Decisions, Decisions.
Every parent can relate to a fussy child that just doesn’t feel well that day. New parents especially, may be uncertain if they should go to their regular pediatrician, an ER or visit an Urgent Care instead. The decision about where to go is not a light one, and parents often worry about making the right choice. While there are some situations such as a serious head injury, or an obviously broken bone that need to be treated at the nearest emergency room, many others are just not that straightforward.
Five Reasons Urgent Care Might Be Right for Your Child
ER’s Are Expensive – Medical costs are at an all-time high and rising faster than your two-year old’s fever. Many parents fear the worst and head straight for the emergency room, even when the child would fare just as well at an urgent care clinic.
Waiting Times in ER – can be much, much longer. Many patients end up waiting because more serious cases are coming in via ambulance. Hospitals, especially those designated as trauma care centers, can be inundated with patients. Your child could be there for as much as six hours or longer, for care that could have been rendered faster in an urgent care setting.
Convenient, with No Appointment Required – Today’s hectic pace means that you might forget or simply put off things like a routine physical required for school sports or things like flu shots. Urgent care can provide a third option to your regular doctor’s office (which usually requires an appointment) or an emergency room when emergency care is really unnecessary. Get in and get flu shots, routine care and physicals around your schedule.
Urgent Care for a Child on a Weekend or Holiday – a sprained ankle or moderate fever with mild diarrhea can require relatively fast, but not emergency care after hours, on weekends or holidays. Sometimes waiting is not a good idea. If your child has a sudden fever, illness or injury that you would normally take them to the doctor’s office for, but happens when the office is closed, you may want to head to urgent care instead.
Accept Insurance – Most urgent care facilities accept insurance. Some visits may require only a simple copay. To find out if urgent care centers are covered, simply call and ask. More and more insurance companies recognize that non-emergency care such as flu symptoms, minor cuts/burns and allergic reactions don’t need to wait, but do not demand the services of an emergency room, and they are willing to cover it because it saves them money in the long run.
If you are not certain what kind of care your child needs, consult a medical professional for advice. A simple call to your local urgent care center can set your mind at ease, providing you the direction you need to ensure the right care for your child.
Life doesn’t run on a schedule, and it certainly can be anything but predictable. That’s why Patient Care Now Urgent Care is open and ready to help you 7 days a week, 365 days a year, with no appointment needed. Get the care you need, when you need it. For more information or for our office hours, please call our Fairless Hills urgent care center at (267) 202-6433.
