Best Ways To Know Your Child Needs Urgent Care - Legacy ER

As urgent care clinics become more and more prevalent across the United States, there is an increasing need for pediatric urgent care availability. In a study by the University of Michigan, 26% of parents took their sick children to an urgent care facility when they were excluded from day care services. In fact,ore and more daycare centers are sending children home with minor illnesses and requiring a doctor’s note before they are permitted to return. Working parents, attempting to cope, are utilizing urgent care to satisfy the day care so they can get back to work. More often than not, though, the minor illness affecting your child in these situations do not need urgent care.

Why go to urgent care, and how can you know when your child truly needs urgent care? Here are some warning signs that will help you determine whether you should start looking for an urgent care center for kids near you.

Why Go To Urgent Care:

• Vomiting

If your child is vomiting severely or has been vomiting non-stop its a good idea to seek medical attention.

• Not waking up

A child that doesn’t wake up or doesn’t interact or acknowledge you needs medical attention immediately. If the child cannot gain consciousness, you should dial 911 right away.

• Difficulty breathing

Whether your child is experiencing shortness of breath, breathing fast, or seems to be struggling with each breath, all breathing issues need medical attention. Again, this should prompt a call to emergency services if the issue does not resolve.

• Sudden change in skin color

If your child’s skin seems to be bluish or gray tinged you should consult with a medical professional. Rashes and skin problems are a common reason for urgent care visits.

• Persistent flu-like symptoms

If your child had what appeared to be the flu and it seemed to go away and come back, then there may be something else going on. An urgent care facility may be the right choice at that point.

Urgent care clinics offer many benefits for busy parents. It is often more convenient than a traditional emergency room, which is necessary for more severe medical emergencies. In 2015, up to 92% of urgent care facilities reported consistent wait times of 30 minutes or less.

Knowing when to take your kid to urgent care will help save you time and money. The American Academy of Pediatrics has released guidelines for child care centers, to help them understand when children need medical attention. As child care centers begin to utilize this information, your day care may insist you seek medical attention for minor illnesses. Urgent care facilities are a convenient option when needed.