Quick answers to common questions.
Everything below is straight from how our office actually works. If you don’t see your question, please call or message us through the Family Portal.
Scheduling, visit types, and what to expect.
How do I schedule an appointment?
All appointments are scheduled by phone. Please call our front desk at (540) 217-5333 during office hours. We do not offer online booking.
I’m new to the practice. How do I get started?
Start with a free “Meet the Doc” visit, an in-person or video conversation with one of our pediatricians. There’s no charge and no obligation. See our New Patients page for the three-step path.
What is a “Meet the Doc” visit, and how much does it cost?
It’s a short visit where you can meet a provider, tour the office, and ask questions about how we care for kids and families. The visit is free of charge. We can do it in person or by Doxy.me video.
How far in advance should I book a well-child checkup?
Please call 2 to 4 weeks in advance so we can match you with your preferred provider and time.
Do you offer same-day sick visits?
Yes. For acute illnesses like fevers, coughs, ear pain, and similar concerns, please call us early in the day at (540) 217-5333 and we’ll work to fit you in. We do not offer walk-in appointments, every same-day visit is scheduled.
Are you open on Saturdays?
Yes, on Saturdays from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm by appointment only, no walk-ins.
What are your office hours?
- Mon – Fri8:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Saturday9:00 am – 12:00 pm (by appt.)
- SundayClosed
When something can’t wait.
My child is sick after office hours. What should I do?
For an urgent question that cannot wait until morning, call or text our on-call provider at (540) 249-1110. Effective June 1, 2025, there is a $20 fee for this service.
When should I go to the ER or call 911 instead?
For anything life-threatening, call 911 right away. That includes severe trouble breathing, blue lips or skin, unresponsiveness, severe head injury, seizure, or major bleeding.
For serious-but-stable concerns, head to the nearest emergency department. For our families, that’s most often Sentara RMH in Harrisonburg.
For everything else that feels urgent but isn’t an emergency, call our office during the day or our after-hours line at night, and we’ll help you decide what to do.
My child swallowed something they shouldn’t have. Who do I call?
Call the Blue Ridge Poison Center through UVA Health, available 24/7. The link is on our Health Tools section. If your child is unresponsive or having trouble breathing, call 911 first.
Connecting by video.
Do you offer telemedicine visits?
Yes. Once your visit is scheduled, you can join your provider from a phone, tablet, or computer using our Doxy.me links.
Is telemedicine covered by insurance?
Telemedicine is billed to your insurance per your plan’s coverage. You may be responsible for charges depending on your benefits.
How do I schedule a telemedicine visit?
Call our front desk at (540) 217-5333. Once the visit is on the schedule, we’ll send you the Doxy.me link to join.
Paperwork, school forms, and transferring records.
Which forms do I need before my first visit?
The registration form, the “Transfer Records In” form (if you’re coming from another practice), and the HIPAA Privacy Practices acknowledgment. All three are linked on our New Patients and Patient Forms pages.
Do you do school physicals and sports physicals?
Yes. The Virginia School Entrance Form and VHSL Sports Physical are both available on our Patient Forms page. Bring the form to the visit (or download it ahead of time) so we can complete it during a well-child checkup.
How do I transfer my child’s records to a new practice?
Download the “Transfer Records Out” form from our Patient Forms page, fill it in, and return it to us. We’ll send your child’s records to the new practice.
What screening forms do you use?
For attention and behavior, we use the Vanderbilt parent and teacher forms. For mood, we use the DSM-5 depression screen and the PHQ-9. All four are downloadable on our Patient Forms page.
Charges and how to pay.
Specific insurance acceptance varies by plan. Please call our front desk to confirm coverage for your family.
What are the office charges I should know about?
Effective June 1, 2025, the following charges apply:
- After-hours calls or texts: $20
- Form completion fee: $10
- Immunization records: $5 (free if emailed)
- FMLA / Medical Necessity Letters: $25
How do I pay a bill?
Payments can be made through the Family Portal, in person at the front desk, or by phone. The Family Portal is the fastest option and is available 24/7.
Is the “Meet the Doc” visit really free?
Yes. There’s no charge for the “Meet the Doc” visit, in person or by video.
Do you accept my insurance?
Insurance acceptance can change plan-by-plan. Please call our front desk at (540) 217-5333 with your card handy and we’ll confirm coverage for your specific plan.
Your secure online front desk.
What is the Family Portal and what can I do there?
The Family Portal gives you secure, 24/7 access to your child’s health information. You can view medical records, request medication refills, send secure messages to our practice, complete most forms, and pay your bill.
How do I request a medication refill?
Please request all medication refills through the Family Portal, it’s the fastest and most reliable way for us to receive and process the request.
How fast will I get a reply on the Family Portal?
Messages typically receive a response within two business days. For something urgent, please call the office instead.
How do I sign up for the Family Portal?
Our front desk will help you sign up at your first visit, or you can call (540) 217-5333 any time and we’ll get you set up.
Can I book appointments through the Family Portal?
No, the Family Portal is for records, refills, secure messaging, forms, and bill pay. To schedule any visit, please call the front desk.
Who we are and how we work.
Who are the providers?
Our three pediatricians are Dr. Jamie Hutton (founder, MD, FAAP), Dr. Megan Imholt (MD, FAAP), and Dr. Erika Shelburne (DO). Together they have more than 40 years of combined pediatric experience. See our Meet the Team page for full bios and our nursing & administrative staff.
Do any providers have specific areas of focus?
Yes. While all three of our pediatricians provide complete general pediatric care, they each have particular interests:
- Dr. Hutton — double board certified in Pediatrics and Breastfeeding/Lactation Medicine; mini-fellowship in Pediatric-Centered Mental Health (REACH Institute); STAT-certified for autism evaluations. Special interests: newborn care, breastfeeding support, and child development.
- Dr. Imholt — 15+ years in general pediatrics. Special interest in establishing a medical home for children with complex medical needs.
- Dr. Shelburne — ten years caring for the Shenandoah Valley’s pediatric population, most recently at Sentara RMH. Pediatric residency at Arnold Palmer Children’s Hospital.
How long has Mountain Ridge Pediatrics been around?
Dr. Hutton founded Mountain Ridge Pediatrics in 2015. We’ve cared for Shenandoah Valley families ever since.
Where is your office?
2034 Pro Pointe Lane, Harrisonburg, VA 22801. We have on-site parking. Directions and a map are on our Contact page.
Is the website accessible?
Yes. The site is designed to align with WCAG 2.2 Level AA and works with keyboard, screen-reader, and zoom workflows. See our Accessibility statement for details and how to give us feedback.