What are sick visits?
Sick visits are visits you should schedule with your pediatrician whenever your child has a non-emergency health issue or injury. The team at Caring Pediatrics can swiftly evaluate your child, perform necessary tests, and treat them with medications or in-office procedures.
You should always trust your instinct when it comes to bringing a child in for a sick visit. If you’re uncertain, erring on the side of caution gives you peace of mind about your child’s health, even if the visit doesn’t result in a diagnosis and your child is healthy.
If your child’s symptoms or injuries are life-threatening or if there’s a lot of bleeding, an emergency room visit is a more appropriate option.
However, there is a lot that the team at Caring Pediatrics can do to manage your child’s health and help you avoid the wait time and cost of an emergency room visit.
What are some reasons to book a sick visit?
Caring Pediatrics encourages you to bring your child in for a sick visit whenever they have unusual or concerning symptoms, including pain, respiratory issues, or behavioral changes. A few of the illnesses and injuries they can treat during a standard sick visit are:
- Asthma
- Allergies
- Abscesses
- Head lice
- Animal bites
- Urinary tract infections
- Ear infections
- Rashes
- Cold and flu
- Pink eye
- Burns
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
Many of these conditions have little or no chance of complications, so waiting for a sick visit instead of going to the emergency room is generally safe.
How fast can I get in for a sick visit?
You can schedule a sick visit for your child a few days ahead of time if the symptoms don’t call for immediate medical attention. However, in an effort to better serve your child’s well-being, Caring Pediatrics offers same-day sick visits for situations that are especially urgent.
You should call for a same-day sick visit if your child:
- Has a fever above 101℉
- Has severe pain with a fever
- Has a fever for three days or longer
- Has a fever and has compromised immunity
- Experiences a seizure
- Exhibits signs of dehydration, like dry mouth and infrequent urination
- Experiences breathing difficulties
- Is lethargic and refuses to eat
If you’re unsure if your child needs to see a doctor right away or can wait, you may call ahead and speak with a member of the team about your child’s condition.
Almost any set of unusual symptoms is concerning, especially when they affect your child. To set up a sick visit, call Caring Pediatrics or use the online booking tool to make an appointment today.
