When Should You Consider Urgent Care for Your Child?
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Urgent care centers deliver prompt medical care for a wide range of conditions, including minor accidents and illnesses that require immediate attention. But how do you know when urgent care is necessary instead of an appointment with a pediatrician or emergency room visit?
Our pediatricians in Denton, Plano, and Wylie, TX believe in educating parents and guardians so they make fully informed decisions about their child’s health. Below, we provide a list of common scenarios where pediatric urgent care is (or isn't) the best choice for your child. Health Services of North Texas is dedicated to providing quality care for families of all needs in Denton and Collin Counties.
When to take your child to urgent care
Pediatric urgent care is necessary for illnesses and injuries that require immediate help but may not warrant a visit to the emergency room. These centers may provide on-site lab and imaging services to diagnose certain issues, as well as medication management to help relieve symptoms.
The following conditions may require a visit to urgent care:
- Sore throat, cough, cold, or earache
- Infections such as strep throat or eye infections
- Recent trauma (a deep cut, burn, or blunt force trauma)
- Excessive pain that changes or worsens quickly
- Persistent vomiting or diarrhea
- A possible concussion, broken bone, or sprain
When not to take your child to urgent care
Though many issues can be treated in an urgent care setting, some are better managed during an annual examination or scheduled visit. Checkups allow pediatricians to keep track of your child's health, provide preventive care, and answer any questions as they come up. Here are a few reasons to book a wellness appointment instead of visiting urgent care:
- Routine examinations
- Vaccinations and immunizations
- Allergy management
- Chronic conditions such as asthma or diabetes
- Concerns about nutrition and growth
- Behavioral or emotional issues
When to visit the emergency room
Emergency rooms provide advanced care for serious, life-threatening conditions. If your child shows signs or symptoms of a medical emergency, call 911 immediately or take them to the closest ER. Examples include:
- Difficulty breathing
- Loss of consciousness
- Severe bleeding or deep cuts that won't stop bleeding
- Confusion, disorientation, loss of coordination
- Seizures or convulsions
- High fever (over 103 degrees) that does not respond to medication
Rest assured that if you are unsure whether your child needs an emergency room visit or urgent care center, our compassionate staff in Denton, Plano, and Wylie, TX is available to provide recommendations as needed.
What does Health Services of North Texas offer?
Health Services of North Texas is equipped to handle a wide variety of health concerns. We employ a trained team of doctors, physician assistants, and nurse practitioners who understand the importance of pediatric urgent care. We can also identify when a specialist is needed and refer you to one of our trusted partners if necessary.
See an urgent care provider today
Whether you need a routine check-up or your family is facing a medical emergency, our pediatricians are proud to provide high-quality care for our youngest patients in Denton, Plano, and Wylie, TX. To schedule an appointment with Health Services of North Texas, click here.