River Road Pediatrics / Dartmouth Health Children’s FAQs

Why is RRP joining Dartmouth Health Children’s?
Health care is evolving and as an independent practice we found that we could not provide some of the services that our patients were asking for. We are excited about the opportunity to join a network of children’s health services to more expeditiously meet the needs of our growing patient population.

-         The largest breadth of pediatric specialists in the New Hampshire

-         Access to an online patient portal, myDH, where parents can request appointments and refills, access their child’s      health records, pay bills and send questions to their health care team

-         Integrated medical record across the system so that medical history is readily accessible to all your child’s health care providers— ensuring comprehensive and connected care – The Dartmouth Health electronic health record (EPIC) can interface with the system at the Elliot Hospital so that the doctors there, for example in the Emergency Department, can access basic health information in case your child needs to go to the ED or Urgent Care (see below about new availability of pediatric urgent care through Dartmouth Health Children’s in Manchester).

Is the practice moving?
The practice will remain at 58 Hawthorne Drive in Bedford. We will be joined by additional pediatric providers from Dartmouth Health Children’s.

What is changing?
Our name may change but our commitment to our patients remains the same. Now we will have the additional benefits of being part of NH’s only academic health system with a children’s hospital and wide array of children’s specialties.

In addition, our patients will have access to urgent appointments on nights and weekends in Manchester.

When does the change take place?
The transition will take place in mid-March.

Where do I get information about Dartmouth Health Children’s like billing, phone numbers, providers, etc.? 
Please visit our website at childrens.dartmouth-health.org where you will find information related to our providers, services, contact information, etc.

What if my child needs more specialized care, hospitalization or surgery? 
As we have always done, we will discuss options with you should your child need specialty care or surgery. Our affiliation with Dartmouth Health Children’s will not affect our freedom to recommend the best specialists in the area should they be affiliated with Dartmouth Health or practicing elsewhere. That said, we have worked for years with our specialty colleagues at Dartmouth Health Children’s and have every confidence in the excellent care they provide. Our affiliation with Dartmouth Health Children’s will open up the possibility for our patients to see certain specialists at Dartmouth Health Children’s whose practices remain closed to patients outside of the Dartmouth Health system.

Dartmouth Health Children’s has pediatric specialists available in cardiology, gastroenterology, surgery, urology, dermatology and more at our 100 Hitchcock Way location in Manchester.

What happens if my child needs care after hours or on weekends?
Dartmouth Health Children’s has nursing triage available after hours and on weekends to help you navigate a plan of care when our office is not open. Patients also have access to urgent appointments on nights and weekends at Dartmouth Hitchcock Clinics in Manchester (100 Hitchcock Way). Weekend appointments take place in Pediatrics and there is also walk-in availability for patients ages 2 and up in Urgent Appointments.

If my child needs labs drawn, where will we go?
Patient families are free to use the lab of their choice. Later this year we will be opening a blood draw station right in this building so that patients can have blood drawn while here for an appointment.

How long can my child stay with the practice?
We love to see patients from infancy through young adulthood. Typically, our patients stay with us until they graduate from college. We will help in making the transition to adult medicine a smooth one for your family and will work closely with the Dartmouth Health system to find a provider that best meets your young adult’s need. Later this year, we will be welcoming Family Medicine providers to our building where your child can continue to receive care throughout their adulthood.

How does billing work?
Billing will take place through our partner, Conifer Health Solutions. Billing questions can be directed to (844) 808-0730. Hours are Monday-Friday, 9 am to 5 pm (closed 12 to 1 pm for lunch).

What will happen to my child’s medical records?
When River Road Pediatrics joins Dartmouth Health Children’s, Dartmouth Health will become the custodian of all associated medical records in accordance with regulatory requirements. Should you choose to establish care for your child elsewhere, you can request copies of your child’s medical records by calling (603) 695-2820. If you child remains under our care, there is no action needed and your child’s medical records will be accessible to his/her providers.