The Parents’ Guide to Quick Care for Families

A child’s sudden illness or injury can turn a busy family’s world upside down. From waking up with a fever on a school day to a broken arm at practice, you and your child might feel overwhelmed by the idea of what it’ll take to get better — and where to even start with care.

Take a deep breath: help is here with family-friendly options. Read on to learn about your best next steps.

Know Where To Go

First things first: For serious and potentially life-threatening injuries and illnesses, call 911 or head to your nearest emergency room. If you’re unsure how severe the health issue is, it’s better to be safe and let our ER team check on you or your child.

For non-emergency sick visits and minor injuries, you can use convenient urgent care or primary care services. If possible, your primary care provider (or your child’s pediatrician) should be your first choice. They know your family, have your health history readily available and can get you the diagnostic testing, treatment, specialist referral, prescription medication or other care you need to start feeling better.

If you don’t have a primary care provider yet, or their office is closed, read on to learn more about same-day and walk-in health care options.

Same-Day Virtual Care for Families

Sometimes, the care you need is in the comfort of home. That’s why we offer telehealth services through on-demand video visits in the AdventHealth app. A video visit is an easy option for a face-to-face appointment with a board-certified physician or nurse practitioner through your smartphone or tablet. You can get a diagnosis, treatment, follow-up and prescriptions for minor ailments. Insurance is accepted but not required.

If you schedule a video visit for your child under age 18, you’ll need to complete their paperwork as their guardian and be with them during the virtual appointment.

Walk-In or Reserve Urgent Care Nearby

With more than 50 locations, there’s probably an AdventHealth Centra Care near you. Same-day care is our specialty: We know that health issues happen around the clock, so our urgent care clinics offer extended hours on evenings and weekends.

Our urgent care teams can help with everything from flu shots and sports physicals to strep tests and X-rays. You’re always welcome to walk in or reserve a time online once you find the location you want. Remember, kids under 18 need a parent or legal guardian with them to receive care.

Finding Primary Care for All Ages

Having a primary care provider is like having a lifelong ally in your health. They get to know you, help with sick visits, connect you with specialists and resources, keep you up-to-date on age-appropriate tests and screenings, conduct physicals and much more. If you don’t have one, find one here so you can establish care before the next time you need them.

Similarly, a pediatrician can be your child’s primary care provider until they’re 18 years old, or sometimes longer. You can find a pediatrician near you for peace of mind that your kids have an expert in their corner.

Some families choose to all see the same doctor, a family medicine provider, who accepts patients of all ages. They can get to know your family’s unique dynamics and become familiar with possible genetic health risks and family health histories. While they can also treat specific conditions unique to you, a family practitioner may be the right choice for family care.

Your Guide Through All the Ups and Downs

We’re honored to be your health care partner, and can help you navigate your child’s whole-health care through every age and stage of their life. To learn more about our full spectrum of children’s care services, click here. We’re always here for your family in body, mind and spirit.