Many pediatricians offer same-day sick visits to parents and their children as an alternative to visiting an emergency room. It can save time and expense and give the parent a lot of peace of mind. Learn how to prepare for a same-day sick visit with Dr. Heena Thakkar and Dr. Shilpa Pankaj, the pediatricians at Peekaboo Pediatrics in Houston, TX.
Reasons for a Same-Day Sick Visit
When a child has mild symptoms that subside after a few days, a doctor's visit may not be necessary. But when these more serious symptoms appear, you should call your pediatrician:
- Persistent fever.
- A serious allergic reaction (such as rash or swelling).
- The child has been sick for more than a few days.
- Constant nausea and vomiting.
- Coughing that could indicate a respiratory infection.
- Severe pain in the ears, which could be an ear infection.
- Wounds that become ulcerous or won’t heal.
Preparing For the Visit
Try to call the doctor's office first thing in the morning to request a same-day visit to ensure that you can get an appointment. Explain the symptoms and any treatments you have tried. You may simply need to set a time for a telemedicine call with your child available. You can also prepare for the same-day visit by making detailed notes of your child's experience with the illness for the doctor to examine and prescribe a treatment quickly.
Monitoring Your Child After the Same-Day Sick-Visit
Your Houston, TX, pediatrician will likely prescribe medication, fluids, and bed rest for the child at the same sick visit. Follow all doctors closely and call the office again if the child’s condition does not improve after a couple of days for more advice. In an extreme case, your doctor may recommend that you bring your child to the emergency room or urgent care.
Do You Need a Same-Day Appointment for Your Child?
If, after watching your child's condition and symptoms, you decide that a same-day sick visit with a pediatrician is best, take immediate action. Call (713) 861-4800 today to schedule your same-day sick visit with Dr. Thakkar or Dr. Pankaj at Peekaboo Pediatrics in Houston, TX.