Sick Visit Q & A In Fort Wayne, IN
What is a sick visit?
A sick visit is an in-office appointment used to diagnose and treat acute or chronic illness. Even the healthiest children experience fevers, coughs, and stomach aches from time-to-time. A sick visit can pinpoint the underlying problem and develop a care plan that eases uncomfortable symptoms.
Because illness can occur at any time, Pediatric Associates, Inc. offers 24/7 access via an on-call service, weekend availability, and walk-in visits. This ensures your child can receive prompt medical attention when needed.
When should I schedule a sick visit for my child?
Children and teenagers are incredibly resilient. Usually, conservative at-home treatments like rest, drinking plenty of fluids, and taking over-the-counter medications are enough to provide relief. However, certain symptoms require the expertise of a qualified pediatrician.
You should schedule a sick visit if your child:
- Has trouble breathing or experiences chest pain
- Has a fever that doesn't go away
- Can't keep any food down
- Experiences pain or discomfort when swallowing
- Has a cough that won't go away
You should also schedule a sick visit for your child if they have congestion or a headache that lasts for more than two to three days.
What are some conditions that can benefit from a sick visit?
Pediatric Associates, Inc. uses sick visits to diagnose and treat a variety of common health problems, including:
- Colds and the flu
- Pink eye
- Ear infections
- Bronchitis
- Pneumonia
- Sinus infections
- Bronchiolitis
- Strep throat
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Dehydration
- High fevers
Your child might also benefit from a sick visit if they're suffering from a chronic condition like asthma, allergies, epilepsy, headaches, or developmental concerns.
What can I expect from my child's sick visit?
A sick visit at Pediatric Associates, Inc. begins with a comprehensive physical and neurological exam, a review of your child's medical history, and a discussion of their symptoms.
After gathering some initial information, your child's provider may order additional tests. Depending on their unique symptoms and needs, this may include a strep culture, a complete blood count (CBC), urinalysis, or diagnostic imaging like an X-ray.
Your child's provider uses the information provided by these tests to diagnose the underlying illness and to create a custom treatment plan. This may include prescription medication, getting plenty of rest, and, if necessary, lifestyle adjustments such as dietary changes.