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Seeing your child in pain and suffering can be unsettling. Does he or she need emergency care? Should you wait until the doctor's office opens?
In an emergency, don’t hesitate to go to the emergency room. If your child does not have life-threatening symptoms, you may find an urgent care center quicker and more convenient. If time allows, call your physician first ... it could save you time and money!
Common Emergencies
An emergency is a medical problem that could cause death or permanent injury if not treated right away, such as:
- bleeding that does not stop after 15 minutes of direct pressure.
- severe bleeding problems
- coughing up or vomiting blood
- sudden severe joint pain with swelling
- insect stings accompanied by breathing difficulties
- swallowing poison or choking
- not being able to move or speak
- broken bone
- severe persistent vomiting or diarrhea
- gaping wound (edges won’t come together)
Urgent Care Situations
Urgent care situations are considered those that are non-emergent and require medical attention within 12 to 36 hours to relieve distress. Examples include:
- minor respiratory (breathing) complaints
- minor head injuries (patient not showing any unusual symptoms)
- abdominal, stomach pain
- earaches
- lacerations (cuts) that do not appear to need stitches
- urinary infection symptoms
- sore throats
- pinworms, ringworms, rashes, pink eye
- painful muscle strains
Be Prepared!
Know your health plan requirements before an emergency or urgent situation happens:
- Do you need to call your health plan or physician for approval before seeking care?
- Who do you call if your doctor’s office is closed?
- Does your health plan have a 24-hour information line that provides advice and/or approval regarding usage of the emergency room or an urgent care center?
- Do you need to pay a co-payment, and if so, how much?
- Are you required to use a specific hospital, and if so, which one?
Important information a parent or guardian should brings a child to an emergency room or urgent care center includes:
- a photo ID
- health plan identification
- primary care physician name and phone number
- emergency contact information
- a list of your child’s allergies, prescription medications and doses
Maintain good health records for your child. When you have updated records, health care providers can better understand your child’s history in an emergency or urgent care situation.
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