Same-Day Sick Visits vs. Routine Appointments with a Pediatrician

Whether you have been a parent for 15 days or 15 months, you will always have questions about when it is appropriate or necessary to take your child to the doctor. The team at Pediatrics for You in Kennewick, WA, offers parents the option of same-day sick visits to resolve urgent matters and normal well-child visits. Learn more about the differences between these two types of pediatric appointments.

Routine Appointments with a Pediatrician

From the time your baby is born, your doctor recommends bringing them in at intervals throughout the first year. Visits are scheduled every few days or months, Depending on the child’s age. These routine appointments are important to track the developmental development of your young child. At routine appointments, your doctor will do a basic exam, including checking vitals, including height and weight, as well as administering scheduled vaccinations.

The Purpose of Same-Day Sick Visits

Children sometimes need to see the doctor outside of normal well visits. If a child becomes ill, whether due to the flu, allergic reaction, or an undiagnosed condition, same-day sick visits with your Kennewick, WA, doctor may be the ideal choice. A doctor can conduct this visit over the phone, via video, or in person. Many parents prefer this option compared to going to an emergency room.

When to Choose a Same-Day Sick Visit

These are some of the reasons why you might choose to bring your child in for a same-day sick visit:

• A fever over 100 degrees for a newborn and over 103 degrees for a child over six months that doesn’t subside in a reasonable period.
• Nausea and vomiting that lasts for days.
• Incessant coughing that lasts for days or weeks.
• Breathing problems due to asthma or allergies.
• A wound that requires stitches.
• An injury that could be a broken bone.

Get Help Managing Your Child’s Healthcare

If you have an urgent concern about your child, do not hesitate to schedule an urgent visit for peace of mind. Call (509) 572-2201 today to learn more about same-day sick visits with Dr. Shakti Matta at Pediatrics for You in Kennewick, WA.