When your child is feeling unwell or has had an unexpected injury, it can be a stressful time. Parents want nothing more than to provide quick, efficient care for their children. This is where pediatric urgent care services can make all the difference. These centers are designed to address the unique needs of children. They offer everything from X-rays to lab testing in a family-friendly environment.
This article covers the various services that pediatric urgent care offers.
What Pediatric Urgent Care Services Offer
Pediatric urgent care centers provide comprehensive, same-day services tailored for children. These specialized clinics are equipped to handle a wide variety of medical concerns and ensure your child gets the care they need without the long waiting times that typically come with emergency rooms.
Let us explore some key services offered by pediatric urgent care centers.
X-Ray Services for Rapid Diagnosis
Children can be accident-prone, and occasionally, those tumbles may result in fractures or other injuries. Pediatric urgent care centers often offer onsite x-ray services. This allows them to diagnose conditions like broken bones or dislocations quickly. This allows for immediate treatment decisions to be made.
Unlike regular X-ray services, pediatric urgent centers have specially trained technicians. They know how to make children feel relaxed during the procedure. The goal is to provide accurate imaging in an environment that feels comforting to children.
For example, let us say your child twists their ankle during a soccer game. The team at your nearest urgent care can perform an x-ray right away. This eliminates the need to make an additional trip to the hospital or radiology clinic.
Laboratory Testing for Accurate Diagnoses
Children often experience illnesses involving infections, allergies, or other underlying conditions. Pediatric urgent care centers offer various lab testing options to pinpoint the cause of symptoms quickly. Lab test results are often available on the same day. This provides parents with peace of mind and clear next steps for their child’s care.
These tests include the following.
Strep Tests
Rapid strep tests can determine if a sore throat is due to a streptococcal infection. This allows the provider to prescribe antibiotics if necessary.
Flu Testing
During flu season, rapid flu tests can confirm the virus. This helps parents to make informed decisions about how to care for their child.
COVID-19 Testing
Many centers now offer rapid antigen and PCR testing for COVID-19. This helps medical professionals diagnose and manage the virus effectively.
Urine Tests
These can help diagnose urinary tract infections, which are common in children but require prompt attention.
Treatment for Minor Injuries and Burns
Beyond illnesses, pediatric urgent care centers help treat minor injuries that do not require emergency care.
Some examples of these injuries are:
- Cuts that need stitches
- Minor burns
- Sprains or strains
- Splinters or foreign objects in the skin
Providers in the trusted urgent care clinic near you have experience dealing with young patients. They take special care to make the process as pain-free as possible. For example, numbing sprays or creams may be used when stitching up a wound to keep the child calm and comfortable.
Illness Care and Fever Management
Common childhood illnesses are regular reasons parents visit urgent care. This includes fevers, ear infections, and stomach viruses. Pediatric clinics are staffed with providers trained to assess symptoms specific to children. This lets them provide appropriate treatment plans.
For instance, say your child develops a high fever over the weekend. The staff at the urgent care clinic can determine whether they need medication, hydration, or additional tests. They may also provide resources for follow-up care if the symptoms persist.
Seasonal Allergy and Asthma Care
Children experiencing severe allergy or asthma symptoms can receive quick relief. These clinics can do the following.
- Administer breathing treatments
- Prescribe medications
- Offer advice on avoiding triggers during allergy season.
If your child has a minor allergic reaction, like hives or swelling, the urgent care staff can give antihistamines, too. They can also perform other treatments to alleviate symptoms before they worsen.
Sports Physicals and Preventative Services
Many pediatric urgent care centers offer services outside of immediate illnesses or injuries.
Sports physicals are a common offering. This allows your child to gain clearance for team sports in a convenient and efficient manner. These physical exams assess the child’s overall health and identify any underlying medical conditions. They help ensure they are fit to participate in physical activities.
Other preventative services may include vaccinations and routine screenings.
A Comfortable Experience Tailored for Kids
Another benefit of pediatric urgent care centers is the child-friendly atmosphere they provide. Medical equipment and waiting areas in pediatric clinics are designed with children in mind. Ideally, they create a space where kids feel at ease.
Providers are experienced in communicating with children and parents in ways that address their specific concerns. With a family-centric approach, these centers ensure that parents and children feel confident in the care they receive.
Pediatric Urgent Care in King, NC
When your child’s health is on the line, it is important to choose the best pediatric urgent care near you. Cardinal Urgent Care is committed to offering comprehensive pediatric urgent care services. From x-rays to lab testing, our team ensures your child receives accurate and timely care.
We are open seven days a week, including most holidays. We understand that illness and injury can happen at any time. Call us today at (336) 983-9111 or request a consultation online. Trust us to be there when you need us most.
We look forward to serving you!
