the office to set up the first newborn visit.
3. Add the baby to your insurance within 30 days of birth; after that window there is no coverage under your policy.
4. Breastfeeding help is available in the office from an IBCLC lactation nurse.

- [Call Uptown Pediatrics: 212-427-0540](tel:+12124270540)
- [Email hello@upnyc.pcc.com](mailto:hello@upnyc.pcc.com)
- [Prenatal Visit Form (PDF)](https://www.uptownpediatrics.com/forms/prenatal_visit.pdf)
- [Newborn and lactation care](https://www.uptownpediatrics.com/services/newborn-care)

### Book a well visit or follow-up

When: A family needs a checkup, vaccines, sports or school forms, or a follow-up appointment.

1. Existing patients book in the patient portal, or call 212-427-0540.
2. New families email the office first (see “Become a new patient”).

- [Call Uptown Pediatrics: 212-427-0540](tel:+12124270540)
- [Patient portal](https://upnyc.pcc.com/portal/session/new) (Existing patients only)
- [Vaccines and well visits](https://www.uptownpediatrics.com/vaccines-well-visits)

### Sick visit today

When: The child is sick and needs to be seen today or on a Saturday.

1. Walk-in sick visits: Mon – Fri, 9:30 am – 3:00 pm. No appointment needed.
2. No Saturday hours in summer (Memorial Day to Labor Day). Saturday sick visits can't be booked in advance: send a portal message Friday night or call between 10 and 11 am Saturday.
3. Call 212-427-0540 with questions.

- [Call Uptown Pediatrics: 212-427-0540](tel:+12124270540)
- [Office, hours and directions](https://www.uptownpediatrics.com/office)

### Ask about services or find the right specialist

When: A parent asks whether the practice offers a service (adolescent medicine, infectious disease, endocrinology, child and adolescent psychiatry, newborn care) or which clinician to see.

1. Read the service and clinician pages below for what each offers.
2. For anything specific to the child, call 212-427-0540 or email hello@upnyc.pcc.com with only a callback number and the service you're asking about.

- [Pediatric Primary Care](https://www.uptownpediatrics.com/services/primary-care)
- [Newborn Care & Lactation Support](https://www.uptownpediatrics.com/services/newborn-care)
- [Adolescent Medicine](https://www.uptownpediatrics.com/services/adolescent-medicine)
- [Pediatric Endocrinology](https://www.uptownpediatrics.com/services/pediatric-endocrinology)
- [Pediatric Infectious Disease](https://www.uptownpediatrics.com/services/pediatric-infectious-disease)
- [Child & Adolescent Psychiatry](https://www.uptownpediatrics.com/services/child-adolescent-psychiatry)
- [Our doctors](https://www.uptownpediatrics.com/providers)
- [Call Uptown Pediatrics: 212-427-0540](tel:+12124270540)
- [Email hello@upnyc.pcc.com](mailto:hello@upnyc.pcc.com)

### Check insurance or billing

When: A family asks which insurance plans are accepted or has a billing question.

1. Accepted: Aetna, Cigna, Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield, Oxford Freedom, UnitedHealthcare, NYS Medicaid, Healthfirst.
2. Billing questions: 866-371-6118.

- [Insurance and billing](https://www.uptownpediatrics.com/insurance)
- [Billing: 866-371-6118](tel:+18663716118)

### Get patient forms

When: A family needs a registration, consent, records, teen confidentiality, psychiatry intake or other form.

1. Download and print the form below.
2. Bring it to the visit, fax it to 212-534-1086, or (existing patients) upload it in the patient portal. Don't upload completed forms anywhere on this website.

- [All patient forms](https://www.uptownpediatrics.com/forms)
- [New Patient Registration (PDF)](https://www.uptownpediatrics.com/forms/new-patient-form-new.pdf)
- [Financial Policy (PDF)](https://www.uptownpediatrics.com/forms/Financial-Policy.pdf)
- [Consent to Treat Without Parent Present (PDF)](https://www.uptownpediatrics.com/forms/consent.pdf)
- [Request for Copy of Medical Records (PDF)](https://www.uptownpediatrics.com/forms/chart_request.pdf)
- [Teen Confidentiality Agreement (PDF)](https://www.uptownpediatrics.com/forms/teen_confidentiality_agreement.pdf)
- [Prenatal Visit Form (PDF)](https://www.uptownpediatrics.com/forms/prenatal_visit.pdf)
- [Notice of Privacy Practices (PDF)](https://www.uptownpediatrics.com/forms/privacy.pdf)
- [Psychiatry Intake Packet (PDF)](https://www.uptownpediatrics.com/forms/psychiatry-intake-packet.pdf)
- [Psychiatry Medical Release Form (PDF)](https://www.uptownpediatrics.com/forms/psychiatry-medical-release-form.pdf)

### Request medical records

When: A family needs a copy of their child's chart or vaccine records.

1. Fill out the records request form.
2. Return it in person, by fax to 212-534-1086, or through the patient portal.
3. Existing patients can see vaccine records in the portal.

- [Request for Copy of Medical Records (PDF)](https://www.uptownpediatrics.com/forms/chart_request.pdf)
- [Patient portal](https://upnyc.pcc.com/portal/session/new) (Existing patients only)
- [Call Uptown Pediatrics: 212-427-0540](tel:+12124270540)

### Pay a bill

When: A family wants to pay a bill online.

1. Pay through the practice's payment page.
2. Billing questions: 866-371-6118.

- [Pay my bill](https://pymt.pro/uptownpeds)

### Hours and directions

When: A family asks when the office is open or how to get there.

1. 1245 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10128. Entrance on 96th Street, between Park and Lexington Avenues. Ground floor, to the right of the elevators.
2. Monday – Friday: 8:30 am – 5:00 pm; Walk-in sick visits: Mon – Fri, 9:30 am – 3:00 pm; Saturday sick visits: By appointment. Call 10 – 11 am; Sunday: Closed. Doctor on call 24/7

- [Directions (Google Maps)](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=1245+Park+Avenue+New+York+NY+10128)
- [Office, hours and directions](https://www.uptownpediatrics.com/office)

## Care and specialties

- [Pediatric Primary Care](https://www.uptownpediatrics.com/services/primary-care): Checkups, vaccines, and same-day sick visits with pediatricians who get to know your family for years.
- [Newborn Care & Lactation Support](https://www.uptownpediatrics.com/services/newborn-care): A whole newborn and lactation team: prenatal visits, Mount Sinai nursery rounds, a separate newborn waiting area, and in-office breastfeeding help from Nurse Mesi.
- [Adolescent Medicine](https://www.uptownpediatrics.com/services/adolescent-medicine): Confidential, respectful care for teenagers from a fellowship-trained adolescent medicine specialist, with mental health support from our in-house psychiatrist.
- [Pediatric Endocrinology](https://www.uptownpediatrics.com/services/pediatric-endocrinology): Two Mount Sinai-trained pediatric endocrinologists for growth, thyroid, puberty, and weight concerns, in the same office as your pediatrician.
- [Pediatric Infectious Disease](https://www.uptownpediatrics.com/services/pediatric-infectious-disease): Fellowship-trained infectious disease expertise for tricky, recurring, or unusual infections without a hospital referral.
- [Child & Adolescent Psychiatry](https://www.uptownpediatrics.com/services/child-adolescent-psychiatry): Psychiatric evaluations and medication management from a Triple Board-trained psychiatrist who's also a pediatrician.

## Doctors and clinicians

- [John Larsen, MD](https://www.uptownpediatrics.com/providers/john-larsen): Pediatrician & Pediatric Infectious Disease Specialist. Pediatrics, Pediatric Infectious Disease
- [Beth Cohen, MD](https://www.uptownpediatrics.com/providers/beth-cohen): Pediatrician. Pediatrics
- [Ivanya Landon Alpert, MD](https://www.uptownpediatrics.com/providers/ivanya-landon-alpert): Pediatrician & Adolescent Medicine Specialist. Pediatrics, Adolescent Medicine
- [Michelle L. Klein, MD](https://www.uptownpediatrics.com/providers/michelle-klein): Pediatrician & Pediatric Endocrinologist. Pediatrics, Pediatric Endocrinology
- [Jennifer Cerasoli, MD](https://www.uptownpediatrics.com/providers/jennifer-cerasoli): Pediatrician. Pediatrics
- [Vickie Wu, MD](https://www.uptownpediatrics.com/providers/vickie-wu): Pediatrician & Pediatric Endocrinologist. Pediatrics, Pediatric Endocrinology
- [Divya Hoon, MD](https://www.uptownpediatrics.com/providers/divya-hoon): Pediatrician & Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist. Pediatrics, Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychiatry
- [Emese Szirtes, RN, IBCLC](https://www.uptownpediatrics.com/providers/nurse-mesi): Nursing Supervisor & Lactation Consultant (“Nurse Mesi”). Pediatric Nursing, Lactation Counseling

## For parents

- [About the practice (independent, physician-owned)](https://www.uptownpediatrics.com/about)
- [New patients](https://www.uptownpediatrics.com/new-patients)
- [Patient forms (PDFs to print, fax, or bring in)](https://www.uptownpediatrics.com/forms)
- [Office, hours and directions](https://www.uptownpediatrics.com/office)
- [Insurance](https://www.uptownpediatrics.com/insurance)
- [Vaccines and well visits](https://www.uptownpediatrics.com/vaccines-well-visits)
- [Medication doses](https://www.uptownpediatrics.com/blog/medication-doses)
- [Reviews](https://www.uptownpediatrics.com/reviews)
- [Frequently asked questions](https://www.uptownpediatrics.com/faq)

## Parent guides (blog)

- [Starting Solids: When and How to Introduce Your Baby's First Foods](https://www.uptownpediatrics.com/blog/starting-solids-baby-first-foods): When to start solid foods, the signs your baby is ready, which first foods to offer, how to introduce peanut and egg early, and what to avoid before age one. Evidence-based guidance from the pediatricians at Uptown Pediatrics, following the American Academy of Pediatrics.
- [Sleep Training Your Baby: What the Evidence Says (and How to Start)](https://www.uptownpediatrics.com/blog/sleep-training-your-baby): Is sleep training safe? When to start, the most common methods, what research in the AAP's journal Pediatrics found, and safe sleep basics. A guide from the pediatricians at Uptown Pediatrics on the Upper East Side.
- [MMR Vaccine and Autism: Busting the Myth with the Evidence](https://www.uptownpediatrics.com/blog/mmr-vaccine-autism-myth): Does the MMR vaccine cause autism? No. Where the myth came from, what studies of millions of children show, why spacing out the MMR isn't safer, and when your child needs each dose. From the pediatricians at Uptown Pediatrics on the Upper East Side.
- [AAP vs. CDC Vaccine Schedules: What Changed in 2026, and Why We Follow the AAP](https://www.uptownpediatrics.com/blog/aap-vs-cdc-vaccine-schedule): Why there are now two childhood vaccine schedules, how the American Academy of Pediatrics and the 2026 federal schedule differ vaccine by vaccine, and what it means for your child. Uptown Pediatrics follows the science and the AAP schedule.
- [Caring for Your Baby's Teeth: From First Tooth to First Dentist Visit](https://www.uptownpediatrics.com/blog/caring-for-babys-teeth): When to start brushing, how much fluoride toothpaste to use, teething tips, bottles and juice, and when to see the dentist. Evidence-based baby tooth care from the pediatricians at Uptown Pediatrics, following the American Academy of Pediatrics.
- [Constipation in Kids: Causes, Treatment, and When to Call Us](https://www.uptownpediatrics.com/blog/constipation-in-children-treatment): How to tell if your child is constipated, why it happens, what helps (fiber, fluids, toilet habits, and medicine), how long treatment takes, and when to call the pediatrician. From Uptown Pediatrics on the Upper East Side, following the American Academy of Pediatrics.
- [How to Care for Your Child's Newly Pierced Ears](https://www.uptownpediatrics.com/blog/caring-for-pierced-ears): Ear piercing aftercare for kids: cleaning, turning the earrings, when to change them, and signs of infection or allergy. Plus ear piercing at Uptown Pediatrics with Dr. Cerasoli, on the Upper East Side.
- [How to Choose a Pediatrician on the Upper East Side: 10 Questions to Ask](https://www.uptownpediatrics.com/blog/how-to-choose-a-pediatrician-upper-east-side-nyc): Looking for the best pediatrician for your family in Manhattan? Here's what to compare: training, hospital affiliation, sick-visit access, after-hours care, specialists, and insurance. From Uptown Pediatrics on the Upper East Side.
- [Flu Shots for Kids in NYC: Our 2026–2027 Season Guide](https://www.uptownpediatrics.com/blog/flu-shots-2026-nyc-kids): Who needs a flu shot, how many doses, and when you can walk in for one at Uptown Pediatrics on the Upper East Side, including flu shots for parents.
- [When to Worry About Your Child's Fever (and When to Call Us)](https://www.uptownpediatrics.com/blog/when-to-worry-about-a-fever): A pediatric practice's guide to fevers in babies and kids: what counts as a fever, when to call the doctor right away, and how to keep your child comfortable.
- [Your Newborn's First Pediatrician Visit: A Checklist for NYC Parents](https://www.uptownpediatrics.com/blog/newborn-first-pediatrician-visit-nyc): When to schedule your baby's first visit, what to bring, the 30-day insurance deadline, and how to choose a pediatrician on the Upper East Side before your due date.
- [What Teen Confidentiality Means at the Pediatrician](https://www.uptownpediatrics.com/blog/teen-confidentiality-at-the-pediatrician): Why your teenager gets one-on-one time with the doctor, what stays private, and when parents are always told. From our adolescent medicine team on the Upper East Side.
- [Is My Child Too Short? When to See a Pediatric Endocrinologist](https://www.uptownpediatrics.com/blog/is-my-child-too-short-when-to-see-endocrinologist): Growth charts, growth velocity, early or late puberty, and what a growth evaluation looks like. Guidance from the Upper East Side practice with two in-house pediatric endocrinologists.
- [Anxiety, ADHD, or Just a Phase? When to See a Child Psychiatrist](https://www.uptownpediatrics.com/blog/anxiety-adhd-when-to-seek-child-psychiatrist): Signs your child or teen may benefit from a psychiatric evaluation, what the intake process looks like, and how psychiatry inside your pediatric practice works.

## Frequently asked questions

### Do you take walk-ins for sick kids?

Yes. Walk-in sick visits are Monday through Friday, 9:30 am to 3:00 pm, with no appointment needed. If those hours don't work, call or send a portal message and we'll schedule a same-day sick visit at a more convenient time.

### Are you open on Saturdays?

Yes, for sick visits, except in summer (Memorial Day to Labor Day). Saturday visits can't be booked ahead. Send a portal message Friday night or call between 10 and 11 am on Saturday to get a time.

### What if my child gets sick at night or on a weekend?

One of our own doctors is on call 24/7, not an outside nurse line. Call 212-427-0540, leave a message saying it's urgent, and we'll call you right back. For a life-threatening emergency, call 911.

### How far ahead should I schedule a checkup?

Four to eight weeks ahead. Late-afternoon slots go fast. We suggest booking yearly physicals for your child's birthday month to avoid the school and camp rush in May, June, August, and September.

### Do you offer telemedicine?

Yes, video visits are available by request for concerns that don't need an in-person exam.

### Are you accepting new patients?

Yes. Call 212-427-0540 to get started, and fill out the new patient registration form before your first visit.

### Can I meet the practice before my baby is born?

Absolutely. Schedule a prenatal visit and bring the prenatal visit form. If you deliver at Mount Sinai, one of our doctors will visit your baby in the newborn nursery.

### What should I bring to my child's first visit?

Your current insurance card, your child's previous medical and vaccine records, and the completed new patient forms. For newborns, bring your own insurance information and any hospital records.

### My baby was just born. What do I need to do about insurance?

Enroll your baby with your insurance carrier as soon as possible. Your baby is covered under your plan for the first 30 days only. If you don't enroll them within that window, they won't have coverage under your policy.

### What insurance do you accept?

Our doctors are generally in-network with Aetna, Cigna, Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield, Oxford Freedom, UnitedHealthcare, NYS Medicaid, and Healthfirst. Some specific plans within these carriers may not be in-network, so please call your carrier to confirm.

### How do I confirm you're in-network?

Call the number on your insurance card and give them our National Provider ID (NPI): 1619016854. Ask whether Uptown Pediatrics is in-network for your specific plan.

### Who do I call with a billing question?

Our billing specialist, Wendy, is happy to help at 866-371-6118. You can also pay your bill online.

### What can I do in the patient portal?

Message your doctor, request appointments, check lab results and vaccine records, and upload forms, any time of day.

### How quickly are portal messages answered?

Portal messages are checked several times a day on weekdays and once a day on weekends and holidays. For anything urgent, call 212-427-0540.

### What specialists do you have in-house?

Along with general pediatrics, our doctors include specialists in adolescent medicine (Dr. Alpert), pediatric infectious disease (Dr. Larsen), pediatric endocrinology (Dr. Klein and Dr. Wu), and child & adolescent psychiatry (Dr. Hoon). We also have an IBCLC lactation consultant (Nurse Mesi).

### Do you provide therapy?

Our psychiatry service offers psychiatric evaluations and medication management, but not therapy or neuropsychological testing. We'll connect you with trusted providers in the community.

### Which hospital are you affiliated with?

All of our doctors have attending privileges at Mount Sinai Hospital and are faculty in the Department of Pediatrics at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine. Because we're independent, we can also refer you to specialists elsewhere when that's the best fit.

### Do you pierce ears?

Yes. Dr. Cerasoli pierces ears in the office. Call 212-427-0540 to schedule.

### Which vaccine schedule do you follow?

We follow the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) schedule, which protects children against 18 serious diseases at the safest and most effective times. We believe in the science, and we're always glad to talk through your questions so we can decide together. Our parent guide explains how the AAP and 2026 CDC schedules differ.

### Can parents get a flu shot at the office?

Yes, during flu season we offer flu vaccines to parents alongside their children. Check with your insurance first, especially if you have Healthfirst or a gated plan.

### How many flu shot doses does my child need?

Children getting a flu shot for the very first time need two doses spaced one month apart. Everyone else needs one dose each year.

### Will we see the same doctor every time?

Yes. You see the same doctor at every checkup, and most of the time for sick visits too. We like seeing our own patients, and getting to know your whole family. But if your primary pediatrician is not in the office and your child needs to come in, one of our other doctors is always happy to see you.

### What if there are no appointments left when my child is sick?

We never turn away our patients. If the schedule is full, we make room. You can also walk in for a sick visit Monday through Friday, 9:30 am to 3 pm.

### Do you prescribe antibiotics for colds?

Not when they won't help. Antibiotics don't work on viruses and can cause side effects. We'll examine your child, explain what we find, and decide on the right treatment together with you.

### Where is the entrance?

1245 Park Avenue. The entrance is on 96th Street, between Park and Lexington Avenues. We're on the ground floor, just to the right of the elevators.

### What's the closest subway?

Take the 6 train to 96th Street. We're one block west of the station.

### Is there parking nearby?

There are metered spots in the neighborhood (watch the signs, they ticket often) and several garages.