THE INS AND OUTS OF PEDIATRIC URGENT CARE
Pediatric urgent care clinics are convenient, relatively low-cost, and efficient. They'll attend to your child when their primary physician is unavailable. These facilities don't treat emergency cases, but they provide services for high fevers, broken bones, and vomiting. Here are a few things you need to do when taking your child to an urgent care clinic.
Plan Ahead
If your child requires immediate medical treatment, you should go to the nearest urgent walk-in clinic. Find out where one is ahead of time, so you'll know where to go. It's also best to be aware of the services they offer. Some places don't have pediatric specialists on staff, which means they may not be equipped to attend to your child.
Call Your Child's Pediatrician
Contact your pediatrician. They’ll decide whether your child needs treatment right away or if they can wait until regular office hours. A doctor will also give you advice on what to do and inform the staff of your arrival if urgent care is the best option.
Keep Calm and Ease Your Child's Anxiety
Stay calm. Panicking will raise your child's anxiety, which might aggravate their condition. They'll look to you for reassurance, so try to communicate as openly as possible. Be honest, sensitive, and sympathetic. Always make it clear that everyone is there to help them feel better.
Tell them that a doctor will examine them. Explain that, depending on what they find, they may also perform X-rays and other special tests. Knowing what's going to happen goes a long way in helping ease your child's nerves.
Have Your Child's Information Available
Have your child's details available when you arrive at the urgent care clinic. The staff might ask about your health insurance, pediatrician's contact information, allergies, and past medical and surgical history. You should also inform the doctors and nurses about any medication your child is taking, as well as underlying health issues.
The nurses may ask when your child last ate since they may need to monitor their food intake and keep track of nutritional declines. The staff is there to help your child heal quickly and effectively, so don't hesitate to answer any of their questions.
Tell the Doctor the Facts
Explain what happened. If your child got into an accident, narrate how and when it occurred and where they're experiencing swelling or pain. If they're ill, tell the health care professionals about the symptoms and when they began to appear, along with any treatments you've attempted. Be as specific as you can. The more precise and detailed you are, the quicker the doctor can diagnose and treat the patient.
Be Your Child's Advocate
Parents know their children best. Tell the staff if you think they're in pain, or they're not ready to go home yet. Be patient, and don't be afraid to ask questions. You may deal with several different health professionals throughout the treatment. Providing the same information repeatedly seems redundant, but it's necessary for the patient to receive quality care.
Get Clear Discharge Instructions
Ask for advice on how to manage lingering symptoms and what to do should they worsen. The staff will give you a treatment plan for your child, which will depend on the condition and if any follow-up care is needed. Seek clarification if there's something you don't understand about the medication or dosage instruction.
Not everything requires a trip to the ER, and your pediatrician may not always be available. Visit Lanier Urgent Care if you're looking for a top-of-the-line pediatric urgent care walk-in clinic in Gainesville, GA. We'll give your child quality treatments at an affordable rate.
