Pediatric Health Care Associates Calling Instructions

Please provide the following information at every call:

• Your child's name (spelling the last name)
• Date of birth
• An unblocked telephone number with area code
• Your child's primary office
• Your local pharmacy’s phone number
• A brief history of the problem:
  • Give the most important information first and try to be brief. For example, "My child has had a fever of 101 under the arm and vomiting six times a day for two days."
  • Report any chronic illnesses your child has, such as diabetes, asthma or heart disease; any allergies or immunizations (shots) recently received; and any medications or other treatments your child is presently receiving.

A parent's intuition is very important.

• If you feel very nervous about your child's condition, say so.
• If you believe that your child looks well despite his present symptoms, report that also.

For urgent messages:

• A triage nurse should return your call within 2 hours.
• If your child is experiencing a medical emergency, please hang up and dial 911

For non-urgent messages:

• A triage nurse should return your call within 2 to 4 hours.
• Please try to avoid return calls until that time has elapsed; our nurses answer messages in the order they were received.

At the completion of your call, you should understand:

• The most likely cause of your child's condition.
• Which medicines or treatments should be given.
• What signs or symptoms to watch for.
• When, and under what circumstances, you should call the office back.
• If you don't understand the instructions given, ask to have them repeated.

If you are instructed to come to the office or to go to the emergency room:

• Obtain travel instructions before leaving home.
• When traveling in a car, drive slowly and carefully, and use a restraining car seat for your child.
• If you feel too nervous to drive, call a friend or a taxi.
• If an ambulance is needed, the nurse may be able to call it for you.