When Should You Call Your Pediatrician

​​At Boys Town, we understand that every child is unique and there is no such thing as “a one size fits all' when it comes to their health care needs. Boys Town Pediatrics offers these guidelines to help you recognize when a call to your child's pediatrician is recommended.

Well Checks

• It's important to schedule appointments with your child's pediatrician from birth through adolescence. In infancy, these appointments will occur more frequently. Beginning at age 3 and continuing through age 18, your child should have a well check every year.
• Well checks include a routine physical exam, vaccinations when needed and a review of your child's growth, development and behavior. As a parent, Boys Town encourages you to share your questions and concerns with your pediatrician, as no one knows your child better than you.
  

School and Sports Physicals

• The Nebraska State Law requires school physicals prior to entering kindergarten and seventh grade. Exams must be scheduled on or after March 1, so as not to exceed six months prior to the start of the school year.
• School sports physicals are required every year in Nebraska for teenagers entering grades 7 – 12 and participating in sports. Exams may be scheduled on or after May 1 prior to the school year in which the teen will be actively involved.
  

Illness
It is difficult to know which symptoms are concerning and warrant a call to your pediatrician. Here are a few symptoms to watch for:

• Fever
• If your child is less than 3 months of age, a temperature of 100.4 or higher
• ​If your child is older than 3 months of age, a temperature that is higher than 102 or the fever lasts longer than 72 hours
• Stomach issues – Severe vomiting or diarrhea, abdominal pain or decreased urine output
• Breathing issues – Difficulty breathing, wheezing, noisy breathing/grunting or their skin is pulling in at the neck or rib cage with each breath
• Ear pain, severe headache, irritability or too sleepy or difficult to wake up
  

If you are still in doubt about whether to see a doctor, call the nurse line at your pediatrician's office for guidance. If it is not an urgent medical issue, you can seek advice by sending a message or photos through the patient portal.

Boys Town knows that kids don't just get sick or injured during regular working hours. That's why Boys Town Same Day Pediatrics offers same-day visits for unexpected illness and injury seven days a week – evenings, weekends and holidays. Call to schedule an appointment for your sick or injured child at 531-355-SICK (7425). ​