Sick Visits

When your child wakes up feeling unwell, develops an unfamiliar rash, or has symptoms that are not getting better, prompt pediatric attention can help you understand what is happening. Palmetto Pediatrics offers same-day sick visits when available, helping families receive timely answers and next steps.

During the visit, your provider will discuss your child’s symptoms and when they started, review relevant health history, check vital signs, and complete a focused exam. Testing may be performed when needed. Before you leave, we’ll review the diagnosis, treatment recommendations, home-care instructions, symptoms to watch for, and when your child can safely return to school or activities.

Services:

    Ear Infections

    Fever & Illness Care

    Minor Injuries

    Respiratory Infections

    Same-Day Visits

SAME-DAY SICK CARE

Get Fast, Compassionate Care When Your Child Is Sick or Injured

A sick visit gives our pediatric team time to evaluate your child’s symptoms, identify a possible cause, and recommend appropriate next steps. You’ll receive straightforward treatment recommendations, home-care instructions, and information about when follow-up may be needed.

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Thorough evaluations, compassionate care, and personalized treatment help your child feel better and recover safely.

Sick visits provide prompt evaluation and treatment when an infant, child, or adolescent develops symptoms that do not require emergency care. Common reasons for an appointment include fever, cough, congestion, ear pain, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhea, rash, or a possible infection.

A visit may be needed when symptoms worsen, continue longer than expected, disrupt sleep or normal activities, or are especially concerning based on your child’s age or health history.

A sick visit typically includes:

  • Review of symptoms, how long they have been present, and treatments already tried
  • Measurement of temperature and other vital signs
  • In-office testing when medically appropriate
  • Medication or home-care recommendations

Our Palmetto Pediatrics team will explain the diagnosis, provide instructions for managing symptoms at home, and let you know when follow-up is recommended. For life-threatening symptoms, seek emergency medical attention immediately.

Looking for a pediatrician you can trust with your child's care?

Palmetto Pediatrics welcomes new patients from infancy through age 18. Our providers work closely with families as children grow, offering preventive services, prompt attention when concerns arise, and care tailored to each child’s needs.

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Components of Care During a Sick Visit

No two illnesses look exactly alike. We consider your child’s symptoms, age, health history, and exam findings before recommending testing or treatment, then provide straightforward next steps for home.

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What to Expect

Symptoms & Medical History

We’ll review your child’s symptoms, when they started, whether they have changed, and any remedies or medications already tried. Their age, medical history, and additional symptoms will help guide the examination and determine whether testing is needed.

What to Expect

Physical Examination

Your child’s provider will perform a focused physical exam based on the concern, which may involve the ears, throat, lungs, abdomen, skin, or another affected area. In-office testing may be completed when it can help identify the cause and inform treatment.

What to Expect

Treatment

Recommendations will reflect your child’s diagnosis, age, and symptom severity. Before you leave, we’ll explain any medications or home-care measures, what to expect during recovery, warning signs that require attention, and when a follow-up visit may be necessary.

Sick Visits FAQs

Questions are common when raising a child. Our team provides clear, practical information to help you make confident decisions based on your child’s health, development, and individual needs.

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  • How quickly can my child be seen for a sick visit? New Patients

    At Palmetto Pediatrics, we accept same-day appointments to ensure your child is seen in a timely manner.  To schedule your child’s sick visit, please call one of our locations or if you are an existing patient–through the patient portal.

  • When should I seek urgent care instead of a sick visit? Sick Visits & Urgent Concerns

    You should consider urgent care instead of scheduling a regular sick visit if your child’s symptoms need immediate attention or occur outside normal office hours. While most common illnesses can be managed during a sick visit, urgent care may be more appropriate in certain situations.

    Seek urgent care if your child has:

    • Difficulty breathing or rapid breathing
    • High fever that will not come down with medication
    • Severe vomiting or diarrhea causing signs of dehydration
    • A deep cut, possible broken bone, or significant injury
    • Severe ear pain or sudden worsening of symptoms
    • An allergic reaction with swelling, hives, or trouble breathing

    If your child is experiencing life-threatening symptoms, such as severe breathing difficulty, unresponsiveness, or seizures, you should call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately.

  • Can my child return to school or daycare after a sick visit? Sick Visits & Urgent Concerns

    Yes, your child can usually return to school or daycare after a sick visit once their symptoms are improving and they are no longer contagious. Your child’s provider will give specific guidance based on diagnosis and treatment.

    In general, children can return when they:

    • Have been fever-free for at least 24 hours without fever-reducing medication
    • Feel well enough to participate in normal activities
    • Have improving symptoms such as cough, congestion, or sore throat
    • Are no longer vomiting or having diarrhea for 24 hours

    Some conditions—such as strep throat, pink eye, or certain infections—may require 24 hours of treatment (like antibiotics) before returning to school or daycare.

Comprehensive pediatric services to support your child’s health and development at every stage.

Our Services

Well Visits & Preventive Care

Wellness visits play an important role as your child grows, allowing our pediatric providers to regularly assess their health and administer preventive care. Each visit is designed to:

  • Monitor growth
  • Review development
  • Help maintain your child’s overall health and well-being
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Behavioral Health

Behavioral health assessments help our team better understand your child’s emotional, behavioral, and developmental needs. These visits provide time to discuss concerns, identify practical strategies, and determine appropriate next steps. Services may include:

  • Anxiety, depression, and ADHD
  • Parent coaching & strategies
  • Behavioral risk assessments
  • Specialized referrals
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Telehealth

Our pediatric telehealth services provide a convenient and reliable way to receive care from home. Our providers offer virtual visits for evaluation, guidance, and treatment recommendations to help your child feel better while ensuring safe and timely care.

Telehealth appointments are best for:

  • Colds and coughs
  • Rashes & Allergies
  • Pink eye
  • Minor stomach issues
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Immunizations & Vaccines

When your child is due for vaccines, an immunization appointment allows our pediatric practitioners to review their health and provide the protection they need. Each visit is designed to follow recommended schedules, ensure vaccine safety, and support your child’s long-term health and well-being.

  • Vaccine education and guidance
  • Alternative and catch-up scheduling
  • Answers to your vaccine questions
  • Safe, age-appropriate administration
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School, Sports & Camp Physicals

School, sports, and camp physicals provide a convenient and reliable way to ensure your child is healthy and ready for participation in these activities. Our providers perform comprehensive exams, complete required forms, and offer guidance to support your child’s safety and well-being.

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Other Specialty Services

Specialty services provide a supportive and reliable way for our providers to address your child’s unique health and developmental needs. Our pediatric team offers personalized evaluations, targeted guidance, and practical solutions to support your child’s growth, well-being, and overall development.

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