Many pediatric clinics, such as Children’s Healthcare Associates, want to know what’s going on with your child. The more we know the better care we can give. That’s why many pediatrics practices make pediatricians and nurses available in a multitude of ways. If your child has a fever, for instance, you may not know whether that symptom alone warrants a trip to the doctor’s office. In this example, parents may be well served by a simple phone call to your pediatrician to see if an office visit is required.
It beats Googling symptoms–especially for worried parents - even though one recent survey found that 89% percent of people will Google their symptoms before scheduling an appointment with their doctor. We believe that direct communication with parents can be especially helpful in a pediatric setting because children tend to get sick fairly often.
When You Should Call Your Pediatrician’s Office for Advice and Guidance
Bumps, cuts, and scrapes are a routine part of childhood–as are common colds and sniffles. So it might not always be obvious when an injury or illness reaches the threshold that an office visit would be necessary. In these cases, we usually encourage parents to try calling first and let your pediatrician decide if your concern can be handled on the phone or if an office visit is needed. You should call your pediatrician:
If your child is running a fever: If your child’s fever is in a low-to-moderate range, you can call your pediatrician to see whether you should bring your child in or not. It’s often helpful to take your child’s temperature before you call, in order to provide up-to-date information.
If your child has suffered a minor injury: Maybe your child stubbed their finger playing catch or things got a little too intense when they were roughhousing. In the event of rolled ankles or swollen fingers, you can call the office to see if the injury requires an office visit.
You have questions about medication: Sometimes information comes at you fast, especially when your child is sick (or even during a routine wellness exam). Once you get home, you might have questions about medication that was prescribed to your child or a treatment plan devised by your pediatrician. You can always call to ask those questions! Direct phone calls can also provide answers to questions about over-the-counter medication. If you want to know whether you can switch off Tylenol and ibuprofen, for example, there’s no need to guess. You can call and talk to your pediatrician or a nurse!
You need a change in medication: If a specific medication isn’t working for your child (or, worse, if your child is having an adverse reaction), you can call the clinic to request an alternative. You can leave a message for your pediatrician with your medication request.
When your baby has a fever: If your child is 2 months old or younger, a rectal temperature of 100.4 degrees or higher warrants an immediate evaluation. Calling your pediatrician to get prompt medical advice is an appropriate first step. If your pediatrician is unavailable, consider taking your infant to the emergency room.
You have any questions about your child’s health: In most cases, it’s better to be safe than sorry! If you have any doubts or questions, give your pediatrician’s office a call. The staff can then tell you whether you should bring your child into the clinic or not.
When You Should Simply Schedule an Appointment
There are some instances in which care is more routine. You won’t need to call for advice–you’ll simply need to contact your pediatrician to make an appointment. Those situations typically include the following:
Your child needs an annual wellness check: Kids should come in to see the doctor at least once a year for an annual wellness exam. Go ahead and make that appointment!
Your child needs vaccinations: Vaccinations are a pretty standard part of your child’s wellness as they grow up. So if you need standard vaccinations (or something like a seasonal flu shot), there’s typically no need to contact the clinic for advice. You can just make your appointment.
Your child has a sore throat: If the sore throat persists for more than a day or two, it’s worth making an appointment for your child to see if they need a strep test. In most cases, treating strep throat will require prescribed antibiotics.
You have long term concerns about your child: For example, if you have concerns about the general health or development of your child or want to better manage long term care concerns, make an appointment with your child’s pediatrician. During your appointment, you’ll be able to discuss these concerns in detail.
When Should You Seek Out Emergency Care?
In some cases, your child will need immediate medical attention. You should seek out emergency care if your child:
Has swallowed harmful substances: You should immediately contact poison control or visit your local emergency department.
Has a fever above 103-degrees-fahrenheit: Children can be very vulnerable to high fevers. Fevers over 103-degrees in children over the age of 6 months should be treated as quickly as possible. This threshold may change depending on the age of your child.
Your child sustains a moderate to significant injury: Broken bones, for example, should be tended to immediately by a doctor.
Your child has trouble breathing: In general, any trouble breathing should be addressed as quickly as possible.
This list is not exhaustive. When your child requires emergency care, be sure to visit the emergency room or call 9-1-1 as quickly as possible.
A Shared Goal: Keeping Your Kids Healthy
Whether you are calling a nurse for advice or scheduling an appointment with the front desk, the goal is the same: keeping your child as healthy as possible. As kids grow up, this usually requires a combination of urgent and routine medical care.
Any questions about your child’s health care can be addressed not by Googling, but by meeting with your pediatrician at Children’s Healthcare Associates. Contact us today!