Sick Visits

When Your Child is Sick

We make every effort to schedule appointments for ill children on the day that you call us. We recommend that you call our office ahead of time so that we can minimize the time that you will spend waiting.

If your child has an acute condition during office hours which requires urgent medical care, we will do our best to see your child immediately or refer you to an appropriate facility.

If you would like us to see more than one child, please schedule both of them when you make your appointment. Without an appointment, we may not be able to see a sick sibling right away, and you may be asked to wait while the provider sees a scheduled patient who may be waiting.

Child lying in bed, blowing their nose with a tissue, looking tired under white blankets

Sick Visit FAQs

Find answers to commonly asked questions on sick visits.

  • When can I schedule a sick 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 almost always available. Call before 3:00 PM and we'll do everything we can to see them that day.

  • What conditions can be treated at a sick visit?

    Sick visits treat many types of injuries and illnesses that need same-day or next-day medical care. The following are some of the most common conditions treated during sick visits:

    • Ear pain
    • Sore throat/strep throat
    • Cough/congestion
    • Flu or flu-like symptoms
    • Other upper respiratory infections (URIs)
    • Headache
    • Abdominal pain
    • Asthma flares
    • Rashes or hives
    • Allergic reactions
    • Eye discharge or infection
    • Vomiting and/or diarrhea
    • Minor injuries like cuts, bumps, or bruises

    Children’s symptoms can worsen or change quickly! Even if your chlld has already had a sick visit with us, don’t hesitate to call if your their symptoms get worse.

  • What happens during a sick visit?

    The purpose of a sick visit is to promptly diagnose the issue and initiate treatment to set your child on the path to recovery. During the visit, the provider will review your child's symptoms and medical history. The appointment may also involve one or more respiratory panels, blood tests, and/or urine tests, as well as a physical exam in which the provider checks your child's heart, neck, ears, nose, throat, eyes, and/or whatever else may be ailing your child.

  • 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 three months of age
    • Fever of 101ºF or higher accompanied by other symptoms in children older than three months
    • Fever lasting more than three days
    • Unusual symptoms persisting beyond three days
    • Persistent pain
    • Widespread rash
    • If your child is otherwise acting very sick, regardless of temperature

    Additionally, a fever paired with a rash, stiff neck, vomiting, or headache could indicate a serious issue.


    To ensure prompt care, call our office before 3:00 PM to schedule a same-day visit.