Sick Child Visits
When Your Child Is Sick, Prompt Medical Attention Is Our Goal
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. Northwest Pediatrics understands parents’ worry and offers same-day sick visits to quickly assess your child and start any recommended treatment.
Our patients are best served being seen by our pediatricians for non-emergency issues. Always give us a call first (or send us a message on our portal) Monday - Friday before heading out to an urgent care that doesn't know you or your child and doesn't have their medical history in their system. We also offer video telehealth visits with our pediatricians.
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 contact us via our Portal.
Sick Child Visits FAQs
When can I schedule a sick child visit?
If you’re ever in doubt about whether your child needs a sick visit, call or message Northwest Pediatrics. Our friendly staff may ask 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 - Monday through Friday. If a problem is determined to be more chronic, your child will be scheduled in an appropriate time slot on a different day.
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.
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:
- Fever
- Upper respiratory infections (aka colds)
- Earaches
- Headaches
- Sore throat
- Abdominal pain
- Asthma
- Rashes or hives
- Allergic reactions
- Eye discharge or infection
- Vomiting and/or diarrhea
- Minor injuries
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:
- Temperature of 100.5ºF or higher in children younger than 3 months of age
- Fever that lasts longer than 3-4 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.
