Sick Child Visits
We try our best to accommodate seeing sick children as quickly as possible. Our providers reserve time slots in their schedule for same day sick visits. We ask that you call first to schedule an appointment and minimize the time that you will spend waiting. If you would like us to see more than one child, please schedule both of them when you call to make your appointment. Without an appointment, we may not be able to see a sick sibling right away, and you may be asked to wait while the provider sees a scheduled patient who may be waiting.
If an emergency should arise, please call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. Emergencies are considered to be those conditions that are life-threatening such as loss of consciousness, severe breathing difficulties, severe bleeding, seizure, etc. In the case of minor emergencies (cuts, falls, sprains) that occur during normal business hours, please call our office first for instructions.
Sick Child Visits FAQs
When can I schedule a sick visit?
If you’re ever in doubt about whether your child needs a sick visit, call our office. The friendly staff asks a few questions to determine the severity of your child’s symptoms, and then help you decide if you need to come into the office.
You can schedule same-day sick visits any time the office is open, which includes every weekday, on weekends after talking with the provider on call.
What happens during a sick child visit?
The goal of a sick child visit is to quickly diagnose the problem and start treatment that will help your child feel more comfortable. In addition to reviewing your child’s symptoms and medical history, a sick visit may include blood tests, a urine test, and a physical exam that includes checking your child’s heart, neck, throat, and ears.
What children’s conditions can a sick visit treat?
Sick visits treat many types of injuries and illnesses that need same-day or next-day medical care. Children’s symptoms can change quickly, so don’t hesitate to call if your child’s symptoms get worse.
The following are some of the most common conditions treated during sick visits:
- Flu
- Upper respiratory infections
- Earaches
- Headaches
- Sore throat or strep throat
- Congestion
- Coughs
- Abdominal pain
- Asthma
- Rashes or hives
- Allergic reactions
- Eye discharge or infection
- Vomiting and/or diarrhea
We also treats minor injuries like cuts.
When does my child need immediate medical care?
While all the conditions often treated during a sick visit have the potential to need immediate care, some symptoms are red flags that your child needs quick medical attention.
Call us immediately for the following symptoms:
- Fever of 100.4ºF or higher in children younger than one-year-old
- Fever that lasts longer than three days
- Unusual symptoms lasting more than three days
- Persistent pain
- Widespread rash, Fever of 102ºF or higher, plus other symptoms in children over one-year-old
Other symptoms that may appear with a fever that signal a potentially serious problem include a rash, stiff neck, vomiting, and headache.
When your child is sick, call the office as early in the day as possible so they can schedule a same-day visit if necessary.
If you have questions about your child’s symptoms or you need to schedule a sick visit, call our office or book an appointment online.
