Sick Visits

When your child wakes up feeling ill, develops a new rash, or has symptoms that are not improving, timely pediatric attention can bring clarity and peace of mind. SouthernMED Pediatrics offers same-day sick visits at many locations to help families receive answers without an unnecessary delay.

During the appointment, your provider will ask about the symptoms and when they began, review relevant medical history, check vital signs, and perform a focused exam. Testing may be recommended when appropriate. Before you leave, we will explain the diagnosis, treatment options, home-care steps, warning signs, and when your child may safely return to school or activities.

Services:

    Same-Day Visits

    Fever & Illness Care

    Respiratory Infections

    Ear Infections

    Minor Injuries

SAME-DAY SICK CARE

Get Fast, Compassionate Care When Your Child Is Sick or Injured

From common childhood illnesses to symptoms that appear unexpectedly, sick visits give our pediatric team an opportunity to understand what is affecting your child. We’ll assess their symptoms, recommend appropriate treatment, and explain how to help them feel better at home.

Schedule an Appointment

Trusted pediatric sick visits provide thorough evaluations, compassionate care, and effective treatment to support a safe and timely recovery.

Sick visits offer prompt medical care when your child develops an illness or symptoms that need attention. Our pediatric providers evaluate a variety of concerns and recommend next steps based on your child’s age, health history, and current condition.

These appointments are available for infants, children, and adolescents who need timely care for a non-life-threatening concern.

Common reasons to schedule a sick visit include:

  • Fever, coughing, congestion, or breathing concerns
  • Ear pain, sore throat, or signs of infection
  • Vomiting, diarrhea, or possible dehydration
  • Rashes, mild allergic reactions, or skin concerns

During the appointment, your provider will complete a focused physical exam and may perform in-office testing when needed. Treatment may include medication or instructions for managing symptoms at home. You will also learn which warning signs to watch for and when your child may need follow-up care.

Looking for a pediatrician you can trust with your child's care?

SouthernMED Pediatrics welcomes new patients from birth through age 18. Our providers partner with families through every stage, offering preventive guidance, timely treatment, and personalized attention.

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Components of Care During a Sick Visit

No two illnesses look exactly alike. We consider your child’s symptoms, age, health history, and exam findings before recommending testing or treatment, then provide straightforward next steps for home.

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What to Expect

Symptoms & Medical History

We will begin by discussing what your child is experiencing, when the symptoms began, how they have changed, and what you have tried at home. Your child’s age, medical history, and any related symptoms help the provider decide what to examine and whether testing may be useful.

What to Expect

Physical Examination

One of our pediatric providers will perform an exam based on your child’s symptoms, which may include the ears, throat, lungs, abdomen, skin, or other areas of concern. When medically appropriate, in-office testing may help clarify the diagnosis and guide treatment.

What to Expect

Treatment

Treatment is based on the diagnosis, your child’s age, and symptom severity. We will explain medication or home-care recommendations, what recovery may look like, warning signs to watch for, and when your child should return for follow-up.

Sick Visits FAQs

Parenthood comes with plenty of questions. Our pediatric care team is here to provide clear answers and practical guidance to help you make confident decisions about your child’s care.

See Full FAQs

  • How quickly can my child be seen for a sick visit? Sick Visits & Urgent Concerns

    SouthernMED Pediatrics offers same-day sick visits to help your child receive prompt pediatric care when they’re not feeling well. To make an appointment, call one of our locations or schedule your child’s sick visit online. Our North Augusta location offers sick visits 7 days a week. Additionally, our Rock Hill (Amendment) and Lexington (Lake Murray) locations are open on Saturdays exclusively for sick visits.

  • Should I bring anything with me to my child's appointment? New Patients

    To help your child’s pediatric sick visit go smoothly, please bring the following information and materials

    • Your insurance card and photo ID
    • A current list of medications, vitamins, and supplements your child takes
    • Notes about symptoms, including when they began and any recorded temperatures
    • A copy of your child’s medical history or records if you are seeing a new provider

  • When should I seek urgent care instead of a sick visit? Sick Visits & Urgent Concerns

    Consider pediatric urgent care when your child needs prompt medical attention, especially outside regular office hours, but their symptoms are not life-threatening. Many common illnesses can be treated during a routine sick visit, while injuries or rapidly worsening symptoms may require more immediate care.

    Urgent care may be appropriate for:

    • Persistent fever that is not improving with appropriate medication
    • Frequent vomiting or diarrhea with signs of dehydration
    • A deep cut, suspected broken bone, or significant injury
    • Severe ear pain or symptoms that suddenly worsen
    • Hives, swelling, or another allergic reaction without breathing difficulties

    Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately if your child experiences severe trouble breathing, swelling of the face or throat, unresponsiveness, a seizure, or other life-threatening symptoms.

  • Can my child return to school or daycare after a sick visit? Sick Visits & Urgent Concerns

    Your child can typically return to school or daycare after a sick visit when their symptoms are improving and they are no longer considered contagious. Their pediatric provider will offer specific return-to-school guidance based on the diagnosis, treatment plan, and your school or daycare’s policies.

    In general, children may return when they:

    • Have been fever-free for at least 24 hours without fever-reducing medication
    • Feel well enough to participate in their usual activities
    • Have improving symptoms, such as a cough, congestion, or sore throat
    • Have not experienced vomiting or diarrhea for at least 24 hours

    Certain illnesses, including strep throat, pink eye, and other infections, may require at least 24 hours of treatment before your child can safely return to school or daycare.

Comprehensive pediatric services for every stage of childhood.

Our Services

Well Visits & Preventive Care

Wellness visits provide an important opportunity to follow your child’s health and development throughout every stage of growth. During these routine appointments, our pediatric providers focus on preventive health and age-appropriate needs. Each visit helps us:

  • Track physical growth
  • Assess developmental progress
  • Promote healthy habits and long-term wellness
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Counseling & Behavioral Health

A counseling and behavioral healthcare visit allows our team to carefully evaluate you and provide the support you deserve. Each visit is designed to understand underlying concerns, build healthy coping skills, and help you grow with confidence and resilience. Our counseling services include:

  • Behavioral parent training
  • Social skills training
  • Behavioral intervention plans
  • Anxiety, depression, and ADHD treatment services
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Telehealth

Telehealth visits offer families a convenient way to connect with a SouthernMED Pediatrics provider from home for certain non-emergency concerns. During the virtual appointment, we’ll review your child’s symptoms, provide recommendations, and determine whether an in-person visit is needed. Telehealth may be appropriate for:

  • Colds and coughs
  • Rashes and allergies
  • Pink eye
  • Minor stomach concerns
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Immunizations & Vaccines

When your child is due for vaccines, an immunization appointment allows our pediatric care team to review their health and provide the protection they need. Each visit is designed to follow recommended schedules, ensure vaccines are given safely, and support your child’s long-term health and well-being.

  • Vaccine education and guidance
  • Alternative and catch-up scheduling
  • Answers to your vaccine questions
  • Safe, age-appropriate administration
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School, Sports & Camp Physicals

School, sports, and camp physicals provide a convenient and reliable way to ensure your child is healthy and ready for participation in these activities. Our providers perform comprehensive exams, complete required forms, and offer guidance to support your child’s safety and well-being.

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Lactation Consultation & Support

Lactation consultations offer dedicated time to discuss your feeding experience and address concerns for both you and your baby. Each appointment is tailored to your family’s needs and may include:

  • Reviewing feeding patterns, routines, and concerns
  • Observing latch, positioning, and milk transfer
  • Recommending practical adjustments to improve comfort and feeding progress
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Other Specialty Services

Specialty services give families access to focused pediatric attention for needs that may extend beyond routine visits. Our pediatric providers take time to assess your child’s specific concerns, explain available options, and develop practical next steps based on their health and development.

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