When Should You Take Your Child to an Urgent Care?

Having a dedicated pediatrician for your child is essential for annual wellness visits, vaccine updates, and medical needs during normal hours. But when your child needs medical attention in the evening, on the weekends, holidays, or if your pediatrician is not available, where should you go? Should you take your child to an urgent care?  

For many childhood illnesses and injuries, an urgent care that specializes in pediatric urgent care, like IEP Urgent Care, can provide the evaluation and treatment your child needs without a trip to the emergency department.

Dr. Susan Ivanovic is a physician-owner of IEP Urgent Care and is board certified in both Pediatrics and Emergency Medicine. Dr. Ivanovic shares some practical guidance to help parents know how to make the best choice for your child’s care:

How can you know that an urgent care is qualified to care for infants and children?

“Not all urgent care centers routinely see children under 1 year of age," said Dr. Ivanovic. “I would call ahead to ask what is the youngest child they routinely evaluate and treat. At IEP Urgent Care, we are qualified to care for infants and young children.”

When is taking your child to an urgent care a good option?

“Urgent care is appropriate for many illnesses and injuries that need prompt medical attention but aren't life-threatening such as the common cold, ear infections, or sore throats,” said. Dr. Ivanovic. “If your child needs to be seen today but is otherwise alert, breathing comfortably, and stable, urgent care is often a good place to start.”  

When should you skip the urgent care and head straight to the ER?

“You should seek emergency medicine care for a child experiencing any signs of respiratory distress, is lethargic, or has sustained trauma,” said Dr. Ivanovic.