Pediatric Hospitals in Atlanta, Georgia: A Local Parent’s Guide

Finding the right pediatric hospital in Atlanta can feel overwhelming, especially if your child is sick or injured. Atlanta is home to some of the most respected children’s medical centers in the Southeast, offering everything from newborn care to complex specialty treatment.

This guide focuses on where to go, what each major pediatric hospital in Atlanta is known for, and how to choose the right option for your family, whether you live in the city, are here for school or work, or are visiting from out of town.

The Major Pediatric Hospitals in Atlanta

Atlanta’s pediatric care revolves around a few core hospital systems that focus on infants, children, and teens. Many local pediatricians refer to these centers when a child needs emergency care, surgery, or a hospital stay.

1. Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta – Egleston Hospital

Location:
1405 Clifton Road NE
Atlanta, GA 30322
Phone (main line, check for updates): 404-785-6000

Area: Near Emory University in the Druid Hills / Clifton Road area, just east of Downtown and Midtown.

What it’s known for:

• Dedicated pediatric hospital with a wide range of specialties, from cardiology and oncology to neurology and critical care.
• Pediatric emergency department that focuses solely on infants, children, and teens.
• Frequently used for complex and critical cases referred from across Georgia and the Southeast.
• Close partnership with Emory University School of Medicine, which supports advanced specialty care and pediatric research.

This hospital is a common destination if your child needs specialized inpatient care, intensive care, or evaluation for a serious or rare condition.

2. Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta – Scottish Rite Hospital

Location:
1001 Johnson Ferry Road NE
Atlanta, GA 30342
Phone (main line, check for updates): 404-785-5252

Area: Sandy Springs / North Atlanta, near the Perimeter (close to I‑285 and GA‑400).

What it’s known for:

• Full-service pediatric hospital with surgical services, inpatient units, and multiple specialty clinics.
• Pediatric emergency department that many families in North Atlanta, Sandy Springs, Dunwoody, Roswell, and surrounding suburbs use for urgent situations.
• Strong services in areas like orthopedics, sports medicine, neurology, and surgery.
• Convenient for families who live or work near the Perimeter or northern suburbs.

If you are in North Atlanta and your child needs emergency or hospital care, Scottish Rite is often the most accessible children’s hospital.

3. Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta – Hughes Spalding Hospital

Location:
35 Jesse Hill Jr. Drive SE
Atlanta, GA 30303
Phone (main line, check for updates): 404-785-9525

Area: Downtown Atlanta, near Grady Memorial Hospital and the Georgia State University campus.

What it’s known for:

• Pediatric hospital that serves many families in and around Downtown, South Atlanta, and the Westside.
• Offers pediatric emergency care, inpatient services, and outpatient clinics.
• Located in the heart of the city, making it accessible via MARTA and major roadways.

Families who live closer to the city center often find Hughes Spalding to be the most practical option for children’s emergency and hospital care.

4. Grady Health System – Children’s Services

Main campus location:
80 Jesse Hill Jr. Drive SE
Atlanta, GA 30303
Main hospital phone (switchboard, check for updates): 404-616-1000

Area: Downtown Atlanta.

While Grady is primarily an adult Level I trauma center, it also offers important pediatric emergency and specialty services, especially for trauma-related situations and urgent issues. Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta physicians are often involved with pediatric care connected to Grady.

Grady is especially relevant if:

• Your child is involved in a major accident or traumatic injury within the city.
• EMS (emergency medical services) directs you there for urgent stabilization.

Quick Comparison of Atlanta’s Main Pediatric Hospitals

Below is a simple overview to help you orient yourself. Always call ahead or check current hospital information before making decisions.

Pediatric Emergency Rooms in Atlanta: Where to Go in a Crisis

If your child has a medical emergency, you’ll generally choose between:

• A pediatric-focused emergency department (such as those at Egleston, Scottish Rite, or Hughes Spalding), or
• The nearest emergency room, which may be an adult hospital if that’s what’s closest.

Common reasons Atlanta parents go to a pediatric ER include:

• Severe trouble breathing
• Major injuries or suspected broken bones
• Seizures
• Severe allergic reactions
• High fevers in very young infants
• Uncontrollable vomiting or signs of serious dehydration

Pediatric ERs are designed around children’s needs—equipment, medications, and staff are all focused on infants through teens. If you have the option and the situation allows, many families in Atlanta prefer a children’s hospital ER for non‑life‑threatening but urgent problems.

However, if a situation seems life-threatening, the usual guidance is to:

• Call 911 so that Atlanta EMS can take your child to the most appropriate facility as quickly as possible.

Specialty Pediatric Care in Atlanta

Beyond emergency rooms and hospital stays, Atlanta’s pediatric hospitals offer outpatient clinics and specialty services. Many parents in the metro area travel into the city when their child needs ongoing care for a specific condition.

Common pediatric specialties available at the major Atlanta hospitals include:

• Cardiology (heart conditions)
• Neurology and neurosurgery
• Oncology and hematology (cancer and blood disorders)
• Gastroenterology (digestive issues)
• Endocrinology (diabetes, growth, thyroid conditions)
• Orthopedics and sports medicine
• Pulmonology (lung and breathing problems, including asthma)
• Developmental pediatrics and behavioral health

Appointments are usually scheduled through a referral from your child’s pediatrician or family doctor. In Atlanta, many pediatric practices are familiar with the local hospital systems and can:

• Suggest which hospital or clinic is the best fit for your child’s condition.
• Help coordinate medical records and referrals.
• Guide you on insurance and pre-authorization.

How to Choose a Pediatric Hospital in Atlanta

If you have time to plan (for example, for a scheduled surgery or ongoing specialty care), consider these factors:

1. Location and Travel

Atlanta traffic is a real factor. Think about:

• Where you live or work (Intown, Northside, Southside, East, West).
• How long it might take to reach the hospital during rush hour.
• Parking costs and availability, especially for long or frequent visits.
• Access to public transportation (MARTA rail and buses) if you do not drive.

Parents in North Fulton, Cobb, or Gwinnett counties often find Scottish Rite easier to reach, while families in Decatur, Midtown, or East Atlanta may lean toward Egleston. Downtown, South Atlanta, and Westside families often use Hughes Spalding or facilities connected to it.

2. Your Child’s Condition

Some hospitals and campuses are especially known for certain types of care. When your child has a complex or rare condition, your pediatrician may recommend:

• A specific hospital campus because of a specialized program or team.
• A clinic that runs certain long-term treatment programs (for example, for cancer, congenital heart disease, or epilepsy).

If you’re uncertain, you can call the main hospital number and ask which campus typically handles your child’s type of issue.

3. Insurance and Billing

In Atlanta, hospital systems may be in‑network for some insurance plans and out‑of‑network for others. Before a non-emergency visit, it’s wise to:

• Call your insurance company and ask which Atlanta pediatric hospitals are in-network.
• Confirm copays, deductibles, and facility fees for hospital visits and outpatient procedures.
• Ask the hospital’s financial services about payment plans or financial counseling if needed.

In a true emergency, insurance rules may be more flexible, but it’s still helpful to understand your overall coverage.

4. Language and Accessibility Needs

If your family needs interpretation services, disability access, or other accommodations, you can:

• Call the hospital’s main line in advance and ask about interpreters, wheelchair access, or support services.
• Let your child’s pediatrician know what you need so they can help coordinate care.

Large Atlanta pediatric hospitals commonly offer language interpretation and accessibility support, but arrangements can be smoother if you discuss them before an elective visit.

Planning a Hospital Visit with a Child in Atlanta

Whether you’re going in for a scheduled surgery or a specialist appointment, a bit of preparation can make the experience less stressful.

What to Bring

• Insurance card and a photo ID for the parent or guardian
• A list of your child’s medications, allergies, and past surgeries
• Comfort items (favorite toy, blanket, headphones, or book)
• Snacks and water for yourself, if allowed in the waiting area
• Phone charger, and any school or work materials if you anticipate a long visit

If your child will be admitted overnight, staff can describe what the rooms are like and what personal items are allowed.

Getting Around the City

For families not used to Atlanta:

• Allow extra travel time to account for heavy traffic, especially on I‑285, I‑75/85, and GA‑400.
• Many hospitals have detailed parking and arrival instructions available by phone if you’re unsure which garage or entrance to use.
• MARTA rail stations near Downtown and the Emory area can sometimes make travel to Egleston or Hughes Spalding easier, especially during peak traffic.

Using Urgent Care vs. a Pediatric Hospital in Atlanta

Besides full hospitals, the Atlanta area has urgent care clinics and pediatric urgent care centers. These can be helpful for:

• Minor injuries (simple cuts, sprains, mild fractures)
• Ear pain, sore throat, mild asthma flare-ups
• Fevers or illnesses that don’t seem life-threatening but shouldn’t wait for a routine office visit

Parents in Atlanta often choose urgent care when:

• The pediatrician’s office is closed or fully booked.
• The problem seems urgent but not severe enough for the ER.

However, go to a pediatric hospital ER or call 911 if you are worried about a serious or rapidly worsening condition, breathing trouble, major injury, or anything that seems life-threatening.

Practical Next Steps for Atlanta Parents

If you’re trying to get oriented to pediatric hospitals in Atlanta, here are some simple, concrete actions:

1. Ask your child’s pediatrician which Atlanta hospital they usually work with and why.
2. Save key phone numbers in your phone, such as:
   • Your pediatrician’s office
   • The nearest pediatric hospital (Egleston, Scottish Rite, or Hughes Spalding, depending on where you live)
   • Your insurance company’s member services line
3. Plan your routes: look up how long it takes to drive from your home, daycare, or school to the main pediatric hospital you might use, at different times of day.
4. If your child has a chronic or complex condition, talk with their doctor about which Atlanta pediatric specialty clinics are best suited for ongoing care.

By knowing the main pediatric hospitals in Atlanta, Georgia, understanding what each one offers, and planning a bit in advance, you can navigate the city’s medical options more confidently when your child needs care.