Sick Child Visits
When Your Child is Sick
When your child is sick or injured, we know you need access to our doctors or our advice nurses.
We schedule most sick appointments the same day. You can also speak to one of our triage nurses who can assess your child's illness and take the appropriate action by:
- Scheduling you an in office appointment - Monday - Friday, 8:10am - 4:20pm
- Advise you on the apporpiate home care
- Advise you to go to the emergency room
Our advice nurses utilize the Dr. Barton Schmitt Pediatric Telephone Protocols, as well as our doctor's protocols, ensuring you get consistent, evidence-based clinical information. All the care advice you receive is documented in your child's electronic medical record.
Telephone Triage
- Monday - Friday, 7:30am - 5:00pm
- Saturday, 8:00am - 11:00am
In addition to our regular weekday hours, we have a walk-in, sick clinic on Saturday's from 8:30am to 11:00am.
Walk-Ins
We do not accept walk-in appointments Monday through Friday. If you walk in during our regular hours from Monday to Friday, we will schedule you the next available appointment with your doctor.
Our Saturday clinic is walk-in only.
Sick Child Visits FAQs
Find answers to commonly asked questions on sick child visits.
When can I schedule a sick child visit?
If you’re ever in doubt about whether your child needs a sick visit, call our office. Our staff will ask a few questions to determine the severity of your child’s symptoms, and then help you decide if you need to be seen by one of our providers. Same-day sick visits are always available.
What happens during a sick child visit?
The purpose of a sick child visit is to promptly diagnose the issue and initiate treatment to set your child on the path to recovery. During the visit, the nurse will check your child's vitals, the doctor will review your child's symptoms and medical history. The appointment may also involve blood tests, a urine test, and a physical exam, where the doctor checks your child's heart, neck, throat, and ears.
What conditions can a sick child visit treat?
Sick visits treat many types of injuries and illnesses that need same-day or next-day medical care. Children’s symptoms can change quickly, so don’t hesitate to call if your child’s symptoms get worse. The following are some of the most common conditions treated during sick visits:
- Flu
- Upper Respiratory infections
- Earaches
- Headaches
- Sore throat or strep throat
- Congestion
- Coughs
- Abdominal pain
- Asthma
- Rashes or hives
- Allergic reactions
- Eye discharge or infection
- Vomiting and/or diarrhea
- Minor injuries like cuts/ sprains
When does my child need immediate medical care?
When your child is unwell, it's crucial to know when immediate medical attention is needed. Here are key symptoms that should prompt you to contact us immediately:
- Fever of 100.4ºF or higher in children under one year old
- Fever lasting more than three days
- Unusual symptoms persisting beyond three days
- Persistent pain
- Widespread rash
- Fever of 102ºF or higher accompanied by other symptoms in children over one year old
- Fever paired with a rash, stiff neck, vomiting, or headache could indicate a serious issue.
To ensure prompt care, call our office early in the day. We'll arrange a same-day visit if necessary. If it is after hours please call our after hours triage nurse if you are unsure if you need immediate care.