When to Go

Why do accidents always seem to happen on weekends or after office hours? Because they can, and because they do. But what degree of treatment does your child need? Emergency care, urgent care or virtual care?

A hospital emergency room is appropriate for any life-threatening illness or injury. If you feel your child is in need of emergency care, call 9-1-1 or go to your nearest BayCare ER.

When to go to the ER:

  • Broken bones
  • Fainting, dizziness or weakness
  • Ingestion of poison or medical overdose
  • Persistent vomiting or diarrhea
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
  • Sudden or severe pain, especially in the chest
St. Joseph's Children's Hospital - When to Bring Your Child to the ER
 

Urgent care centers might be the best possible solution for a minor illness or injury. Examples would be upper respiratory conditions, urinary tract infections, nausea/vomiting, lacerations and sprains. Urgent care centers are equipped to treat a variety of conditions and injuries with on-site lab and radiology services. Highly trained pediatric providers are able to repair lacerations and puncture wounds. You will typically receive care sooner and at a lower cost than at an ER. Plus, you can "save your spot" online. 

When to go to urgent care:

  • Animal or insect bites
  • Ear pain or infections
  • Flu/cold/minor illness
  • Minor cuts and burns
  • Strains and sprains
  • Sutures or stitches
  • Urinary tract infections

For minor illnesses and injuries, visit BayCare Urgent Care for additional information and a list of locations.

When to Have a Virtual Visit:

Sometimes you want an answer right away for uncomfortable but non-urgent or non-emergency conditions. Telemedicine is sweeping this high-tech nation. Having a video conference with a doctor is the latest in medicine.

BayCare is part of this growing trend. BayCareAnywhere™ gives you 24/7 access to an online doctor, 365 days a year. Our online doctors are specially trained on the technical platform and board-certified to diagnose colds, flu, fever, rash, various eye infections, sinus infections, migraines and much more. By using your smartphone, tablet or computer, the online doctor will diagnose, and in some cases treat your child’s illness. If a prescription is needed, the doctor can digitally submit it to your preferred pharmacy.*

*Please note that not all BayCareAnywhere visits will result in a prescription order.

Pediatric Emergency Services

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