What is a pediatric sick visit?
Unlike routine physicals that are scheduled in advance, sick visits when a child is not feeling well and needs to be seen are unpredictable. Dr. Nauman tries to see sick children as soon as possible, preferably the same day, especially if the child is less than a year old. She makes every effort to see sick or injured children on the same day to provide care as soon as possible.
What issues constitute a sick visit?
Concerns that fall under the sick visit category include:
- High fevers
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Asthma
- Allergic reactions
- Rash
- Ear infections
- Bad cough
- Sore throat
- Urinary tract infection
- Cold and flu symptoms
- Pneumonia
If your child experiences any of the following, call 911 or take him or her to the closest emergency room:
- Choking
- Severe difficulty breathing or stops breathing
- Turning blue
- Bleeding accompanied by open flesh or exposed bone
- Bleeding that doesn’t stop after 15 minutes of a bandage and pressure being applied
When does a fever require a sick visit?
A child under the age of 3 months should be seen right away for a temperature above 100.4 F. Infants' immune systems aren't fully developed and they are therefore vulnerable to life-threatening infections, such as bacterial meningitis and pneumonia. Older babies, those age 3-6 months, should be examined immediately if their fever hits 101 F. For older children, or when in doubt, please don’t hesitate to call the office for advice.
What Happens During a Sick Visit?
Dr. Nauman will begin by asking parents for a detailed account of the child’s symptoms, recent activity, or any changes in his or her environment that may have contributed to the current symptoms. She will then examine the child and may order tests, such as a strep culture, urine culture, flu test, or blood test. Once a diagnosis has been made, Dr. Nauman will offer a treatment plan, that may or may not involve prescription medication. If Dr. Nauman advises a child stay home from school, she will provide this information in writing, if needed.
