As a parent, you want the best medical care for your child. So, what should you do if your youngster is hurt or sick when your pediatrician isn’t available?
You don’t have to resort to the hassle and expense of a hospital ER if your child’s condition is not life-threatening. Instead, go to a pediatric urgent care center, whose staff can take care of your child quickly, efficiently, and effectively.
Let’s talk about some tips to help you choose a pediatric urgent care clinic, and where you can go in Garfield for outstanding walk-in pediatric care.
Tip #1: Look for an Urgent Care with Trained Medical Staff in Pediatrics
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University have noted that many urgent care centers across the United States are staffed with highly qualified physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants, but that many of these professionals have little to no pediatric training. So, they are not necessarily equipped to handle the differences in child physiology and communication.
When deciding on an urgent care, look at the facility’s website and view the medical staff’s background. You should see the words “family” or “pediatrics” somewhere (not necessarily in all of them), which indicates that the walk-in clinic welcomes children as patients.
Tip #2: Choose a Center that Is Convenient and Fits Your Schedule
Find out what hours the center is open. Most urgent care facilities offer walk-in hours in the evenings and on weekends, when other doctors’ offices are closed.
Also, consider whether the urgent care center is conveniently located, and has convenient and free parking.
Tip #3: Look Into What the Pediatric Urgent Care Center Offers
The best pediatric urgent care centers offer a wide array of medical services, including care of:
- Acute and chronic illnesses and injuries
- Insect bites or stings
- Cuts
- Large or concerning bruises
- Sprains
- Strains
- Sore throat
- Cold and flu
- Headache
- Asthma attacks
- Allergies
- Ear infections
- Pink eye
- Vaccinations and immunizations
- School physicals (such as for sports)
Call the urgent care center or check their website to find the list of services they provide. If you don’t see your child’s issue on their website, call the office and ask. They will be happy to answer your questions.
Tip #4: Tour the Facility
Any pediatric medical facility must be kid-friendly, with toys, games, and books to keep kids occupied and feeling welcome. Additionally, the staff should promptly greet you and your child, take pertinent information, and get you seen relatively soon after your arrival.
Pediatric Urgent Care in Garfield, NJ
For the best in adult and pediatric urgent care, come to My Doc Urgent Care in Garfield – we’re conveniently located on Passaic Street. Our caring team loves kids, and we can conduct various types of medical assessments and provide treatments right when you need us.
To learn more, call us today at (862) 295-3501. Walk-ins are welcome, and we are open seven days a week. We look forward to caring for you and your family!
