Recommendations Regarding Urgent Care

The following is the opinion and recommendations from the physicians of Child Health Care Associates regarding the use of Urgent Care.

The physicians in our practice are not only pediatricians; we all are parents as well.  As such, are very much aware of the sacrifice, commitment and time constraints of raising and supporting a family.  We are also very aware that the heath care needs of children occur at times that do not always coincide with school or work schedules.  Consequently, the use of Urgent Care facilities has shown a marked increase over the recent years.  This is a national and local trend and is not about to change anytime soon.  Although these facilities may be convenient, unfortunately they may not always provide the best quality of pediatric care.

Children are not simply “little adults”.  Children have medical needs, physiologies, and challenges that are unique to the pediatric specialty.  For example, breathing 45 times a minute is a respiratory emergency for an adult but very normal for baby. Medical issues of children are best served by Board Certified Pediatricians.  Unfortunately, it is rare to find a medical provider with these qualifications at Urgent Care facilities.

With these issues in mind, we, the pediatricians, at Child Heath Care Associates recommend the following if you feel your child needs to be seen.

1) We are open every day of the year! Please contact our office or answering service for guidance.  In most instances we can see your child that day or make arrangements for the next day.   Our office phones are on from 8 am to 6 pm Mon-Fri. On weekends and holidays our office phones are on from 8:30 to noon for acute sick visit appointments as well as triage guidance.

2) If the medical issue is such that it is unsafe to wait and our office is closed, we recommend the Upstate Golisano Hospital  ER or Upstate Golisano  Pediatrics After Hours Care at Community General.  This facility is staffed by Board Certified pediatricians who will provide the most current, quality care.