It’s bound to happen after you become a parent. At some point, you’re eventually going to be faced with the decision to either take your child to a 24/7 urgent care in Maryland or the hospital for an illness or injury.
Many parents find this to be confusing, so we’re taking the guesswork out of it for you! Here’s the scoop.
When Is 24/7 Urgent Care in Maryland Appropriate?
In many cases, urgent care is the appropriate and more efficient choice when your primary pediatrician isn’t available. Anything you would see your child’s regular provider is likely treatable at an urgent care facility, which quickly and more affordably addresses non-life-threatening injuries and illnesses.
You can typically choose urgent care over the ER in the following cases:
- Colds
- Coughs
- Dehydration
- Fever (if not accompanied by a rash, in which case you should go to the ER)
- Infections, such as strep throat, COVID, the flu, and ear infections
- Minor fractures
- Minor cuts and burns
- Sore throat
- Sprains and strains
- Urinary tract infections
- Vomiting and / or diarrhea
When Do You Need the Emergency Room?
A 24/7 urgent care in Maryland cannot handle the following types of emergencies:
- Abnormal uterine bleeding in teens
- Dislocated joints
- Head trauma, especially accompanied by a loss of consciousness
- Major bone fractures
- Rash accompanied by a fever
- Seizure
- Severe diarrhea and / or vomiting, especially when accompanied by blood
- Severe difficulty breathing
- Slurred speech
- Unexplained chest pain, especially if accompanied by weakness, pain, and / or numbness in the left arm
- Other life-threatening emergencies
For all injuries or illnesses that are life threatening, you should call 911 to see if there are any steps you can take while waiting for an ambulance or on your way to the hospital.
Here’s How to Prep for Your Trip to Urgent Care With Your Child
Obviously, you won’t have time during an emergency to prepare for a trip to the hospital. And while you don’t want to delay prompt care for your child, you can get ready for your visit if possible.
Communicate with the urgent care facility beforehand, inquiring about their services and any specific instructions. Gather essential medical information, including your child’s current medications, known allergies, and relevant medical history.
Make sure the urgent care center accepts your insurance, and be ready with your insurance card and identification.
Dress your child in comfortable clothing for the examination process.
Bring a list of your child’s symptoms, noting when they started and any factors influencing them. Ensure you have a form of payment for your copay if you have one. If applicable, arrange for childcare for other siblings, allowing you to focus on your child’s needs without distractions.
Be aware of any COVID-19 protocols in place, and adhere to them for the safety of your child and others. Finally, have a list of emergency contacts readily available in case your child’s healthcare provider needs to reach anyone else during the visit.
By taking these measures, you can enhance the efficiency of your child’s urgent care visit and contribute to a more effective and comfortable healthcare experience.
For After-Hours Pediatric Urgent Care, West-Central Maryland Turns to POP NOW
In moments of crisis, having a trusted partner for your child’s healthcare is invaluable. POP NOW offers specialized pediatric care with expertise, state-of-the-art equipment, and a caring team that helps your child feel as comfortable as possible when they’re feeling their worst.
For compassionate care when your little one has an accident or becomes ill, turn to the team here at POP NOW! We offer many services including lab testing, imaging, and more, so make us your go-to destination, as well as our parent company, Potomac Pediatrics for primary care.
Contact us for more information on same-day visits, or simply use our “Schedule Now” feature to book your appointment!