Pediatric Associates, pc Serving Our Westchester and Greenwich Communities
 
 
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CALLING THE DOCTOR
When calling the doctor or nurse, these rules will help to avoid misunderstandings and better provide you with the information that you need. We suggest that you download and print this page for later reference.

GIVE THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION WITH EVERY CALL when speaking with the receptionist or service operator:

* Your child's name, age and sex.

* The telephone number where you can be reached.
(Give more than one number if you will be at that location for a limited time.)

* Your child's most important symptom or symptoms.

* The degree of urgency of the call. i.e. whether an immediate call-back is required.
  • CALLING BASICS
  • IF YOU BELIEVE THAT YOUR CHILD HAS A LIFE-THREATENING EMERGENCY - DIAL 911 IMMEDIATELY. Then call us as soon as practical to let us know that your child is in transit to the hospital..
  • When calling the doctor for an EMERGENCY:
    Tell the office receptionist or answering service operator “This call is an emergency!” so that you can be put in touch with the doctor as quickly as possible.
  • When calling for a NONEMERGENT PROBLEM:
    Ask when the doctor or nurse is most likely to return your call.
    If you have not received a call-back within a reasonable period of time, always place a second call to our office to be certain that a miscommunication has not occurred.
  • INTUITION is very important. If you feel very nervous about your child’s condition, say so. If your child looks and acts well, report that also.
  • Report any CHRONIC ILLNESSES your child has, such as diabetes or asthma, any immunizations (shots) your child has received recently, and any medicines or other treatments your child is presently receiving. Also, remind the doctor about yoiur child's ALLERGIES when medicines are prescribed.
  • If you don’t understand the INSTRUCTIONS given by the doctor or nurse, ask to have them repeated.
  • If an examination is not needed, at the COMPLETEION OF THE CALL you should know the most likely cause of your child’s condition, which medicines or treatments should be given, and what signs or symptoms to watch for. You should also know under what circumstances you should call the doctor or nurse back.
  • When TRAVELING BY CAR, even during an emergency, drive carefully and slowly, 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, our doctor or nurse can call one for you.
  • WHEN TO CALL IMMEDIATELY FOR INFANTS YOUNGER THAN 2 MONTHS OF AGE

  • If the baby is lethargic (very sleepy or difficult to arouse), has poor color, or appears limp and unresponsive.
  • If the baby has a rectal temperature of 101*F (38.3* C) or higher.
  • If the baby refuses to eat 3 or 4 times in a row.
  • If the baby’s hands or feet have a yellow “jaundiced” color, or if the baby develops “pumpkin-colored” skin.
  • If the baby seems extremely irritable or has a high-pitched cry that lasts longer than 1 hour.
  • If the baby has a labored, wheezing, or “grunting” breathing pattern that lasts longer than one-half hour.
  • If your baby has an illness associated with a rash that looks like bleeding under the skin.
  • If you feel very nervous about your baby’s illness or general condition.
  • WHEN TO CALL IMMEDIATELY FOR OLDER CHILDREN

  • If your child seems unresponsive, does not make eye contact with you, or has cold and clammy skin that is not associated with vomiting.
  • If your child looks much sicker than usual with a “routine” illness.
  • If your child has an illness associated with a rash that looks like bleeding under the skin.
  • If the child has severe stomach pains that last longer than 4 hours, especially when they are localized to the lower part of the abdomen.
  • If vomiting has lasted longer than 24 hours or if there is blood in the stool or vomit.
  • If your child has any symptom that you believe to be unusual or frightening. For example, labored breathing, severe headache, or very high fever.
  • WHEN TO CALL ABOUT YOUR CHILD’S ILLNESS
    Call the office for these symptoms, but not necessarily on an urgent basis:

  • If you feel nervous or concerned about your child’s general appearance.
  • If your child has a symptom that comes and goes over an extended period of time.
  • If an illness or symptom seems to be getting progressively worse or lasts longer than expected.
  • If fever of more than 101* F (38.3* C) has persisted for more than 24 hours. (See below for newborns and infants.)
  • If a cough, cold, sore throat or runny nose has lasted longer than 2 days.
  • If a symptom seems more severe than it has in the past.
  • If your child has a rash or other problem and you are not sure what is causing it.
  • If you are not certain whether the child needs to be examined by the doctor or nurse.
  • WHEN TO CALL IMMEDIATELY AFTER TRAUMA OR INGESTIONS

  • If your child has struck his or her head and has lost consciousness, has nausea or vomiting, or complains of severe headache. Also report any of the following: mental confusion, unbalanced walking, poor coordination, loss of memory, or fluid coming from the nose or one or both ears.
  • If there is a persistent swelling, tenderness or deformity of the injured part.
  • If your child refuses to use an injured extremity for more than one-half hour.
  • If there is injury to an eye that causes redness, pain, or tearing for more than 15 minutes.
  • If your child has been bitten by an animal and the bite has gone through the skin.
  • If you need first-aid instructions for uncontrolled bleeding or other problems.
  • If you believe that your child may have swallowed a toxic or poisonous substance, you can call us. Information can also be obtained from the Poison Control Hotline at (800) 222-1222.
Dr BrownDr BerkowitzDr VersfeltDr AckerDr Carton
Patient Information Dr. Woodard