After-Hours Pediatric Urgent Care: Know Where to Go

Where to Go When Your Child Needs Pediatric Care After-Hours

When your child gets sick or injured, the only thing that matters is getting them the care they need as soon as possible. But what if it’s late in the day, a Saturday or during a holiday when your pediatrician’s office is closed?

That’s where after-hours pediatric urgent care comes in. For non-life-threatening illnesses and injuries, visit an urgent care just for kids.

And while regular urgent care centers also treat young patients, pediatric urgent care providers offer specialized care specifically designed for kids, helping them feel better, inside and out.

Here's a breakdown of care options available for pediatric patients:

Think of pediatric urgent care centers as an extension of your pediatrician's office. Learn more about what pediatric urgent care is and how it can help your family.

Common Reasons to Visit PediatricUrgent Care After Hours

Take your child to a pediatric urgent care clinic for minor illnesses or injuries that cause discomfort or require symptom management.

Examples of illnesses or injuries treated by pediatric urgent care include:

• Bronchitis
• Croup
• Diarrhea
• Ear infections and earaches
• Fever
• Flu or common cold
• Headache
• Inset stings or bites
• Mild asthma flare-ups
• Mild burns
• Mild dehydration
• Minor allergic reactions
• Minor bone fractures
• Minor cuts and scrapes
• Minor sprains and strains
• Nausea
• Norovirus and rotavirus
• Pink eye (conjunctivitis)
• RSV
• Skin irritations like rashes
• Strep throat
• Upper respiratory infection
• Vomiting

What to Expect at an After-Hours Pediatric Urgent Care Visit

When your child isn’t feeling well, you don’t need extra stress or confusion about what comes next. Here’s what you can expect when you visit an after-hours pediatric urgent care, so you can feel prepared and focus on what matters: comforting your little one.

Before Your Visit

• Find the nearest location. Locate the closest after-hours pediatric urgent care so you know exactly where to go.
• Bring what you need. Be sure to have your insurance card, a list of your child’s medications and any important medical records on hand.
• Pack comfort items. A favorite blanket or stuffie can help your child feel safe and calm.
• Plan your arrival. Many centers accept walk-ins, but you can often call ahead or check in online to see estimated wait times.
• Expect shorter waits than the ER. Most pediatric urgent cares see patients within 15 to 45 minutes, compared to longer wait times that may happen at ERs.

When You Arrive

• Check in with the team. Friendly staff will greet you and get your child registered.
• Complete paperwork. You may be asked to fill in some quick forms, so the health care providers have all the information they need.
• Talk through symptoms. Once you’re brought back, be ready to share details about your child’s symptoms and health history.
• Initial assessment. The medical care team will take your child’s vital signs, like heart rate and blood pressure, to get a full picture of their health.
• Tests and exams. Depending on your child’s needs, the doctor may order a rapid strep test, lab work or an X-ray.
• Treatment and care. From stitching small cuts to splinting sprains or prescribing medicine, the provider will focus on helping your child feel better — and giving you peace of mind.

Benefits of Pediatric Urgent Care

There are several benefits to taking your child to an after-hours pediatric urgent care center versus an all-ages urgent care center, including:

• A kid-friendly environment that can help put them at ease, such as colorful exam rooms and toys
• Care specifically tailored to infants, toddlers and children
• Extended hours that work with a parent’s schedule
• Faster care and less expensive than a visit to the emergency room

Finding an After-Hours Pediatric Urgent Care Center

At AdventHealth Centra Care, we make it simple to find dedicated after-hours pediatric urgent care. In Central Florida, we have two urgent care centers made just for kids: AdventHealth Centra Care Kids Lake Mary and AdventHealth Centra Care Kids Winter Park.

But if you’re outside our care area, here are a few ways to find the nearest pediatricurgent care near you:

• Search online. Try phrases like "after-hours pediatric urgent care" or "urgent care pediatric specialist."
• Check your insurance app. Most providers list nearby pediatricurgent care locations.
• Ask your child’s doctor or local hospital. They can point you toward trusted pediatric urgent care centers in your community.

Urgent Pediatric Care Whenever You Need It

No parent wants to see their child sick or in pain. After-hours pediatric urgent care is a safe and caring option when your pediatrician is unavailable. AdventHealth Centra Care’s dedicated pediatric centers in Lake Mary and Winter Park are here to help anytime your child needs care.