Reasons To Choose An Urgent Care Center For Your Toddler
It's 6 a.m. and your toddler just woke you up saying that she doesn't feel well. Ten minutes later she is vomiting and running a low-grade fever. At this point, you need to make a decision on what to do. Is it the flu? Is it something that will pass shortly? Or could it be the symptoms of a more complex medical issue? To err on the side of caution, you'll want her to see a doctor right away. But where is the best place to go? Here are some reasons to choose an urgent care center and what they can do for you.
If The Condition Is Non-Life Threatening
When it comes to your child, almost every medical issue is a huge deal, and their health is your main priority. But there are some conditions that don't necessarily warrant a sudden trip to the emergency room or an urgent care facility. While it can be hard to decipher what may be an actual emergency and what isn't, here are some basic rules of thumb for medical conditions that should be addressed in an ER:
- Any sudden or severe bleeding that can't be controlled with a bandage.
- Head trauma or sudden and severe blow to the head.
- Any type of unresponsiveness or unconsciousness.
- Stroke behavior such as inability to form sentences or move certain parts of the body.
- Numbness or tingling in the extremities.
- Severe pain in the head, chest, or abdomen that doesn't subside within minutes.
- Unable to breathe or having trouble breathing.
Anything that you feel could be a life threatening injury illness or situation should always be addressed in the emergency room or call 911 immediately. Cuts, scrapes, or flu-like symptoms can often be addressed at an urgent care center.
If Your Child Has A Sudden Medical Illness
Some conditions such as a sore throat, cough, conjunctivitis, and rash that comes on suddenly can be addressed at an urgent care facility. If you've called your family doctor or pediatrician and they're unable to see your child right away, urgent care is the next option. An urgent care center will see you the same day and often times there is only a small wait to see a medical care professional.
To Seek A Second Opinion
If you've visited your family doctor or the emergency room and you're unsatisfied with the diagnosis, you have the right to a second medical opinion. Because most urgent care centers have laboratories on site and often imagining services, such as X-rays too, you can quickly get a medical diagnosis. Keep in mind that many urgent cares hire nurse practitioners and physician assistants instead of doctors to see and care for patients.
When Insurance Is An Issue
Visiting the emergency room can be very expensive and some insurance companies may deny a claim or visit if the issue is not life-threatening. An urgent care center can be more affordable and can cost hundreds of dollars less than an ER visit. If you don't have insurance or have high deductibles, an urgent care center may be a cheaper option.
No matter what choice you make, your child's health is your number one priority. Visiting an urgent care center will help bring you the peace of mind you need.
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