An urgent care clinic is a type of walk-in clinic that is designed to provide care for people who have a minor illness or injury. Pediatric Center of Roswell typically offer extended hours. There are several reasons that
The Pediatrician’s Office may be Closed
Parents typically call their child’s pediatrician when something is wrong. However, a child can get sick at any time. Certain illnesses and injuries have to be treated right away. It can take several days to get an appointment with the pediatrician. Fortunately, a child can be treated right away at an urgent care center.
Convenient
Many urgent care centers are open seven days a week. That is why it is convenient for a child to get care. Some parents take their children to the emergency room when they are sick.
However, emergency rooms are usually crowded. Emergency room staff members focus on treating people with life-threatening emergencies first. Many people have to wait several hours before they are seen. Furthermore, it can be costly to take a child to the emergency room.
Urgent care centers are a lot less expensive than emergency rooms. Most insurance companies will pay for an urgent care visit. You will likely have to pay a small co-payment in order to visit an urgent care.
A Wide Variety of Illnesses and Injuries can be Treated
Upper respiratory infections, which are extremely common in children, are examples of one of the illnesses that can be treated an urgent care center. This is also one of the most common reasons that children visit the emergency room. In fact, 11.6 percent of pediatric emergency room visits are due to upper respiratory infections.
Upper respiratory infections can cause breathing problems if they are not treated. Fortunately, they can be treated an urgent care center before they cause serious complications. A physician or an advanced practice provider can pinpoint the cause and recommend the appropriate treatment.
A high fever is something else that can be treated at an urgent care center. Fevers are often linked to an underlying illness such as flu or cold. It can also come on for no apparent reason. A high fever in a child can result in a seizure. That is why it will need to be treated as soon as possible.
Ear pain is another illness that can be treated at an urgent care center. Ear infections are usually the cause of ear pain in young children. Fevers and throat pain are examples of some of the symptoms that can accompany an ear infection. An ear infection can make a child miserable.
Fortunately, antibiotics, which can be prescribed at an urgent care center, can usually clear up an ear infection in a few days.
Additionally, sprains and strains can be treated at an urgent care center. These problems are more likely to occur in older children. In many cases, strains and sprains can be treated with rest and an over-the-counter painkiller.
However, a splint or cast may be needed in order to immobolize the area and prevent further damage. A splint or cast is usually recommended if the sprain is located in the ankle or wrist.
Superficial injuries such as wounds, small cuts and bruises typically do not require treatment at an emergency room. However, if the injury occurs on the head or face, then it is a good idea to take your child to an urgent care clinic.
