Urgent Care Q&A

What is urgent care?

Urgent care provides short-term, immediate medical care for an acute injury or illness that occurs suddenly, such as the flu and cough, sinus infections, or sore throats. It differs from long-term care for chronic health conditions. 

 

While hospitals provide emergency care if your child has a life-threatening situation, pediatric practices treat minor conditions requiring urgent, but non-life-threatening care. 

 

The team of urgent care providers at Pediatric Care of Chelsea helps reduce the need to visit hospital emergency rooms for minor injuries or illnesses.

What conditions need urgent care services?

 

If your child can’t wait for a future appointment due to worsening symptoms, they may need prompt care to recover properly. Some conditions treatable with urgent care services at Pediatric Care of Chelsea include: 

 

  • Colds and flu 
  • COVID-19
  • Ear infections
  • Sinus infections
  • Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
  • Strep throat
  • Diarrhea
  • Constipation
  • Minor cuts or broken bones

 

You can visit Pediatric Care of Chelsea for urgent care if your child twists their ankle and can’t tell if it’s sprained or broken. The team provides timely treatment for your child.

 

Your child should also come in for a same-day appointment if they have acute symptoms that aren’t improving.  

 

However, if your child has a life-threatening emergency, like a severe traumatic injury or excessive bleeding, call 911 or seek your nearest hospital emergency room. 

What can my child expect with urgent care?

 

The Pediatric Care of Chelsea team focuses on helping your child feel better sooner with prompt and compassionate care. While your child’s pediatric specialist is your first point of contact for any long-term health care needs and preventive care, urgent care is especially reserved for any time your child needs acute care right away. 

 

Your child’s urgent care provider can help determine the right approach for treatment depending on your child’s medical history and symptoms.

 

Based on the severity of your child’s condition, they may recommend home treatments, over-the-counter medications, or activity modification. In some cases, your child may need wound care or referrals to specialists. 

 

If your child needs urgent care, call Pediatric Care of Chelsea, walk in, or schedule your child’s visit online today.