Urgent Care Specialist

What is urgent care?

Urgent care at Cardinal Pediatrics includes immediate medical care for non-life-threatening situations. The pediatric experts are here for your child as soon as they require care, offering same-day appointments to meet your child’s needs. 

They also offer weekend and after-hours visits if your child needs these services. If your child has a life-threatening emergency, call 911.

Which urgent care services are available?

Among the urgent care services available for your child at Cardinal Pediatrics are:

• Rapid flu and strep testing
• Urine testing
• Blood tests
• Allergy testing
• Asthma tests
• X-rays and other imaging procedures
• Sutures and staples
• Sutures removal
• Medication prescriptions
• Injections
• Wound care 
• Fracture care

The skilled providers offer pain relief for your child when necessary to make them feel comfortable. The providers’ compassionate demeanor puts children of all ages at ease during urgent care visits.

Why might my child need urgent care?

Your child might be a candidate for urgent care at Cardinal Pediatrics if they struggle with:

• Severe or long-lasting fever
• Sore throat with white patches
• Ear pain
• Severe nasal congestion
• Rash
• Severe coughing
• Urinary problems
• Nausea or vomiting
• Severe diarrhea or constipation 
• Lacerations, burns, or puncture wounds
• Fractures, strains, or sprains
• Allergic reactions
• Severe asthma
• Difficulty breathing
• Confusion, dizziness, or lightheadedness
• Headaches or migraines, or other signs of a head injury
• Insect or snake bites 
• Severe or ongoing pain

If you’re unsure if your child needs same-day urgent care services based on their symptoms, let the friendly team at Cardinal Pediatrics answer your questions over the phone.

What happens during urgent care visits?

During urgent care visits at Cardinal Pediatrics, the first priority is pain relief (if necessary). Then, the providers check your child’s vital signs, review their medical history, and complete a physical exam to look for signs of illnesses or injuries.

The providers evaluate your child’s eyes, ears, nose, throat, and reflexes, as well as their heartbeat and breathing. 

They could recommend urine tests, blood tests, nasal or throat swabs, X-rays, or other imaging procedures. The Cardinal Pediatrics team may suggest allergy tests, asthma testing, or other diagnostic tests.

Depending on the type of injury or illness your child has, your provider develops an effective treatment plan. It could include rest and fluids, medications, sutures or staples, or casting. 

Your child may need an inhaler, other breathing treatments, or care from another specialist or hospital staff if they have a severe or complex medical problem.

At the first sign of a non-life-threatening medical situation, schedule an appointment with Cardinal Pediatrics by phone or online, or simply walk-in today.

We offer pediatric care, physical exams, and newborn care located in Lowell, MA and Chelmsford, MA. Call us to book your appointment today.