San Diego and southern Riverside pediatric guide · Newborns through age 18
Keep Every Stage of Your Child’s CPCMG Care Connected
Children’s Primary Care Medical Group, usually called CPCMG, is a pediatric network with 29 offices and more than 170 providers throughout San Diego County and southern Riverside County.
This guide explains how to select a pediatrician, register a newborn or new patient, schedule well and sick visits, use CPEC after-hours care, prepare for a video visit, manage teen MyChart privacy, verify insurance, pay bills and request records.
BABY
CHILD
TEEN
GROWTH PLAN UPDATED
Call 911 for a life- or limb-threatening emergency. Do not wait for a MyChart message, nurse callback, video visit or CPEC appointment when a child has severe breathing trouble, blue or gray color, possible poisoning with serious symptoms, uncontrolled bleeding, seizure, loss of consciousness or another potentially life-threatening condition.
Office network
29 pediatric offices across two Southern California counties.
Providers
More than 170 pediatric physicians and advanced practice providers.
Regular hours
Most offices list Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Information review
Official policies checked August 2026.
Start with the correct care path
Which CPCMG service should your child use?
REGULAR PEDIATRIC OFFICE
Well visits and continuing care
Use the child’s regular CPCMG pediatrician for preventive care, growth and development, immunizations, chronic conditions, medication monitoring, behavioral concerns, school forms and continuing symptoms.
Best for: newborn visits, annual physicals, sports exams, asthma, ADHD follow-up and long-term care.
CPEC OR VIDEO VISIT
New non-emergency illness
CPEC provides appointment-only after-hours care for acute illnesses. Video visits may handle selected mild concerns that can be assessed without a complete physical examination.
Best for: cough, fever, vomiting, diarrhea, ear pain, mild rash, pink eye, allergies or follow-up.
911 OR EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT
Serious or rapidly worsening symptoms
Emergency care is safer when delay could threaten breathing, circulation, consciousness, vision, safety or permanent function.
Call 911 for severe breathing difficulty, major trauma, seizure, unconsciousness or uncontrolled bleeding.
Simple parent rule: Use the regular pediatrician for prevention and ongoing care, CPEC or virtual care for eligible short-term concerns, and emergency services for serious warning signs.
29 neighborhood offices
Children’s Primary Care Medical Group locations
CPCMG divides its pediatric offices into San Diego regional groups and southern Riverside County. Search by ZIP code rather than selecting an office only because its city name looks familiar.
CPCMG office regions and locations
| Region |
Offices |
What to verify |
| Central San Diego |
Children’s Campus, Euclid, Hillcrest and Scripps Ranch |
Provider, parking, suite and after-hours availability. |
| East County |
Alvarado, El Cajon and Santee |
Saturday appointments and CPEC access. |
| La Jolla |
Girard and Regents |
Exact building and parking instructions. |
| North County Coastal |
Carmel Valley, Encinitas, La Costa, Sanford/Oceanside and Vista |
Freeway route, weekend care and chosen provider. |
| North County Inland |
4S Ranch, Citracado, Gateway/Poway, Rancho Bernardo and San Marcos |
Address, clinic name and same-day availability. |
| South Bay |
Centre Medical Plaza, Eastlake and Medical Center Court |
Suite, parking and CPEC South Bay location. |
| Southern Riverside |
Fallbrook, Hemet, Jefferson Temecula, Menifee, Murrieta, Redhawk, Temecula Parkway and Wildomar |
County scheduling number, Saturday access and travel time. |
Location-list detail: CPCMG groups Fallbrook with its southern Riverside service area even though Fallbrook is in San Diego County. Use the official location listing and exact street address instead of relying only on regional labels.
Provider works at that exact office
Provider accepts new patients
Insurance permits PCP designation
Saturday or CPEC care is available
Appointment is in person or video
Street address and suite are saved
First appointment workflow
How to register a new patient with CPCMG
Confirm CPCMG is in the insurance network
Ask whether the selected pediatrician can be designated as the child’s primary care physician under the exact plan and medical group.
Choose a pediatrician and office
Compare distance, language, provider availability, office hours, CPEC access and whether the provider is accepting new patients.
Call the Welcome Center
Call 858-502-1177 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Staff can register the child, confirm insurance details and schedule the first appointment.
Complete the New Patient Packet
Bring the finished packet and plan to arrive at least 15 minutes early.
Arrive earlier when paperwork is incomplete
CPCMG asks families who have not completed the packet to arrive approximately 30 minutes early.
Transfer useful prior records
Send recent well-visit notes, immunizations, medication history, laboratory results, imaging reports and specialist information.
Set up MyChart
Ask the office for a separate activation code for each child and bring valid government-issued identification.
New-patient registration script
“I would like to register my child with CPCMG. My child is [age], our insurance is [complete plan and medical group], and we prefer the [office or ZIP code] area. Which providers are accepting new patients, can the provider be assigned as our PCP, and what records or forms should we bring?”
Before and after delivery
How CPCMG newborn care works
Verify insurance before delivery
Confirm that Children’s Primary Care Medical Group and the selected pediatrician are in the parent’s or future child’s network.
Select a pediatrician
Parents may request a free meet-and-greet. The Welcome Center states that it returns requests within 24 hours Monday through Friday.
Name the pediatrician at the hospital
Tell hospital staff the chosen provider’s name and Children’s Primary Care Medical Group. Hospital coverage depends on where the baby is delivered.
Add the baby to insurance
Contact the employer, human resources department or insurance plan promptly. Do not assume temporary newborn coverage completes permanent enrollment.
Call the Welcome Center after birth
Have the baby’s legal name, birth location, parent contact information and insurance details ready.
Attend the first office visit promptly
CPCMG’s newborn page states that the Welcome Center schedules the first appointment within three to five days of birth. The timing may be adjusted based on hospital discharge instructions and the baby’s condition.
First office visit
Weight, feeding, jaundice, hydration, sleep, stooling, urination and family questions may be reviewed.
Next routine visits
A common CPCMG sequence is a follow-up around two weeks and another at two months when no earlier concern requires review.
Lactation support
CPCMG offers individual lactation visits and virtual support through trained clinicians. Ask the child’s office about a referral.
Newborn warning signs need prompt guidance. Seek urgent medical advice for fever, poor feeding, unusual sleepiness, breathing trouble, blue color, repeated vomiting, dehydration or a rapidly worsening condition.
Well, sick and follow-up visits
How to schedule a CPCMG appointment
Well-child or physical visit
Call the pediatrician’s office during weekday business hours or use MyChart. CPCMG recommends scheduling four to six weeks ahead.
Sick-child appointment
Call the office Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Some offices offer Saturday sick appointments from 8 a.m. to noon.
After-hours appointment
Use CPEC for eligible acute illness. CPEC visits require advance scheduling and do not accept walk-ins.
Appointment-day timing rules
Arrival, cancellation and no-show rules
| Situation |
CPCMG instruction |
Practical effect |
| Regular appointment arrival |
Arrive approximately 20 minutes before the scheduled time. |
Allows time for check-in, insurance review and questionnaires. |
| Completed new-patient packet |
Arrive approximately 15 minutes early. |
Staff still need time to verify information and documents. |
| Incomplete new-patient packet |
Arrive approximately 30 minutes early. |
Allows the family to complete registration before the visit. |
| More than 15 minutes late |
The office may require rescheduling. |
Call immediately instead of arriving without warning. |
| Cancellation |
Give at least 24 hours’ notice or notify the office as early as possible. |
The appointment can be offered to another sick child or family. |
| Three consecutive no-shows |
Three no-shows within 12 months may affect continued CPCMG service. |
Contact the office before missing another appointment. |
Sick-visit call script
“My child is [age] and has had [symptom] since [time]. The temperature is [reading], breathing is [normal or concerning], fluids and urination are [description], and we have tried [treatment]. Should we schedule an office visit, CPEC visit, video visit or seek urgent emergency care?”
Preventive and school care
Prepare for well-child, school, camp and sports visits
Current insurance identification card
Required copayment or payment method
Child’s immunization card
School, camp or sports forms
Medication list with doses
Allergy and reaction information
Growth, sleep or behavior concerns
Home readings or specialist updates
Completed MyChart questionnaire
Parent’s priority questions
Do not lose the immunization card. CPCMG states that there may be a charge to replace a lost immunization card. MyChart may display immunization information, but some schools or programs may request a signed office copy.
Form-signature requirement: A physician may be unable to sign a school, sports or camp form when the child does not have a current annual examination on file. Call the office before dropping off a time-sensitive form.
Questions commonly reviewed by age
Babies
Feeding, sleep, growth, development, safety and immunizations.
Young children
Language, movement, behavior, preschool, nutrition, dental care and safety.
School-age children
Learning, sleep, activity, friendships, emotional health and sports readiness.
Teenagers
Mental health, confidential concerns, substance use, relationships, safety and independence.
Same-day pediatric help
What to record before calling about a sick child
Exact age and current weight when known
When the symptoms started
Highest temperature and measurement method
Breathing rate or breathing difficulty
Fluid intake and last urination
Vomiting or diarrhea frequency
Rash location and whether it spreads
Medicine name, dose and last administration
Known exposure to illness
Behavior compared with normal
The child is stable but needs same-day evaluation
Call the regular office first. CPCMG offers same-day appointments when a child is sick or injured, subject to availability.
The regular office is closed
Call the office and follow the prompts for nurse advice or CPEC scheduling.
The concern can be assessed visually
A video visit may work for selected rashes, pink eye, allergies, bug bites, simple wound follow-up or refill review.
The child looks seriously ill
Do not wait for the next clinic opening. Call 911 or use an emergency department based on the symptoms.
Appointment-only evening care
How Children’s Primary Extended Care works
Children’s Primary Extended Care, called CPEC, provides after-hours pediatric evaluation for acute illnesses such as cough, fever, vomiting, diarrhea and earache.
CPEC does not accept walk-ins. Every evening or Sunday visit requires an appointment. Some insurance plans do not cover extended-care services, so verify the benefit and expected copayment.
Current general CPEC service hours: Monday through Thursday from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. and Sunday from 8:30 a.m. to noon. Verify the live appointment time because individual pages and older instructions may display slightly different Sunday start times.
CPEC locations and addresses
| CPEC site |
Address |
Area served |
| CPEC Coastal |
11943 El Camino Real, Suite 210, San Diego, CA 92130 |
Carmel Valley and nearby coastal communities |
| CPEC South Bay |
769 Medical Center Court, Suite 300, Chula Vista, CA 91911 |
Chula Vista and South Bay |
| CPEC East County |
844 Jackman Street, El Cajon, CA 92020 |
El Cajon and East County |
| CPEC Scripps Parkway |
12036 Scripps Highlands Drive, Suite 102, San Diego, CA 92131 |
Scripps Ranch and inland San Diego |
| CPEC Vista |
2067 West Vista Way, Suite 180, Vista, CA 92083 |
North County |
| CPEC Murrieta |
25170 Hancock Avenue, Suite 200, Murrieta, CA 92562 |
Southwest Riverside County |
Local scheduling tip: The CPEC site assigned to your child may not be the regular CPCMG office. Repeat the complete street address and suite during scheduling.
Registered-nurse advice
How CPCMG nurse triage works
During weekday office hours, call the child’s CPCMG office and select the option for health care advice. After hours, follow the office’s telephone prompts to reach the appropriate triage service.
Call only once for the same after-hours concern
CPCMG asks families not to make repeated calls because requests are screened and returned in order of medical urgency.
Use an unblocked return number
Do not call from a blocked number. Give an alternate reachable number when caller identification is restricted.
Answer the nurse’s standard questions
The nurse may ask about age, symptoms, breathing, fever, fluids, urination, medicine and behavior.
Understand what triage can do
The nurse provides guidance about the appropriate level of care. The triage nurse does not provide a final diagnosis or prescribe medicine.
Expect urgent calls to be returned first
A later-arriving high-risk call may be handled before a less urgent concern.
Do not wait for a callback during a clear emergency. Call 911 when the child’s condition appears life-threatening or could cause serious harm if treatment is delayed.
365-day virtual access
CPCMG video visits: options, hours and limits
My Pediatrician Video Visit
Choose the child’s regular CPCMG pediatrician or advanced practice provider. Availability follows that clinician’s schedule.
Children’s Virtual Care
The child is evaluated by a board-certified CPCMG pediatrician or pediatric advanced practice provider who may not be the regular clinician.
Published virtual-care availability: The current main CPCMG video page lists Children’s Virtual Care Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. and weekends from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., including holidays. A separate technical instruction page has listed a 7 a.m. weekday start, so use MyChart to verify the first live appointment.
Concerns that may fit a video visit
Skin concerns
Acne, eczema, diaper rash or ringworm when the image quality is adequate.
Mild illness
Nasal allergies, pink eye, minor bug bites and selected simple symptoms.
Follow-up
Simple wound checks or follow-up after an urgent care visit.
Prescription review
Selected refill requests that require clinical follow-up and approval.
Prepare before connecting
Active MyChart account
MyChart and Zoom apps installed
Strong Wi-Fi or cellular connection
Charged phone or tablet
Child and caregiver available
Bright, quiet and private room
Medication bottles nearby
Helpful photos uploaded in advance
Temperature and weight when available
Preferred pharmacy ready
Visit length and scope: Many mild-symptom video visits are scheduled for approximately 10 minutes and one primary concern. An in-person examination may be required when the clinician needs to listen to the heart or lungs, examine the ears, test urine or complete other hands-on evaluation.
Insurance is not automatic. Many plans cover video visits, but copayments and patient responsibility vary. PPO coverage may differ from HMO, Medi-Cal or TRICARE coverage.
One portal for CPCMG and Rady Children’s
What parents can do in CPCMG MyChart
A
Appointments
Request, schedule and review eligible office or video appointments.
M
Messages
Send non-emergency questions to the child’s CPCMG care team.
Rx
Refills
Submit eligible prescription-refill requests.
T
Results
Review released laboratory results, medications and immunization information.
F
Forms
Complete well-child questionnaires and upload school or medical documents.
$
Billing
Review the child’s account and make online payments.
How to activate an account
Request an activation code
Ask the child’s CPCMG office. A separate activation code is required for each child.
Provide valid identification
CPCMG requires a valid government-issued form of identification to establish MyChart access.
Create the account through Rady Children’s MyChart
CPCMG and Rady Children’s use the same MyChart system, allowing one login to display connected records.
Test access before an urgent need
Confirm that the correct child, office and proxy relationship appear in the account.
Shared-record advantage: The same Rady Children’s MyChart account can display information from the CPCMG pediatrician and care received through Rady Children’s, when released and available.
MyChart is not emergency care. Do not send urgent symptoms and wait for an electronic response.
California adolescent privacy
How CPCMG MyChart access changes at ages 12 and 18
Parent or guardian proxy access
The parent or legal guardian manages portal access and can view available pediatric information.
The teen may receive a personal MyChart account
CPCMG offers teen accounts beginning at age 12 because California law protects certain confidential adolescent services and communication.
Parent proxy access becomes limited
Parents continue to see some information, but certain confidential records may not appear through the proxy account.
The patient becomes an adult
Parent proxy access is automatically removed. The adult patient may approve new proxy access.
Private time during teen visits: A pediatrician may ask a parent to leave the room temporarily so the teen can discuss relationships, school, alcohol, tobacco, drugs, mental health, sexual health or other sensitive issues. Safety concerns may require broader involvement as allowed by law.
Records at age 18: Once the child is legally an adult, the patient must sign their own medical release form.
Verify PCP assignment
CPCMG insurance and Covered California guidance
CPCMG accepts many HMO, PPO, EPO, indemnity, fee-for-service and Medi-Cal plans. Participation depends on the exact network, pediatrician and medical-group assignment.
Do not ask only whether CPCMG accepts the insurance company. Ask whether the selected pediatrician can be designated as the child’s primary care physician under the exact product and medical group shown on the card.
Read the complete plan name
Find the network, product and medical-group information printed on the card or member portal.
Call the insurance company
Give the representative the pediatrician’s complete name and exact CPCMG office address.
Confirm PCP designation
Ask whether the pediatrician must be formally selected before the first visit.
Verify CPEC and video benefits separately
An office visit may be covered while extended care or telehealth uses different cost-sharing rules.
Confirm laboratory and specialist networks
Ask where ordered testing must be completed and which pediatric specialists require referral authorization.
Save the reference number
Record the insurance representative, date and call reference.
Insurance-verification script
“My child’s plan is [complete plan and medical group]. We want to use [pediatrician] at [exact CPCMG office]. Can this provider be assigned as the PCP? Are regular visits, CPEC, video visits, vaccines and laboratory services covered, and what copayment or deductible applies?”
When employer coverage is lost
CPCMG directs families to Covered California when insurance is lost because of job loss or reduced work hours. Search each preferred CPCMG physician by name in Covered California’s plan-comparison tool rather than assuming every marketplace plan includes the entire network.
Patient Financial Services
How CPCMG billing and payment work
Copayments
Due at the time of service. An adult bringing the child should be prepared to make the required payment.
Accepted payment
Checks, debit cards, MasterCard, Visa, Discover and American Express are listed.
Patient responsibility
Deductibles, copayments, coinsurance and non-covered benefits remain the parent or guardian’s responsibility.
Do not ignore a statement. CPCMG states that balances sent to an outside collection agency can create additional collection or attorney costs payable by the parent or legal guardian.
Compare the bill with the insurance explanation
Check the child’s name, provider, service date, billed service, insurer payment and patient responsibility.
Correct insurance information promptly
Call Patient Financial Services when the claim used an old plan, incorrect member number or wrong primary insurer.
Pay through MyChart
Use the official MyChart account to review and pay the balance.
Save payment confirmation
Keep the confirmation number, amount, date and account reference.
Billing-question script
“I am calling about my child’s account for service date [date]. The CPCMG statement shows [amount], while the insurance explanation shows [status]. Please explain the charge, insurance adjustment, payment and remaining responsibility, and tell me whether corrected insurance information is needed.”
15-day written-request timeline
How to request CPCMG medical and immunization records
Fastest medical-record option
Submit the request through MyChart using a desktop or laptop. CPCMG states that mobile devices do not support this particular records-request option.
Immunization record
Call the child’s CPCMG office when a school, camp or other organization requires a signed copy.
Decide what is actually needed
Request a date range and record type rather than the complete chart when only immunizations, recent notes or laboratory results are required.
Use MyChart from a computer when possible
Log in from a desktop or laptop and follow the medical-record request workflow.
Complete a release form when transferring care
Use the CPCMG medical release form when records must be sent to a non-CPCMG physician.
Submit by fax, email or mail
Confirm that the form is signed, dated and includes the correct recipient details.
Allow the published processing period
CPCMG states that records are transmitted within 15 days after receiving the written request.
Expect a possible copying charge
A charge may apply depending on chart size and how frequently copies are requested.
CPCMG Health Information Management submission details
| Method |
Official destination |
Practical instruction |
| Fax |
858-573-0364 |
Keep the transmission confirmation. |
| Email |
CPCMGHIM@rchsd.org |
Use the completed signed release and follow office privacy instructions. |
| Mail |
CPCMG, Attn: HIM, 3880 Murphy Canyon Road, Suite 200, San Diego, CA 92123 |
Keep a copy and consider tracked delivery for time-sensitive requests. |
| Billing records |
858-502-1100 |
Use Patient Financial Services for payment-history copies. |
Outside-care update: Tell the CPCMG office whenever the child is evaluated by another physician, urgent care center or hospital so the pediatrician can decide which outside records are needed.
Parent troubleshooting
Common CPCMG problems and the fastest next step
MyChart shows the wrong child or no child
Contact the pediatrician’s office and verify the parent’s identity, proxy relationship and separate activation code for each child.
A teen result is missing from the parent account
California adolescent privacy restrictions may limit proxy access. Ask the office whether the teen should use a personal account.
No same-day office appointment is available
Ask about another provider at the same office, another CPCMG office, video care, CPEC or nurse triage.
CPEC says no walk-ins
Call the correct county scheduling line or use MyChart. Do not travel without a confirmed appointment.
The video clinician needs an in-person examination
Follow the recommended office, CPEC, urgent care or emergency route. A video visit cannot replace every hands-on test.
A form has not been completed
Confirm that the parent section is finished, the child has a current physical and the correct office received the form.
A medical-record request is delayed
Verify the signed form, recipient, date range and delivery method. Remember that written requests may take up to 15 days.
Insurance denied the visit
Confirm PCP assignment, medical group, service date, provider network, referral and whether CPEC or video care used a separate benefit.
Local parent shortcuts
Practical San Diego and Riverside CPCMG tips
01
Schedule physicals before peak season
Book four to six weeks ahead and avoid waiting until school or sports deadlines.
02
Save the direct office number
The child’s office handles routine appointments, triage routing, forms and MyChart activation.
03
Know the county CPEC number
San Diego and Riverside use different after-hours scheduling numbers.
04
Do not drive to CPEC without booking
Every CPEC appointment must be scheduled in advance.
05
Upload photos before video care
Clear photographs of a rash, wound or swelling can make a short virtual appointment more useful.
06
Bring the immunization card
Keeping the original card current avoids replacement charges and school delays.
07
Prepare for traffic and parking
Freeway congestion near I-5, I-8, I-15, SR-78 and I-215 can affect check-in time.
08
Verify telehealth and CPEC benefits
These services may use different insurance cost-sharing than a regular office visit.
09
Start teen portal access early
Understand the MyChart privacy change beginning at age 12 before an urgent result or refill is needed.
Regional orientation only
CPCMG San Diego and Riverside service-area map
CPCMG has many independent office addresses. This map is a regional orientation and should not be used as the destination for an appointment.
Use the appointment address. Confirm the office name, street, building, suite and city before leaving home.
Parent questions answered
Children’s Primary Care Medical Group FAQs
What is Children’s Primary Care Medical Group?
CPCMG is a pediatric primary care network serving San Diego County and southern Riverside County with newborn, preventive, illness, immunization, sports and after-hours care.
How many CPCMG offices are there?
CPCMG currently reports 29 pediatric offices and more than 170 pediatric primary care providers.
How do I register a new child?
Call the Welcome Center at 858-502-1177 Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Staff can register the child, confirm insurance and schedule the first visit.
How early should I book a physical?
CPCMG recommends scheduling well-child and physical appointments four to six weeks in advance.
Can I walk into a CPEC clinic?
No. Every CPEC evening or Sunday visit requires an appointment. Call 858-302-2265 in San Diego County or 858-302-2266 in Riverside County.
What can I do in MyChart?
You can manage eligible appointments, message the care team, view released results, request refills, schedule video visits, pay bills, complete questionnaires and request records.
Why can’t I see all of my teenager’s MyChart information?
California privacy laws protect certain adolescent health information. Teen accounts are available beginning at age 12, and parent proxy access may be limited.
Are CPCMG video visits available on weekends?
Yes. Children’s Virtual Care is currently listed on weekends from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and is also available on holidays.
Does CPCMG accept Medi-Cal?
CPCMG states that it accepts many Medi-Cal and private plans. Verify that the exact pediatrician can be assigned as the child’s PCP under the current plan.
How long does a medical-record request take?
CPCMG states that medical records are transmitted within 15 days after it receives the written request.
Complete the final live action
Official CPCMG parent tools
The main patient rules and preparation steps are explained above. Use these official tools when you are ready to complete a live provider search, appointment, portal, payment or records action.
