Sick Child Visits
When Your Child is Sick
It’s important to have prompt medical attention that helps them feel better and gets them on the road to healing. We understand parents’ worry and offer same-day sick visits to quickly start the treatment your child needs.
If you have questions about your child’s health or you need to bring your child in for a sick visit, call the office so they can talk about your child’s symptoms and schedule a visit based on their health needs.
Sick Child Visits FAQs
View the answers to commonly asked questions regarding 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. Same-day sick visits are usually available.
What happens during a sick child visit?
The goal of a sick child visit is to quickly identify the cause of your child’s illness and begin appropriate treatment to help them feel better as soon as possible.
During the visit, the pediatrician will:
Review your child’s symptoms and medical history
Perform a thorough physical exam, including checking the ears, throat, neck, heart, and lungs
Assess hydration, breathing, and overall appearance
If needed, the visit may also include on-site testing, such as:
Rapid tests (e.g., strep, flu, RSV, COVID)
Blood tests
Urine testing
Before you leave, we will discuss the diagnosis, treatment plan, and next steps, including home care guidance and when to follow up or seek further care.
Common Pediatric conditions treated.
Sick visits are designed to evaluate and treat common childhood illnesses and minor injuries that require same-day or next-day pediatric care. Because children’s symptoms can change quickly, we encourage parents to contact our office if symptoms worsen or new concerns arise.
Our pediatricians routinely diagnose and manage a wide range of conditions, including:
Flu and viral illnesses
Upper respiratory infections (colds, sinus infections)
Ear pain and ear infections
Sore throat and strep throat
Nasal congestion and runny nose
Coughs, wheezing, and breathing concerns
Asthma flare-ups
Abdominal pain
Vomiting and diarrhea
Headaches
Skin rashes, hives, and allergic reactions
Eye discharge and eye infections (pink eye)
Minor injuries, such as cuts, scrapes, and bruises
During your child’s sick visit, we focus on prompt diagnosis, symptom relief, and clear guidance on home care, medications, and follow-up.
- 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
- Minor injuries like cuts
When does my child need immediate medical care?
When your child is sick, knowing when to call the pediatrician is important. Some symptoms require prompt medical evaluation to ensure your child receives the care they need.
Please contact our office right away if your child has any of the following:
Fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher in infants under 12 months
Fever lasting more than 3 days
Fever of 102°F or higher in children over 1 year old, especially when accompanied by other symptoms
Unusual or worsening symptoms that are bothersome
Persistent or severe pain
Widespread or rapidly spreading rash
Fever with rash, stiff neck, vomiting, or headache, which may indicate a more serious illness
Children can become ill quickly, and early evaluation can make a big difference.
For the best chance at same-day pediatric care, we recommend calling our office early in the day. Our team will guide you and arrange an appointment when needed.
