Ear pain, sore throats, the cold and flu, minor burns and cuts. For some children, childhood is marked by more than just a few visits to the local emergency room or urgent care clinic. Invariably, like Murphy's Law,  it seems that your child is sick or injured when your pediatrician's office is close. Parents are left asking whether to head to the emergency room or an urgent care clinic.

Urgent care clinics are for illnesses and injuries that your child normally would receive care for at his or her doctor’s offices. Most often, urgent care locations are open when regular doctor’s offices are closed. In many cases, urgent care clinics will offer lower co-pays and shorter wait times than emergency rooms.

Your child may need urgent care for:

•    Ear infections with pain and/or fever.
•    Sore or strep throat.
•    Cold or the flu.
•    Mild asthma attacks
•    Vomiting and diarrhea, especially in babies and small children.
•    Non-severe bleeding.
•    Minor burns or cuts.
•    Minor head injury with no loss of consciousness.
•    Hives, rash or diaper rash.
•    Bruises or sprains.
•    Lice, scabies or ringworm.
•    Drug reactions such as hives or rashes.

The emergency room is for more serious illnesses and injuries. Emergency rooms are equipped to care for all patients, from those with minor illnesses to those with life-threatening injuries. Because of this, patients with a less severe problem usually will have to wait – sometimes hours – until the more critically ill patients are treated. For appropriate cases, urgent care clinics have shorter wait times.

Your child may need emergency care for:

•    Serious broken bones, such as the leg or arm.
•    Gun or knife wounds.
•    Severe or unusual bleeding that will not stop.
•    Heart attack or severe chest pain.
•    Suspected stroke.
•    Sudden inability to see, move or speak.
•    Choking or trouble breathing.
•    Possible poisoning.
•    Unconsciousness.
•    Fainting or syncope.
•    Convulsions or prolonged, repeated seizures.
•    Drug overdose.
•    Major injuries.
•    Severe pain.

Unfortunately, some childhood injuries and illnesses may require more immediate care. In emergencies, always call 9-1-1 for the most immediate care.

While arming yourself with information is one of the best things you can do as a parent, remember to trust your instincts. You know your child best.

For more information about Children’s Urgent Care locations call (414) 266-4800. For more information about the Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin Emergency Department, call (414) 266-2000.

FAST FACT: Children's Hospital of Wisconsin had more than 61,000 visits to its Emergency Department and six Children's Urgent Care sites last year.

Jane Chevako, MD, is the medical director of Children’s Urgent Care.
 

The spring months bring sunshine, warmer weather and sometimes a trip or two to your pediatrician. A trip to the pediatrician’s office can be stressful, but knowing how to make the most of your time there can make visits run smoothly.

Offer information:
•    It’s important your doctor be aware of any change in your family’s health history, including grandparents, aunts and uncles. Cases of heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure and cancer are examples of things your doctor should know.
•    Tell the doctor if someone else has seen your child for an illness or injury, such as a visit to an emergency room, urgent care or a specialist.
•    Bring a list of all the medications your child is taking. This should include over-the-counter medications, vitamins and herbal supplements, as well as prescription medication.
•    If your child is sick, write down timelines of what symptoms began when. This is especially helpful if your child has a chronic or long-standing illness.

The more information you can offer your child’s doctor, the better he or she will be able to understand, diagnose and treat your child.

Ask questions. At regular check-ups:
•    Ask what you might need to know about caring for your child between this visit and the next one. Make sure you know when the next scheduled visit should take place.
•    Ask what changes your child might go through before your next visit such as growth, development and feeding stages. Your doctor can provide helpful nutritional and safety advice no matter your child’s age.
•    Ask where else you can get good information on parenting, safety and other related topics, such as Internet sites, books and magazines.

It is helpful to come with questions written down so you don’t forget to ask them. Also, make sure you understand the answers and information your doctor gives you, and don’t be afraid to ask for further information or clarification. Remember, these questions are best for well-child visits. When your child is sick, that visit should be focused on the current illness.

Come prepared. Make sure you bring the following to every visit:
•    Health insurance information.
•    Any changes in demographic information such as address and phone number or emergency contact information.
•    A game, book or favorite toy that can help keep your child entertained if there is a wait in the office. This also can help comfort your child and ease some anxiety.
•    Antiseptic wipes if your child plays with toys or has contact with other children in the waiting room.
•    A blanket and extra diaper for infants.
•    Unfortunately, waiting to see the doctor often is inevitable. Ask front office staff if you can call before your visit to find out if appointments are running on time. Being on time is a mutual responsibility between the doctor and patient. Sometimes a little advanced planning can lessen frustration and help visits run on time.

Most importantly, enjoy the time with your pediatrician. The two of you are talking about the most precious, unique and wonderful gift – your child.

Michael Gutzeit, MD, is a pediatrician and chief medical officer at Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin. For more information about Children’s Hospital call (414) 266-2000 or visit www.chw.org.

 
FAST FACT: Did you know that Children's Hospital and Health System has 17 pediatrician practices throughout Southeastern Wisconsin? For more information about Children's Medical Group visit the Web site at www.childrensmedicalgroup.org.