Sick Child Visits
Same-Day Appointments When Your Child Isn’t Feeling Well
Kids get sick — and when they do, you want answers fast. At Health Care for Children, our pediatric team offers same-day sick-child appointments to help your child feel better as soon as possible. Whether it’s a fever, cough, sore throat, rash, or earache, we’re here to evaluate symptoms, provide treatment, and give you peace of mind.
When to Schedule a Sick-Child Visit
You know your child best — if something feels “off,” we want to see them. Common reasons to schedule a sick visit include:
- Fever, congestion, cough, sore throat, or ear pain
- Stomach upset, vomiting, or diarrhea
- Rash, skin irritation, or insect bites
- Pink eye or eye drainage
- Breathing difficulties, wheezing, or asthma flare-ups
- Unusual fatigue, irritability, or pain
If your baby is under 3 months old and has a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, seek medical care immediately. During office hours, call us right away — after hours, go to the nearest emergency department or children’s hospital.
Tip: Write down your child’s symptoms, temperature trends, and medications before your visit to help your provider diagnose faster.
What to Expect During a Sick Visit
Your child’s provider will:
- Review symptoms and recent exposures
- Perform a focused physical exam
- Perform rapid in-office tests (such as flu, strep, or RSV) and, when needed, provide a lab order for testing at our partner laboratory conveniently located just up the street
- Create a treatment plan or follow-up schedule
- Provide home-care tips to speed recovery
You’ll always leave with a clear plan and direct communication about what to watch for at home.
Insurance Reminder
Sick-child visits are separate from well-child visits because insurance companies bill them differently. Even though our providers can address both preventive and illness concerns, most insurance plans will not cover both on the same day.
To help avoid unexpected charges, we schedule sick and well visits on separate days whenever possible. If your child becomes ill before a planned checkup, call our office — we’ll adjust or reschedule so you’re covered correctly.
Learn more about our Well-Child Visits and how preventive care supports healthy growth year-round.
Scheduling a Sick-Child Appointment
- All patients — new and existing: Please call our nurse triage line to schedule a same-day or next-day sick appointment. Calling ensures our nurses can review your child’s symptoms right away and place you with the right provider at the right time.
- Our team will confirm your appointment and provide any instructions for check-in or testing when needed.
If your child’s symptoms seem urgent, call us — we’ll help determine if an office visit, urgent care, or ER evaluation is best.
We know sick days can be stressful — our team answers calls as quickly as possible and prioritizes children who need to be seen that day.
Why Families Choose Health Care for Children
- Same-day and next-day sick appointments available
- Experienced pediatric providers who listen and reassure
- In-office rapid testing for flu, strep, and RSV
- Convenient nearby laboratory for extended testing
- Compassionate care from a team that truly understands kids
Because Every Sick Day Deserves Compassion
When your child isn’t feeling well, you deserve a pediatric team that responds with empathy, clarity, and expertise. Schedule a same-day visit today — we’ll help your child feel better and get back to being themselves.
