As a parent, you consider your child’s health to be of utmost importance. When they’re sick and need more than a Band-Aid and a hug, you want them to have the best medical care available. So, where do you take them?
Urgent care falls between routine care received on an appointment-basis by a primary care doctor and emergency care received at a hospital emergency room for life-threatening conditions and injuries. If your child isn’t in grave danger, but still needs to be seen by a medical professional as soon as possible, urgent care is your best choice.
A lot of children don’t like going to the doctor. While you may have made progress with their primary care doctor, going to an urgent care center is a different experience. Therefore, it’s best to prepare them for their visit to an urgent care center ahead of time.
Here are 5 things to talk to your child about before their urgent care visit.
1. Urgent care centers treat a lot of pediatric patients.
Urgent care centers treat children all the time. In fact, a lot of urgent care centers have pediatric specialists on board because of the vast number of pediatric patients they see on a regular basis. Children are more likely to get sick or injured than adults, so it makes sense why they need immediate care just as much as adult patients – if not more. As such, your child is likely to see other pediatric patients in the waiting room. They could see infants, toddlers, adolescents, and teenagers who are all there for a variety of reasons.
2. There will also be adult patients in the waiting room.
Most urgent care centers cater to adults and children. As such, you are likely to see both groups in the waiting room. It is common to have pediatric, young adult, and elderly patients in the waiting room at the same time. Some patients may appear more ill than others. Some may have obvious injuries. This may be intimidating for your child, especially if they are used to seeing only pediatric patients in their pediatrician’s office. It’s a good thing to explain this concept to your child ahead of time if you think it may confuse or scare them.
3. They can bring along a comfort item.
If your child needs it, don’t hesitate to bring a special item, such as a toy, blanket, or book, to urgent care. It can help take your child’s mind off their symptoms and nervousness of being in an unfamiliar place. Having a familiar and comforting item will keep them calmer and make the experience more positive. You should also engage with your child and talk about pleasant things while you wait to see the doctor. This is a great distraction.
4. The doctor will get to know you.
If your child is going to urgent care for the first time, they may not have seen a doctor other than their pediatrician before. You’ll begin the appointment by introducing yourself and your child and going over their medical history. If your child is up to it, let them engage with the doctor, too, so they can get acquainted. This is a great way to make the experience positive for your child.
5. It’s okay to ask questions.
Urgent care doctors are very experienced in treating children, and they understand the differences between dealing with pediatric and adult patients. As such, you and your child are welcome to ask questions about various medical tools, the diagnosis, and prescribed treatment. The doctor will be happy to educate your child, so they can be comfortable and satisfied with their care.
Quality Urgent Care for Pediatric Patients in Fairless Hills, PA
At Patient Care Now Urgent Care in Fairless Hills, PA, we care for pediatric and adult patients on a regular basis. Regardless of their age, comfort level, or condition, we are happy to deliver the care your child needs to feel better again. Give us a call at (267) 202-6433 to learn more about our facility, doctors, and how we can help your child feel comfortable while visiting us.
