Is Urgent Care for Kids Too? Yes! (Plus Five Reasons Moms Prefer It to the ER.)

A doctor examining a boyMoms, dads and caregivers work hard every day to keep their kids happy, healthy and safe. They also rely on services like urgent care and the emergency room when their children get hurt or become ill unexpectedly. While the pediatrician’s office should always be the first line of defense, sometimes it just isn’t an option, like during weekends or after regular business hours.

If your child has a life-threatening injury or illness, the physicians at Pomona Valley Health Centers urge you to go to the nearest emergency room. However, for parents who have a child with a sore throat, fever, earache, diarrhea, or mild to moderate injuries, it’s best to go to the closest urgent care instead.

The Pomona Valley Urgent Care Centers in Chino Hills, Claremont and La Verne are available to children of all ages.

Moms prefer urgent care to the emergency room

Here are five reasons more moms are choosing urgent care centers over emergency rooms:

  1. Germs, bacteria and viruses
    Emergency rooms are known for drawing a crowd of injured or unwell people—and their germs. This means you and your little one could be unnecessarily exposed to a lot of communicable diseases. Unless your child is experiencing a life-threatening emergency, opt for a nearby urgent care facility instead.
  2. Shorter wait times
    The average emergency room patient wait time 4 hours, whereas urgent care facilities are able to see walk-in patients within 15-45 minutes. If you’re looking for fast, efficient and effective care, try urgent care first.
  3. Lower prices
    The average emergency room visit costs more than $1,300, whereas urgent care visits are a fraction of the cost at $70 to $125, depending on your insurance. Save yourself high out-of-pocket costs by opting for urgent care instead.
  4. Convenience

In the United States there about twice as many urgent care facilities as emergency rooms. If you’re looking for quality care that’s also close-to-home, you’re more likely to find it at an urgent care center.

  1. Less intimidating
    Emergency rooms can be busy, loud and sometimes scary places for children. Visiting an urgent care center is often calmer and may feel more like a visit to the doctor’s office.

Pomona Valley Health Centers offers safe, effective—and fast—urgent care for kids in Claremont. Walk-in or call 909-536-1493.

What are the Benefits of Having a Family Doctor?

What are the Benefits of Having a Family Doctor

Continuity of care means the repeated contact between a person and their doctor. Studies suggest that continuity of care is linked to lower death rates, higher patient satisfaction and improved patient trust. Trust is a key element in the doctor-patient relationship because people are more likely to disclose important information with doctors they know and depend on. It is also helpful for doctors to personally know their patients’ health history because it helps them make better-informed healthcare decisions and give personally tailored advice and recommendations.

Top five benefits of having a family doctor

There are a lot of reasons why trusting the same doctor with your extended healthcare is beneficial. Here is our top five:

  1. They are a trusted confidant
    Whether you’re not feeling well, are struggling with a pain, or dealing with an embarrassing issue, it’s nice to see a familiar face that is familiar with your health history.
  2. They know and understand you
    When you see the same doctor over the course of many years, they really get to know you, your health, habits and general state of being. Because of this, they’ll be better equipped to diagnose and treat you.
  3. They are there for you
    If you develop a serious condition like heart disease or cancer, a family doctor will help find a specialist that fits your exact needs and personality.
  4. They are invested in your health
    Family doctors do more than just annual check-ups. They are there to help you navigate chronic medical issues, like diabetes or asthma, as well as acute medical conditions like injury or illness.
  5. They improve your health and longevity
    When you have someone on your medical team that knows you and your health history well; they are better equipped to help you make the right healthcare decisions.

If you want to live a long, healthy life in the care of a skilled, trustworthy family medicine doctor near you, contact PVHC at 909-630-7829. Our family doctors are highly experienced in the science of medicine and art of compassionate care.