It happens when it’s least convenient – your child gets sick or hurts himself at night or over the weekend, and the pediatrician’s office is closed.
What do you do?
No one wants to spend hours in the waiting room of a noisy, germ-filled emergency room (ER). Thankfully, unless it’s a life-threatening emergency, there’s no need to go to the ER. Pediatric urgent care may be the answer you’ve been searching for.
Let’s learn more about this special urgent care that’s geared specifically for children. Below are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) and answers.
What Is Pediatric Urgent Care?
Pediatric urgent care is a medical clinic that treats infants, children, and teens up to 18 years of age during many of the hours when your pediatrician’s office is likely closed. You can just walk right in; no need for an appointment.
From a broken bone to an upset stomach to an earache, the doctors and nurses at a pediatric urgent care center can quickly diagnose and treat your child. Some of these facilities also offer school, camp, and sports physicals.
When Should I Bring My Child to Pediatric Urgent Care?
If you’re concerned about your child’s current health but your doctor’s office is closed, then you should bring them to pediatric urgent care to ease their pain and to give you peace of mind. Some common reasons that you might bring your child into pediatric urgent care include illnesses, allergic reactions, or minor injuries such as burns, sprains, and strains.
Why Choose a Medical Center Over the ER?
A hospital’s emergency room can be scary and intimidating for your child, have long wait times, and be full of germs. The doctors at a pediatric urgent care are specially trained to treat children dealing with an illness or injury, and the medical staff will do their best to make your visit quick and pleasant.
What Services Does an Urgent Care Center Provide?
Pediatric urgent care treats children for a lot of different conditions – including, but not limited to:
- Sports injuries
- Bruises
- Burns
- Common cold
- Sore throat
- Earache
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Rash
- Hives
- Pink eye
- Nosebleeds
- Constipation
- Flu
- Insect bites
Can Urgent Pediatric Care Run Diagnostic Tests and Prescribe Medications?
Yes. Pediatric urgent care is equipped to run a series of diagnostic tests to assess your child’s health, as well as to prescribe and administer medication.
Some examples of their capabilities include:
- Diagnostic testing such as rapid flu test, rapid strep test, respiratory virus test, pregnancy test, and EKG (electrocardiogram)
- Stitches or special tissue glue for cuts and scratches
- Splinting for sprains and fractures
- Prescribing antibiotics or other medications
- Low-radiation, digital X-rays with high-resolution images
- Breathing exams and treatments
- Foreign body removal from the ear, nose, and skin
- Blood, urine, and chemistry analysis
Do We Need an Appointment?
No appointment is necessary.
How Long Can We Expect to Wait?
At urgent pediatric care, a main goal is to get patients seen as quickly as possible. The length of your visit depends on which tests or procedures are performed. Most patients are in the office for less than an hour.
Will My Pediatrician Know About the Pediatric Urgent Care Visit?
Pediatric urgent care will send an electronic copy of the patient’s medical records, discharge instructions, and other information to your child’s pediatrician. It is recommended that you also follow up with your child’s doctor.
Medical Care for Children
When your regular pediatrician’s office is closed, trust Tots ’N’ Teens Pediatric Urgent Care to use their expertise and the latest technology and equipment to quickly and properly diagnose and treat your child. Our clinic is an after-hours doctor’s office where kid-friendly doctors and nurses take care of your child’s injury or illness with compassion.
With the exception of Thanksgiving and Christmas, we are open every day of the year. If you have any questions, call us at (210) 267-5411. You can also save time in the office with our fast online check-in form. We look forward to serving you and your child.
Note: If your child’s emergency is life-threatening, call 911 or go directly to the hospital emergency room.
