Sick Child Visits
When Your Child is Sick
Our triage nurses are available when our office is open to answer any questions you may have. Your wait on the phone for a nurse may be longer if you call during peak times. For shorter phone wait times, please try to call between 10:00am - 3:00pm.
You may also book a same day sick appointment through your child's patient portal. These appointments can be booked the same day or the evening prior, but should be acute uncomplicated concerns only. Simple ear pain, eye drainage, sore throat, diaper rash, or fever for a few days. You should still call to speak with a triage nurse for complicated, chronic concerns. This includes concerns of constipation, head injury, chronic abdominal pain, anxiety/depression, or any complaint that you have already been seen for recently and has not resolved.
We make every effort to schedule appointments for ill children on the day that you call us. Please call our office ahead of time so that we can minimize the time that you will spend waiting. If you have a medical emergency during office hours, we will do our best to see your child immediately or refer you to the appropriate facility.
Sick Child Visits FAQs
Find answers to commonly asked questions on sick child visits.
When can I schedule a sick child visit?
If you’re ever in doubt about whether your child needs a sick visit, call our office. Our staff will ask a few questions to determine the severity of your child’s symptoms, and then help you decide if you need to be seen by one of our pediatricians or nurse practitioners. Same-day sick visits are usually available.
What happens during a sick child visit?
The purpose of a sick child visit is to promptly diagnose the issue and initiate treatment to set your child on the path to recovery. During the visit, the doctor will review your child's symptoms and medical history. The appointment may also involve blood tests, a urine test, and a physical exam, where the doctor checks your child's heart, neck, throat, and ears.
What conditions can a sick child 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:
- Fever
- Flu/Upper respiratory infections (colds)
- Earaches, Acute Headaches (not chronic migraines)
- Sore throat or strep throat
- Congestion/Runny nose
- Coughs
- Acute abdominal pain
- Asthma/Wheeze
- Dysuria (urinary pain/frequency)
- Rashes or hives
- Allergic reactions
- Eye discharge or infection
- Vomiting and/or diarrhea
- Minor injuries like cuts/sprains
When does my child need immediate medical care?
When your child is unwell, it's crucial to know when immediate medical attention is needed. Here are key symptoms that should prompt you to contact us immediately:
- Fever of 100.4ºF or higher rectally in children under one year old
- Fever lasting more than three days
- Unusual symptoms persisting beyond three days
- Persistent/increasing pain
- Wheeze, shortness of breath, trouble breathing
- Widespread rash
- Fever of 102ºF or higher accompanied by other symptoms in children over one year old
Additionally, a fever paired with a rash, stiff neck, vomiting, or headache could indicate a serious issue.
To ensure prompt care, call our office early in the day. We will arrange a same-day sick visit if necessary or direct you on the most appropriate immediate medical care.
