Pediatrician vs. urgent care: where to go when your child is sick?
When your child is sick, you want to help them feel better as quickly as you can. It seems urgent - yet urgent care isn't always the best bet, says Akpomevigho A. Avbovbo, M.D., a pediatrician at Sentara Halifax Pediatrics.
"There are good reasons to see your regular pediatrician first," Dr. Avbovbo says. She explains how to get the right kind of care when you need it.
The benefits of seeing a pediatrician
Your kiddo spiked a fever or is complaining about a sore throat. Before you head to urgent care, give your pediatrician a ring.
"Your pediatrician has an established relationship with your family," Dr. Avbovbo says. "We can take a holistic view of the patient, their health history and their family history to understand the full picture."
Urgent care is designed to address short-term problems, focusing on a patient's current symptoms and situation. Your pediatrician, by contrast, can spot patterns and deal with issues that need a broader treatment plan. So while an urgent care doctor can diagnose an ear infection and prescribe antibiotics, a pediatrician is more likely to recognize that a child would benefit from ear tubes to prevent recurrent ear infections.
Because pediatricians know your children, they're also more likely to pick up on mood or behavioral concerns. If your child has a stomachache, an urgent care doctor is likely to start with common explanations like infections or constipation. Your family doctor, who knows your child has anxiety, might be more likely to explore whether anxiety at school is showing up as frequent tummy troubles. "A child's history is a helpful starting point for the pediatrician," she says.
Another benefit of your regular doctor? It's a face you know. Your child will probably feel more comfortable in the familiar setting of their doctor's office, especially if they're under the weather. "Kids thrive on consistency," Dr. Avbovbo says. "No matter the age, they tend to do better in familiar environments."
When to go to urgent care or the ER
As most parents learn eventually, though, there are times when your child gets sick late at night or on a weekend. If you can't reach your pediatrician's office and don't want to wait for treatment, urgent care is a helpful option for problems such as:
- Ear infections
- Fevers
- Minor injuries, such as sprains or cuts needing stitches
- Pink eye (conjunctivitis)
- Sore throat
And head to the emergency department if your child has symptoms such as:
- Confusion or lethargy
- High fever that doesn't get better with medicine
- High fever with headache and stiff neck
- Not urinating or wetting diapers (a sign of dehydration)
- Passing out
- Serious allergic reactions
- Trouble breathing
If your child gets treated at urgent care or the ER, it's always a good idea to follow up with your pediatrician. They can make sure your child is recovering well from the illness or injury and check that things needing ongoing treatment don't fall through the cracks.
Deciding where to get sick-child care
Unfortunately, it's not always clear just how urgent a medical problem is. In that case, your pediatrician's nurse line is a helpful resource. "Usually, we can fit you in for an appointment the same day you call," says Dr. Avbovbo. If not, you can discuss your concerns with a nurse, who can help you decide whether to wait until the next available appointment or seek speedier treatment.
"When you call, the more information you can give, the better," Dr. Avbovbo advises. "Describe how your child looks, how they're acting and anything you notice that is different from normal. Paint a mental picture so the nurse can advise you about the best steps to take."
Dr. Avbovbo always encourages parents not to ignore their parental intuition. "You know your child better than anyone. If you feel something just isn't right, follow your gut and take them to urgent care or the emergency room," she says. "Pediatricians are a great first option for many things, but it's better to be safe than sorry."
The importance of well visits
Your pediatrician is a fantastic resource when your child is sick. But don't forget that they're just as important when your child is feeling good.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends a frequent schedule of well-child visits in the first two years of life, usually every few months. Starting at age 3, kids should see their doctor once a year for a regular checkup. "If you're ever unsure when your last visit was, just call and ask, and we'll help you get on track," Dr. Avbovbo says.
At your well-child visit, your pediatrician will typically ask about:
- How your child is doing in school
- What their relationships with friends and peers look like
- Whether they are meeting milestones or might need support such as speech therapy
"It's really important for families to keep up with regularly scheduled well visits," says Dr. Avbovbo. "It's not just about getting your vaccines. We look at the big picture of your child's health."
Akpomevigho A. Avbovbo, M.D., treats babies, children and adolescents at Sentara Halifax Pediatrics. Call 434-517-8022 to make an appointment.