IS IT A MEDICAL EMERGENCY OR NOT?
When your child is sick or hurt, it can be difficult to tell whether an urgent care or emergency department is the best choice. In making that decision, it is important to stay calm and recognize the difference between a medical emergency and a medical situation where a different type of care may be more appropriate.
NONEMERGENCY MEDICAL SITUATIONS:
As a first step in nonemergency situations, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends calling your pediatrician’s office—your child’s “medical home”—to discuss your child’s needs. Pediatricians are very accustomed to taking phone calls at all times and can often deal with problems over the phone.