After-Hours Pediatric Care: Here’s What Every Parent Needs to Know
As a parent, there’s nothing more concerning than when your child falls ill or gets injured, especially after regular office hours.
That’s one of the main reasons our pediatric team at Northeast Pediatric Associates PA offers after-hours care. If you have concerns as the parent of a child, we want to guide you through the ins and outs of knowing when to act and what to do.
The importance of having access to afters-hour care
Our after-hours service at Northeast Pediatric Associates PA ensures that your child’s health is always a top priority. Whether it’s a high fever in the middle of the night or a sudden injury, our team is ready to provide the guidance you need. We can help you make an informed decision about your child’s care, offering peace of mind during stressful situations.
In those moments when your child’s health can’t wait, knowing that after-hours care is just a phone call away can make all the difference.
When to seek after-hours pediatric care
Not every health issue requires immediate attention, but certain situations call for after-hours care, including:
1. Emergencies
For life-threatening conditions, such as difficulty breathing, severe allergic reactions, or significant injuries (like broken bones or deep cuts), you should go to the emergency room immediately. These situations require prompt medical attention and can’t wait.
2. Urgent situations
Some health issues aren’t life-threatening but need to be addressed sooner rather than later. These include:
- High fevers that don’t respond to medication
- Persistent vomiting or diarrhea
- Ear infections
- Asthma attacks
For these situations, after-hours pediatric care is appropriate.
3. Routine issues
Minor issues, such as mild colds, minor scrapes, or routine medication refills, can typically wait until our office is open during regular business hours. However, if you’re unsure whether your child’s symptoms require immediate attention, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and seek our advice.
How to gain access to our after-hours care
If your child needs medical attention after hours, we simplify the process. By calling 210-657-0220, you can reach our after-hours care helpline. Our answering service helps connect you with one of our pediatric nurses or our provider on call.
To expedite care, be ready to provide your child’s name, date of birth, and a brief description of their symptoms or injury. This information helps our medical team assess the situation quickly and offer the best advice on how to proceed.
If your call isn’t immediately transferred, you can expect a callback within 5-30 minutes, ensuring you aren’t left waiting during a critical time.
For more information on after-hours care or to schedule a consultation, don’t hesitate to contact our friendly staff at the office nearest you in San Antonio, North Central San Antonio, Schertz, or Castroville, Texas.
If it’s after hours and your child is sick or injured right now, call our after-hours line at 210-657-0220. If, however, your child is experiencing a life-threatening emergency, call 911 immediately.