When to call the doctor when your child is sick

Telemedicine companies now offer online access to physicians through a video visit, and some insurance companies reimburse for it.

Calling a doctor or doctor’s office with a medical question is something people take for granted, at least here in the U.S.

It’s a privilege that some treat as a right.

This may be driven by the medical insurance industry. To be on an insurance company’s provider panel, doctors must be available or have a substitute available 24 hours a day, every day of the year.

But when is it medically appropriate to call a doctor’s office? Certainly to schedule a routine appointment. What if you just want to ask a question?

With smart phones and computers, physicians are accessible to their patients almost anywhere.

If a problem is serious enough that you need a physician’s opinion, then both you and your doctor deserve a face-to-face encounter.

It isn’t fair to you or your doctor, or good medical practice, to expect the doctor to make a medical decision based solely on the information gathered in a phone call or email.

Now there is a third option-virtual medicine. Telemedicine companies now offer online access to physicians through a video visit, and some insurance companies reimburse for it.

When to call your doctor?

For strictly procedural questions, a phone call or email may suffice; these can be answered by a nurse or a non-clinical staff per physician instruction. These questions might include

  • Clarification of medication instructions
  • Reporting normal test results
  • Scheduling follow-up office visits or diagnostic procedures
  • Billing, insurance, and payment issues
You might call your doctor for test results- or access them on line in a patient portal.
You might call your doctor for test results- or access the reports online in a patient portal.

When to see your doctor?

If you call your doctor with a medical question, expect to schedule an appointment.

MD Mama blogger, Dr. Claire McCarthy, a pediatrician and medical communications editor at Boston Children’s Hospital gives this advice about symptoms in children that should prompt a call to the doctor, and usually a visit to the doctor.

doctor-870361_1280

Although the article is directed to parents, the advice applies to adult illness as well. Symptoms for which evaluation should not be delayed if severe, persistent, or worsening include

  • Difficulty breathing
  • Fainting, passing out
  • Hives, swelling, rash (due to an allergic reaction) 
  • Lethargy or unexplained sleepiness
  • Severe pain
  • Vomiting and/or diarrhea if persistent or profuse 
  • Burns
  • Bleeding, uncontrolled 
  • Fever

And what is a true emergency? I cover that at this link.

exploring the HEART of children’s health

I’d love for you to follow this blog. I share information and inspiration to help you transform challenges into opportunities for learning and growth.

Add your name to the subscribe box to be notified of new posts by email. Click the link to read the post and browse other content. It’s that simple. No spam.

I enjoy seeing who is new to Watercress Words. When you subscribe, I will visit your blog or website. Thanks and see you next time.


Dr. Aletha

Sunday Words from Jeremiah the Prophet

jere2911

Guest commentary by Jeremy Scott Wilson, B.A., Biblical and Theological Studies; currently pursuing Master of Arts in Theological Studies and Church History. He blogs at Awakening to basics .

Jeremiah 29:11 

This is one of the most misused verses in the Bible, but the comfort this verse offers is far deeper than the out of context promise often given to graduates.

This was a specific promise given to specific people as opposed to a universal promise to mankind, and it was made to them while God was destroying their nation, tearing down the Temple, and sending the people into 70 years of captivity in a foreign land. Families were torn apart, people were enslaved; those left behind in a desolate homeland struggled to survive starvation. This was the setting of the promise.

But the promise God gave them was- no matter how bad things were about to get, God had a plan and He would not abandon them forever. 

The same God who promised Israel their suffering would end, and they would come into a brighter future because of the refining they would experience,  is the same God who brings us into the covenant promises. No matter what fire we are in, if it is the Lord’s chastisement we are enduring, God  will bring us into a better future if we allow the fire to purify us. When you feel like giving up, endure. Israel suffered for 70 years to receive this promise, we can endure whatever length we must as well. And the glory of the latter house will surpass the glory of the former.

Jeremiah 29