Primary Care Doctor, Urgent Care or Emergency Department?
Knowing where to turn when your child needs help is information every parent should have. If your child’s pediatrician or family doctor isn’t available, Nationwide Children’s Hospital is here to help.
If you think your child has a medical emergency or life-threatening condition, always call 911. If you think someone is poisoned, call the Central Ohio Poison Center at 1-800-222-1222.
Check out the chart below for common illnesses/injuries and where you should go for treatment. Call us at (614) 722-2000 if you still have questions.
| ILLNESS/INJURY | DOCTOR | URGENT CARE | EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allergic Reactions (anaphylactic shock) |
✓ | ||
| Allergic Reactions (rash) | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Asthma/Difficulty Breathing | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Asthma/Difficulty Breathing/ Respiratory Distress |
✓ | ||
| Behavior Concerns | ✓ | ||
| Broken Bones | ✓ | ||
| Broken Bones (small) | ✓ | ||
| Burns | ✓ | ||
| Burns (minor/small) | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Constipation (without severe pain) |
✓ | ||
| Cough and Cold Symptoms | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Cuts (minor/small) | ✓ | ||
| Dehydration | ✓ | ||
| Ear Pain | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Fever | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Fever (in infants 8 weeks or younger) |
✓ | ||
| Headache (mild) | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Headache (severe) | ✓ | ||
| Immunizations | ✓ | ||
| Rashes | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Seizure | ✓ | ||
| Self-Harm (or thoughts of suicide) |
✓ | ||
| Severe Pain | ✓ | ||
| Sore Throat | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Sports Physicals | ✓ | ||
| Vomiting and Diarrhea | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Warts | ✓ | ||
| Well Visits | ✓ |
Access more information and guidelines on when to seek appropriate care for your child here.
