You want the best for your family. In a world full of opposing views and differing perspectives, the one thing that just about everyone can agree on is the desire to provide health and foster happiness for their families. This is much more easily said than done, however, as there seems to be a constant battle with new illnesses and diseases. And if you are a parent, it doesn’t even have to be about the introduction of a new sickness. Keeping your children healthy in general can feel like fighting an uphill battle.
Kids get dirty and messy. It’s what they do. They also share everything, including germs and an underdeveloped understanding of hygiene, personal space, and overall cleanliness. So it is quite easy for them to pick up a virus, the flu, or a common cold. As a parent, you are always on duty, attempting to keep these sicknesses at bay, and when they strike, to get your child well as soon as possible.
Healthcare for your family
The health care system in the United States has gone through quite a transition, and it is still in the works. When comparing the health system of the U.S. with those in Europe and in other parts of the world, it is hard to sort out just what makes sense and why things are the way that they are. There are many systems that are in place or being built in order to serve the people, but are not quite polished yet. During these periods of limbo, things can feel a bit hopeless, or at the very least, confusing. And when you throw a sick child into the mix, things can get overwhelming very quickly.
Finding the perfect place for pediatric care can be a challenge itself, but when you consider that just 29% of primary physicians work at offices that offer care after normal business hours, you’ve got yet another issue on your hands. On average, any given child will catch about six to 10 colds every year. And chances are, not all of those colds are going to be at their worst during business hours, let alone the other illnesses and injuries your child could be faced with at some point or another. Having quality primary pediatric care is important, yes. But you should also have the contact information for other nearby offices offering good pediatric care, and educate yourself on local pediatric urgent care centers as well.
Giving yourself more options with urgent care
You know how to comfort and care for your child. Especially when your child is sick, you go above and beyond to make sure that he or she knows how much you care and how hard you are trying to fix everything. But the fact of the matter is, there are times that a doctor’s visit is unavoidable. And you need to be prepared for the scenario that calls for a doctor to check out your child during the hours that your primary care provider is unavailable.
Urgent care centers have become more popular options over the recent years. Providing much of the same care as emergency rooms provide, urgent care facilities typically have longer hours than a normal doctor’s office, and they are much cheaper than a trip to the emergency room. While a standard trip to the ER might run you around $1,500, an average urgent care facility will charge around $150 for the visit.
Plan ahead and expect the unexpected. It is the only way to successfully navigate parenthood.