Pediatrician Shortage in El Paso County Spurs New Walk-In Clinic

Healthcare leaders report a shortage of pediatricians across El Paso County, where the county has 101 pediatricians but requires approximately 150. In response, Peak Vista Community Health Centers opened a pediatric walk-in clinic in southeast Colorado Springs on October 1. The clinic treats patients from birth through age 21 for common illnesses and minor injuries.

The new clinic is intended to provide an alternative for non-emergency medical care, potentially reducing unnecessary emergency room visits and lowering medical expenses for families. Peak Vista opened the clinic after analyzing patient emergency room visits, finding that over 90% could have been handled in a primary care setting.