Children's Hospital Colorado

ParentSmart Healthline™: Talk to a Pediatric Nurse 24/7

We’re here to help in the heat of the moment. Find care tips and guidance, as well as in-person urgent and emergency care, from our team of pediatric experts.

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At Children’s Colorado, we know that your child can get sick or injured at any time — even after hours. When your primary care doctor is unavailable, we’re here to help. You can talk to a registered pediatric nurse 24 hours a day, seven days a week by calling our ParentSmart Healthline™ at 720-777-0123 or 1-855-543-4636 (KID-INFO). You can also download ChildrensMD, our free mobile app to get expert tips and guidance on the go.

ParentSmart has been serving families in Colorado and the Rocky Mountain region since 1992 and receives more than 35,000 calls per year. Our goal is to advise parents and caregivers on the best care options for their child’s illness, injury or condition, so they can have peace of mind and help their kid feel better sooner.

When should I call the ParentSmart Healthline?

ParentSmart is a 24/7 phone line that connects parents and caregivers with a qualified pediatric nurse. Here are some situations when you can contact ParentSmart:

  • You live in Colorado, the Rocky Mountain region or another state that we support.
  • You have an urgent question about your child’s health when their primary care doctor or pediatrician is unavailable.
  • You don’t have a primary care doctor and need health advice for your child.
  • Your child is sick or injured, and you’re not sure if they need to go to urgent care or the emergency room.

What can I expect from my call?

When you call ParentSmart, you’ll be connected to an experienced pediatric nurse who will ask you questions about the reason for your call, your child’s healthcare history and what symptoms they’re experiencing.

Depending on your child’s situation, our nurses might recommend at-home care options or refer you to a pediatric urgent care or emergency room location. All guidance given by our nurses is compatible with American Academy of Pediatrics and telehealth guidelines used in most pediatric offices. ParentSmart also provides information on community resources and can help you find a  doctor or pediatrician in your area.

Does my child have to be a patient at Children’s Colorado?

No. Your child doesn’t need to be a current patient for you to call ParentSmart.

I don't live in Colorado. Can I still contact ParentSmart?

ParentSmart is a community-based resource that’s available for families in Colorado, the Rocky Mountain region and some other states throughout the U.S.

Due to licensing constraints, our registered nurses are not permitted to provide guidance over the phone to families in the following states:

  • Alaska 
  • California 
  • District of Columbia 
  • Hawaii 
  • Illinois 
  • Massachusetts 
  • Michigan 
  • Minnesota 
  • Nevada 
  • New York 
  • Oregon 

What other resources are offered by Children’s Colorado?

Parents and caregivers can download ChildrensMD, our free mobile app. It provides our symptom checker, as well as tips and guidelines that can help you make smart decisions on how to care for your child at home or when they might need to be seen by a doctor.

Urgent care and emergency services

We’re here to help in the heat of the moment. Learn about our care options and get advice from our pediatric experts.

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