Sick Child Visits
Same Day Sick Visits
We make every effort to schedule appointments for sick children on the same day that you call us. It's best to call in the morning between 8 am and 9 am during telephone hours if your child needs to be seen that day. When calling us to schedule your appointment please provide us with all of your concerns that you would like addressed so we may schedule the appropriate amount of time.
If you would like us to see more than one child, please schedule both of them when you 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 physician sees a scheduled patient who may be waiting. A parent or legal guardian must accompany all patients.
Sometimes, delays with emergencies may cause us to fall behind schedule. We are providing the best possible care on an individual basis and these delays are sometimes unavoidable. We respect the value of your time and will do everything possible to maintain our schedule.
Our staff are here to assist you.
Before Your Telehealth Visit
- Have child practice opening their mouth wide for the camera with your flashlight
- If cough or difficulty breathing, check your child?s respiratory rate (count the breaths per minute) and heart rate (see below)
- Take several close-up photos of the rash to send (if requested).
- Write down all of the medicines your child has been taking, and when they last took a dose of ibuprofen or acetaminophen
- Have current medications or inhalers/spacers available for viewing during the visit
- Write down any questions you have, as you might forget them during the telemedicine visit!
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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, Saturday morning, and evening hours by appointment.
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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.
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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.
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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.
