When to Go to the PCP
A PCP should be your first option for any medical condition that isn't an emergency.
Call the PCP if your child has:
- a high fever
- ear pain
- abdominal pain
- a headache that
doesn't go away
- a rash
- mild wheezing
- a persistent cough
When in doubt, call the PCP. Even if the PCP isn't available, someone else in the
office can talk with you and determine
whether your child should go to the ER. On weekends and at night, PCPs often have
answering services that allow them to get in touch with you if you leave a message.
When to Go to an Emergency Room
Go to the ER if your child:
- has difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- has had a change in mental status, such as suddenly becoming unusually sleepy
or difficult to wake, disoriented, or confused
- has a cut in the skin that is bleeding and won't stop
- has a stiff neck along with a fever
- has a rapid heartbeat that doesn't slow down
- accidentally ingests a poisonous substance or too much medication
- has had more than minor head
trauma
How to Find a PCP
To find a PCP, start by asking yourself what matters to you. For instance, you'll
want the PCP's office to take your health
insurance and, ideally, be close to home. Other things to consider include how
helpful and friendly the staff is, how easy it is to get in touch with the PCP, and
whether the PCP's office hours will work with your schedule.
Ask for recommendations from friends, neighbors, relatives, and doctors or nurses
you already know and trust.
Once you have a list of candidates, learn
what you can about the PCP. For instance, does he or she:
- come across as open and friendly or more formal?
- prefer to treat conditions aggressively or take a "wait and see" approach?
- try to handle things in the office or refer most patients to specialists?
Find out about any extra services: some offices also have specialists, mental health
providers, dieticians, lactation consultants, and social workers on the premises.
It can be convenient to have all of these services under one roof.
Your health insurance plan may have a directory of preferred PCPs, and many practices
will let you meet with a potential provider to see if he or she seems like a good
fit for your child. And remember, although it's easier to find and stick with one
PCP, if you feel your child isn't getting the level of care you're looking for, you
can always switch to another PCP./p>
Date reviewed: September 2015