Chattanooga Pediatric Care Takes a Bold New Step!
Exciting news is brewing in Chattanooga! Pediatric Diagnostic Associates, the cherished medical group that has been serving the community for nearly a century, has announced its decision to become an independent practice once again. Under the banner of the newly formed Scenic City Pediatrics PLLC, effective February 1, 2025, this transition is poised to bring a fresh wave of care tailored specifically for our kiddos!
A Bit of History
For those who might not know, Pediatric Diagnostic Associates has long been a cornerstone of pediatric care in the region. Established in 1930, this practice has been an integral part of many families’ lives, often caring for little ones from birth through age 21. Managing Partner Dr. Tony Friddell shared during a recent interview that they’ve even seen third and fourth generations of families walk through their doors! That’s some serious legacy!
Making a Move
The decision to go independent comes after a contract termination between BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee and CHI Memorial Hospital. This change has prompted the wonderful team at Pediatric Diagnostic Associates to evaluate their future and to think about how they can best serve their patients without the constraints of a larger hospital system. “We felt it was time to embark on our own and explore what’s out there,” Dr. Friddell explained.
With this shift, the practice is keen to re-focus on what truly matters: the health and happiness of children in Chattanooga. “Every decision we make will be centered around how to best take care of children today and in the years to come,” said Dr. Friddell, emphasizing their commitment to the community.
What This Means for Families
This shift to independent practice, announced on December 16, 2024, comes with a few perks for patients! Pediatric Diagnostic Associates will now enter a new contract with BlueCross BlueShield, covering Networks P and S, among others. This means families will continue to have access to pediatric care without interruption.
The move allows them to tailor their operations specifically to children, ensuring that well-child visits, vaccinations, care for acute illnesses, and chronic disease management are delivered with a child-focused lens. Dr. Friddell expressed the commitment of his team to provide the best possible care for young patients, stating, “Our primary goal has always been to provide the best possible care for our young patients in Chattanooga.”
A Community Affair
Despite going independent, the connection to the hospital community remains strong. Dr. Friddell acknowledges the smooth transition thanks to the collaboration from CHI Memorial, allowing Pediatric Diagnostic Associates to maintain a partnership that benefits the broader medical community in Chattanooga. “We still continue to work with the hospital, and they’ve been very gracious throughout this process,” he mentioned.
In fact, Memorial’s market president, Janelle Reilly, spoke highly of Pediatric Diagnostic Associates, saying their dedication and compassion have drawn deep respect from the communities they serve. She reassured citizens that even with the transition, a strong, collaborative relationship will persist.
Looking Ahead
With two locations in downtown Chattanooga and East Brainerd, as well as eight dedicated providers, the team at Pediatric Diagnostic Associates is ready and excited to carry on its mission without any interruptions in care. They’ll remain in-network with a variety of insurers, including but not limited to United Healthcare, Aetna, and Cigna.
As they step into this new chapter, families in Chattanooga can breathe easier knowing that their beloved pediatric specialists are here to stay, ready to care for the next generation!
If you have questions or concerns, the friendly team at Pediatric Diagnostic Associates is here to help. Just reach out to them directly for more information!
