Sick Child Visits
When Your Child is Sick
THE WALK-IN CLINIC
The WALK-IN CLINIC is open Monday-Friday 8am-6pm (no appointment needed).
It’s important to have prompt medical attention that helps them feel better and gets them on the road to treatment your child needs.
If you have questions about your child’s health or you need to bring your child in for a sick visit, call the office so they can talk about your child’s symptoms and schedule a visit based on their health needs.
WALK-IN CLINIC INFO
When Should I Use the Walk-In?
The Walk-In Clinic is perfect for sore throats, earaches, cold symptoms, rashes, fevers, and minor laceration repair.
It is also good for taking your child to be seen when missing school due to sickness.
*Don't forget the school note.
Always stay in your car and call to check in. The nurse will text you when your room is ready to avoid sick people in our waiting rooms.
Cuts & Suturing
Minor Laceration Repair (now offering in Walk-In)
CRITERIA:
- *Must be 1.5in or less in length
- *Superficial- no muscle or bone showing
- *Up to 12 hours since incident occured
- *Will not repair on lips, nose, ears, cheeks, or genitals
- *Only have local injected anesthetic available (no topical, sedation, or calming agents available in office)
- *If unable to repair or criteria not met, will refer to local ER for evaluation.
- *Will refer to local ER for evaluation if concerns for underlying fractures, or if LOC, vomiting, altered mental status, or pupil changes noted with head injury.
How Do I Use the Walk-In?
No appointment is needed.
Call when you arrive to check into the Walk-In. (We try to avoid sick children in the waiting room)
The nurse will text you when your room is ready.
You will come in and go straight to POD B, and the room texted to you.
You must be a FORT WAYNE PEDIATRICS PATIENT or a new patient to our practice to use the Walk-In.
Call ahead for any lacerations that might need suturing.
Sick Child Visits FAQs
Find answers to commonly asked questions on sick child visits.
When can I schedule a sick child visit?
If you’re ever in doubt about whether your child needs a sick visit, call our office. Our staff will ask a few questions to determine the severity of your child’s symptoms, and then help you decide if you need to be seen by one of our pediatricians. Same-day sick visits are usually available or no appointment is needed for our Walk-In Clinic open MON-FRI 8AM-6PM. Call from the car when you arrive to check in.
See Symptom Checker and What's Going Around.
What happens during a sick child visit?
The purpose of a sick child visit is to promptly diagnose the issue and initiate treatment to set your child on the path to recovery. During the visit, the doctor will review your child's symptoms and medical history. The appointment may also involve blood tests, a urine test, and a physical exam, where the doctor checks your child's heart, neck, throat, and ears.
What conditions can a sick child visit treat?
Sick visits treat many types of injuries and illnesses that need same-day or next-day medical care. Children’s symptoms can change quickly, so don’t hesitate to call if your child’s symptoms get worse. The following are some of the most common conditions treated during sick visits:
- Flu Upper respiratory infections
- Earaches Headaches
- Sore throat or strep throat
- Congestion
- Coughs
- Abdominal pain
- Asthma
- Rashes or hives
- Allergic reactions
- Eye discharge or infection
- Vomiting and/or diarrhea
- Minor injuries like cuts
- Flu Upper respiratory infections
When does my child need immediate medical care?
When your child is unwell, it's crucial to know when immediate medical attention is needed. Here are key symptoms that should prompt you to contact us immediately:
- Fever of 100.4ºF or higher in children under one year old
- Fever lasting more than three days
- Unusual symptoms persisting beyond three days
- Persistent pain
- Widespread rash
- Fever of 102ºF or higher accompanied by other symptoms in children over one year old
Additionally, a fever paired with a rash, stiff neck, vomiting, or headache could indicate a serious issue.
To ensure prompt care, call our office early in the day. We'll arrange a same-day visit if necessary.
- Fever of 100.4ºF or higher in children under one year old