Pediatrician or Urgent Care?

When it comes to your child’s health which do you choose, an Urgent Care or a Pediatrician? They both have their pros and cons. It's easy to just go to the Urgent care and get seen quick, but is that the best way to handle things? You could also, wait for an appointment at your primary care physician, but will it be a too long of a wait?

An Urgent Care is mostly used to treat patients who have a non –emergency illness or injury. For example, they treat sprains, sore throats, and a high fever. These clinics are for walk in patients and offer x-ray facilities. They are convenient if you are out of town, or your pediatrician is booked for the day. They however do not care for your child on a regular basis, and do not know their health history.

A Primary Care Physician specializes in the health and growth of infants, children, and adolescents. They treat your child on a regular basis, but run mostly by appointments only. They treat more than the average illnesses and injuries, they are concerned with their health and emotional needs too. They also care for behavioral difficulties the growth of your child, and their development disorders. They do keep up with not only your child’s medical history, but also the family’s medical history.

For a slight emergency, a visit to an Urgent Care is a quick way to get treated. They might be able to see you sooner than a clinic, but for the overall wellness of your child, find a Primary Care Physician.