Sick Visits

When children become sick or develop concerning symptoms, it is important they are seen by one of our pediatric experts for timely evaluation and care. Sick visits are designed to assess symptoms, identify the cause of illness, and provide appropriate treatment so they can recover as quickly and safely as possible.

During a sick visit, our providers will review your child’s symptoms and medical history, check vital signs such as temperature and heart rate, and perform a focused physical exam. If needed, we may perform quick in-office tests (such as throat swabs or viral testing), recommend medications or home care, and provide guidance on symptom management, warning signs, and when your child can safely return to school or daycare.

Services:

    Ear Infections

    Fever & Illness Care

    Minor Injuries

    Respiratory Infections

    Same-Day Visits

SAME-DAY SICK CARE

Compassionate Care for Your Child’s Illnesses & Injuries

When your child is feeling unwell, our pediatric team is here to provide timely evaluation and personalized care. Sick visits allow our providers to assess symptoms, determine the cause of illness, and recommend the appropriate treatment and guidance to help your child recover safely, comfortably, and quickly.

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Sick visits are designed to provide your child with attentive evaluation, compassionate care, and the treatment needed to support a healthy recovery.

Sick visits provide timely evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment when your child is experiencing illness or concerning symptoms. Our pediatric providers assess a variety of conditions and create personalized care plans based on your child’s age, health history, and symptoms to support a safe recovery.

These visits are available for infants, children, and adolescents who need prompt medical attention for non-emergency concerns.

Common reasons to schedule a sick visit include:

  • Fever, cough, congestion, or respiratory symptoms
  • Ear pain, sore throat, or possible infections
  • Vomiting, diarrhea, or dehydration concerns
  • Rashes, allergic reactions, or skin issues

During the visit, our team may perform a focused exam, recommend in-office testing, and provide treatment options or home care guidance. Families also receive helpful information on managing symptoms, recognizing warning signs, and knowing when additional care may be needed.

Looking for a pediatrician you can trust with your child's care?

At Pediatric Affiliates, we welcome new patients ages 0–18 across all locations. Our dedicated team delivers comprehensive pediatric healthcare tailored to your child’s unique needs, supporting healthy growth and development throughout childhood.

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Components of Care During a Sick Visit

When illness or unexpected symptoms arise, our providers are here to help. During a sick visit, we assess your child’s symptoms, recommend appropriate treatment, and provide guidance to help them feel better and recover safely. To schedule a sick visit for your child, call your nearest Pediatric Affiliates location.

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What to Expect

Symptoms & Medical History

Every sick visit begins with a thorough conversation about your child’s symptoms and health history. We’ll discuss when symptoms started, how they’ve progressed, and any factors that may be contributing. This helps our providers make an accurate assessment and recommend the right next steps.

What to Expect

Physical Examination

Our providers perform a focused physical exam based on your child’s symptoms and concerns. This may include checking vital signs and examining areas such as the ears, throat, lungs, abdomen, or skin. The exam helps identify signs of illness and provides important information to guide an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.

What to Expect

Treatment

Treatment is tailored to your child’s symptoms, age, and diagnosis, with a focus on relieving discomfort and supporting recovery. This may include medications, home care recommendations, or monitoring guidance. We also explain what to expect during recovery and when to seek additional care if needed.

Sick Visits FAQs

Navigating parenthood can be challenging. Our team is here to help answer your questions and guide you in making informed decisions with your child’s health and well-being in mind.

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  • How quickly can my child be seen for a sick visit? Sick Visits and Urgent Care

    At Pediatric Affiliates, we accept same-day appointments to ensure your child is seen in a timely matter. To schedule your child’s sick visit, please call one of our locations.

  • Should I bring anything with me to my child's appointment? Sick Visits and Urgent Care

    For your child’s sick visit appointment, it’s helpful to bring a few important items so the provider can ensure the best care possible:

    • Insurance card and identification
    • List of your child’s current medications, vitamins, or supplements
    • Record of symptoms, including when they started and any fever readings
    • Your child’s medical history, if you are visiting a new provider

  • When should I seek urgent care instead of a sick visit? Sick Visits and Urgent Care

    You should consider urgent care instead of scheduling a regular sick visit if your child’s symptoms need immediate attention or occur outside normal office hours. While most common illnesses can be managed during a sick visit, urgent care may be more appropriate in certain situations.

    • Seek urgent care if your child has:
    • Difficulty breathing or rapid breathing
    • High fever that will not come down with medication
    • Severe vomiting or diarrhea causing signs of dehydration
    • A deep cut, possible broken bone, or significant injury
    • Severe ear pain or sudden worsening of symptoms
    • An allergic reaction with swelling, hives, or trouble breathing

    If your child is experiencing life-threatening symptoms, such as severe breathing difficulty, unresponsiveness, or seizures, you should call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately.

  • Can my child return to school or daycare after a sick visit? Sick Visits and Urgent Care

    Yes. Most children can return to school or daycare once they are feeling better and are no longer likely to spread their illness. Your provider will give you specific recommendations based on your child’s diagnosis and treatment plan.

    In general, children can return when they:

    • Have been fever-free for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication
    • Feel well enough to participate in normal daily activities
    • Are showing improvement in symptoms such as cough, congestion, or sore throat
    • Have been free from vomiting or diarrhea for at least 24 hours

    Certain illnesses, including strep throat, pink eye, and other contagious infections, may require your child to complete at least 24 hours of treatment, such as antibiotics, before returning to school or daycare.

Comprehensive pediatric services to support your child’s health and development every step of the way

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Well Visits & Preventive Care

Wellness visits play an important role as your child grows, allowing our pediatric providers to regularly assess their health and administer preventive care. Each visit is designed to:

  • Monitor growth
  • Review development
  • Help maintain your child’s overall health and well-being
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School, Sports and Camp Physicals

School, sports, and camp physicals provide a convenient and reliable way to ensure your child is healthy and ready for participation in these activities. Our providers perform comprehensive exams, complete required forms, and offer guidance to support your child’s safety and well-being.

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Immunizations & Vaccines

When your child is due for vaccines, an immunization appointment allows our pediatric practitioners to review their health and provide the protection they need. Each visit is designed to follow recommended schedules, ensure vaccine safety, and support your child’s long-term health and well-being.

  • Vaccine education and guidance
  • Alternative and catch-up scheduling
  • Answers to your vaccine questions
  • Safe, age-appropriate administration
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Behavioral Health & Med Management

Behavorial health assessments allow our team to evaluate your child’s emotional and behavioral needs and provide meaningful support. A visit in which a behavorial concern is discussed is designed to understand concerns, build coping skills, and support healthy development. We offer:

  • Anxiety, depression & ADHD management
  • Parent coaching and support
  • Behavioral risk assessments
  • Specialized referrals or recommendations
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