Differences Between Adult and Pediatric Urgent Care

When seeking urgent care, it is crucial to understand the differences between adult and pediatric urgent care. Children have very different medical needs as compared to adults. That is why there are specialized medical facilities for children and adults. Today’s article will discuss the differences between adult and pediatric urgent care so you can make an informed decision for yourself and your kid. Without further ado, let’s get started.

What Is Urgent Care?

Let’s first help you understand what urgent care is. If you get sick and your GP isn’t available, you can go to urgent care to get yourself treated. The facility remains open after hours. It is essential to understand that urgent care isn’t emergency care and should be accessed in case of non-threatening conditions only. Emergency rooms are the best option if you face a life-threatening condition.

What Can Be Treated at Urgent Care?

Multiple conditions can be treated as a part of adult/urgent pediatric care. Some include fever, cuts, burns, sore throat, pain, injuries, cold, flu, etc.

Pediatric Urgent Care

Urgent care specifically designed for kids is called pediatric urgent care. All the staff available are trained in pediatric medicine. Hence, the experts can rest assured that your child is in safe hands, comfortable, and cared for. You can always turn to urgent pediatric care, especially when the child’s pediatrician’s office is closed.

Urgent Care FAQs

Here is a list of frequently asked questions we get on the subject.

• Is urgent care authorized to prescribe medication for my child?

Yes, pediatric urgent care centers will prescribe medication to your children as needed. However, having the child’s pediatrician prescribe long-term meds and treatments is best.

• Can I take my child to urgent care I suspect pneumonia and other illnesses?

Yes, you indeed can. Most pediatric urgent care centers have diagnostic lab testing capabilities. If you think that your kid is in need of diagnostic services, call up your nearest pediatric urgent care to see what they offer.

• What urgent care services can I access for my child?

Most pediatric urgent care centers have the same facilities as adult urgent care. It includes treatment for common illnesses, cuts, and injuries. They also carry diagnostic services and offer home care alongside follow-up information.

• Can I take my child to urgent care to get stitches?

Pediatric urgent care does offer stitching for minor injuries. However, if your kid is bleeding profusely, I would advise him to take him to ER as they are well equipped to handle more severe injuries.

• Can urgent care do blood tests for my kid?

Many children’s urgent care centers offer onsite blood work, but some don’t. It is good to check in with your local pediatric UC to check which services they offer. We wouldn’t recommend attending pediatric urgent care solely to get blood tests. Labs are a better option!

• Can urgent care do an MRI, X-ray, ultrasound, etc.?

Again, it varies from different urgent care centers. Some do have in-house diagnostic technologies while others don’t. Nearly all pediatric urgent care centers will have an x-ray machine though. It is best to call your local UC to check what facilities they offer before visiting it. Most of them would be happy to inform you about their services.

Key Differences Between Adult and Pediatric Urgent Care

There are only subtle differences between adult and pediatric urgent care centers. If you choose a pediatric UC, they will specialize in dealing with children. As a result, they will have pediatricians on board. Pediatric UC will not take patients over a certain age (from 16 to 21). Adult urgent care clinics will cater to adults and sometimes treat children too. They might not have pediatricians on board, so it isn’t the right choice for kids.

The environment of pediatric urgent care centers is created according to the kids. You might find plenty of entertaining stuff for kids there. As a result, children feel a lot more comfortable and secure. It is easier to calm a fussy child in urgent pediatric care than in a normal one. The staff at urgent pediatric Care is trained for the kids’ needs. They will be better equipped to understand and handle your child’s requirements.

A Few Things to Keep in Mind

• Adult and pediatric urgent care centers aren’t the same. One is catered to children, and another one isn’t.
• Pediatric urgent care centers aren’t a replacement for your kid’s doctor. Hence, only visiting those when the doctor isn’t available is advised.
• Urgent care centers aren’t the same as emergency rooms. For more severe injuries/illnesses, I would advise you to take your kid to ER.
• Make sure to consult your doctor if your child is prescribed long-term medication/treatment by UC.
• The environment of pediatric urgent care centers is designed for the kids, making them feel safer and less cranky.

Final Takeaway

We hope you found this article informative and helpful and understood the differences between adult and pediatric urgent care centers. With every single post, we aim to clarify some confusion for you. Please share any of your queries in the comments section, and our team will get back to you. We hope you and your family stay happy, healthy, and thriving!

And if you’re visiting surrounding areas such as Anna Maria Island, Pinnacle, Blake, Holmes Beach, or Cortez, we’re here for your urgent care needs.