Pediatric Urgent Care Centers
By Dr. Sandra Rivera-Luciano
The evening's homework is nearly done, when suddenly your son's asthma begins to shift into high gear. Or a weekend trip to the park comes to a quick and unhappy end when your daughter tumbles from her bike, leaving her with "road burn" and a few deep cuts and bruises.
Over time, most moms and dads have opportunities like these to earn their parenting stripes, arranging treatment for children with minor illnesses and injuries. Now parents have a trusted partner in meeting their child's after-hours medical needs. Miami Children's Hospital offers a network of four pediatric Urgent Care Centers, located in neighborhoods from Weston to Palmetto Bay. Each center offers the quality of care families have come to seek and trust from Miami Children's at convenient locations.
When to Bring Your Child to an Urgent Care Center?
Pediatric urgent care centers are designed to provide after-hours care for minor, nonlife-threatening illnesses and injuries for children and teens up to 21 years of age who require medical attention. Not sure when to take your child to an Urgent Care Center? If your child's illness or injury is life-threatening, call 911 or proceed to the nearest hospital emergency room/department. Otherwise, here is a list of some conditions for which you may want to seek treatment in an urgent care setting:
* Allergies
* Asthma attacks (minor)
* Burns (minor)
* Colds, coughs, and sore throats
* Cuts and bruises
* Dog/animal bites (mild to moderate severity)
* Earaches and ear infections
* Fever in children more than 2 months old
* Minor head injuries (without loss of consciousness)
* Nausea
* Pink eye
* Rash
* Stomach pain (mild)
* Strains and sprains
* Urinary tract infections
* Vomiting, diarrhea and dehydration
What if a Bone Might Be Broken?
If you suspect your child might have a broken bone, your best bet is the Miami Children's Hospital Emergency Department. A cast can be applied, if needed, after the injury is evaluated. Orthopaedic injuries are also treated at urgent care locations. Should the diagnosis be more than a sprain, patients are directed to a higher level of care in a timely manner. The MCH Emergency Department is located at 3100 SW 62nd Ave, Miami, FL 33155. Call 305-666-6511 and request the Emergency Department.
