A Reliable Support System For The Weary Parent The Pediatric Urgent Care For Minor Illnesses And Injuries


Taking care of your children is a full-time job. Unlike a full-time job, there’s no clocking out at the end of the day.

Anything can happen in-between now and later. Your child could come down with a flu that has an unusually high fever. They could twist their ankle while playing soccer or cut themselves during arts and crafts. When you’re in a bind and need swift medical care, pediatric urgent care is your number one resource. These clinics pair a low cost with a short wait time, all the better to get you and your family back home safe.

How much does urgent care cost? What symptoms do they treat? Below are a few of the most common questions asked about this useful service.

What Are The Most Common Illnesses Children Face?

As a hardworking parent you’re always worried about your child’s next cold spell. Even a small temperature increase in their fever can send your anxieties into a tailspin. The average child today will catch between six to 10 colds a year — Americans, overall, will come down with one billion colds. These are more easily spread from child-to-child when they forget to sneeze into their forearm or wash their hands. Ear infections, the flu, and strep throat are also highly common during the cold season.

How Short Are The Wait Times At Urgent Care Centers?

One of the most common features you will hear about the pediatric urgent care are their short wait times. Recent studies have determined around 60% of all clinics will have a wait time of 15 minutes or less before you can see a physician. This is by design, as the longer you wait, the more likely symptoms are to worsen. The Urgent Care Association has determined three million patients visit these centers every week. When your child’s health is in doubt, nip any concerns in the bud with a quick visit.

What Injuries Do Pediatric Urgent Care Centers Treat?

Alongside reducing fever and treating bronchitis, pediatric urgent care will also fix injuries on-the-spot. Four out of five urgent care centers provide fracture care — this is especially prudent, as 25,000 Americans will suffer from an ankle sprain every day. Take a few minutes this week to seek out urgent care locations in your area. A trip to the emergency room at the wrong time, however well-intentioned, can set you back thousands of dollars.

How Much Should I Expect My Bill To Be?

There are times you’ll have no choice but to visit the emergency room. These can include (but aren’t limited to) severe allergic reactions, abnormally high fevers, and severe injuries. Anything less, however, should be diverted to a pediatric urgent care center to save you on costs. According to a private study by Milliman, between 45% to 65% of all emergency room episodes could have been treated at an urgent care instead. Take a moment to consider your medical options before heading out…it’s worth it.

What Else Should I Know About Pediatric Urgent Care?

When to use urgent care comes down to your discretion and your options. The pediatric urgent care model is, inherently, designed to be as accessible as possible. A 2016 study found more than one-quarter of American patients reporting having used an urgent care center within the past two years. Likewise, just 3% of patients who come to an urgent care center need to be diverted to an emergency department. Your child, no matter their symptoms, will be in good hands the second they walk through the front door.

Relieve some of the stress of being a parent. Turn to the closest urgent care in your area next time your child has a fever.