Dr. Rachel Watson is a board certified pediatrician who has been practicing medicine since 2016. She graduated from medical school at the University of Nebraska Medical Center and completed her pediatric residency training at the University of California, Irvine/Children's Hospital of Orange County joint program. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, reading, and practicing yoga.
Important insurance update for 2025
As you may know Greater Newport Physicians the HMO medical group we have belonged to for over 25 years will no longer be working with Pediatricians beginning January 1st, 2025. We are pleased to announce that both Regal and Optum HMO networks will soon be available under Anthem Blue Cross, Blue Shield, Cigna, Aetna, Healthnet, and United healthcare.
While these updates are not yet fully completed for our providers, both networks have assured us this process will be completed by the end of the year. We are awaiting our provider ID's and appreciate your patience and continued trust in Surf City Pediatrics as we expand our services to meet your needs. If you have any questions or need assistance verifying your coverage, please don't hesitate to contact our office at 714 842-0444.
To our Patients:
Our Saturday hours will be temporarily unavailable. Please search out a contracted Urgent Care facility through your insurance for any immediate needs. We apologize for the inconvenience this may cause. As a reminder the Choc triage nurse is available at 1-800-GET-CHOC. If you have an URGENT matter that can not wait until we reopen on Monday, please call the office to speak with our answering service.
SURF CITY PEDIATRICS performs Telemedicine appointments, we wanted to post some specific medical conditions that we feel are appropriate and convenient for the use of Telemedicine in lieu of an in-office visit.
Note: Telemedicine is a billable service subject to co-pays and/or deductibles due at time of service.
Please be aware that Surf City Pediatrics, as well the American Academy of Pediatrics, strongly recommends that ALL CHILDREN CONTINUE THEIR WELL-CHILD PHYSICALS AND NOT HAVE THEIR VACCINATIONS DELAYED. This is especially true for infants and toddlers.
Please call our office for any questions you may have about using Telemedicine or any other medical concerns you may have about your child. You can reach us at (714) 842-0444. Thank you!
2024-2025 Flu Vaccines have arrived...
While COVID-19 symptoms and flu symptoms can be similar, these two illnesses are caused by different viruses. So, that means that a flu shot cannot help protect you against COVID-19, nor can COVID-19 vaccines protect you against flu. With flu season approaching, it's more important than ever to get an annual flu vaccination and we want you to feel comfortable doing so. This is why we have changed our policy to appointment only flu vaccine days. Please call the office to schedule your appointment.
Weekday appointments available Tues-Thurs.for vaccine only.
Please contact the office for availability (714) 842-0444
Requestors can use VitalChart’s Online Request Portal to submit a request for medical records. Patients and requesters can receive records within a 24–48-hour timeframe from submission. VitalChart provides customer service for patients and requesters seeking information on instructions using the request portal, record release status and more. Patients are still able to request their medical records in office by filling out the Medical Records Release Form below.
How can I reach Vital Chart customer support?
Vital Chart customer service line: (972) 399-0914 or PediatricassociatesCA@vital-chart.com.
Can I still access/ request my medical records through the Patient Portal?
Yes, patients are still able to log in to their patient portal and request partial medical records through the platform. If a patient needs their medical records for a more serious instance such as police reports, CPS, change of Primary Care Provider, etc. Vital Chart must be used to request medical records.
Michelle Bennett 
Pauline Pepek 
Grace Kasamatsu 
Melanie Tioleco-Cheng 
Lacey Carpenter