The summer months are full of exciting activities the whole family can enjoy! Being out and about, going from one activity to the next, sometimes leads to illness and injury. So, where should you go if you find your kiddo with a healthcare ailment? There are so many different places to access healthcare depending on the issue. It can sometimes feel overwhelming. Now is the time to clear that up. Read the following and be the most prepared parent on the block.
Pediatrician
Your pediatrician is the physician you establish a long-term relationship with for your child’s well child check-ups and illnesses. Having a go-to pediatrician can save you time and benefit your kiddo long term. Who else is going to be on your team to convince the little ones to eat more greens? In addition to schedule appointments, both Billings Clinic pediatric offices offer same day appointments for sick kids. Calling in the morning usually ensures you’ll get an appointment for that day for urgent problems. Another great service being added in October is walk-in clinic hours for the winter months, Monday through Friday, 11am-6pm. If you don’t have a pediatrician, call the Billings Clinic HealthLine at 255-8400 or visit www.billingsclinic.com/kids
ExpressCare
No joke, the hidden gem of healthcare services for minor medical issues ages 2 and up. If you don’t feel like sitting around in a waiting room and your pediatrician can’t fit you in quickly, ExpressCare is where it’s at. There are three convenient locations around Billings in Albertsons and all are open Monday-Friday 8am-8pm, Saturday 9am-6pm, and Sunday 10am-4pm. “What do you mean “minor” medical issue?” Anything your mother wouldn’t let you miss school for back in the good ol’ days: allergies, athlete’s foot, bug bites, cold sores, rashes, burns, ear infections, sore throats, sports physicals, wart removal, vaccinations, and various screenings. There is even an app you can download to schedule your appointment! If you’d like more detailed information about ExpressCare and the services they offer visit, www.billingsclinic.com/expresscare
SameDay Care
SameDay Care is located in the heights, downtown, and on the west end of Billings. The downtown Billings location, 801 North 28th St, is available Monday – Friday from 7:30am to 7:00pm and Saturday and Sunday from 9am to 5pm. SameDay Care attends to 70 – 80 patients per day on average and care is first come first serve so wait times vary from 20 minutes to 2 hours. SameDay Care treats minor medical issues and injuries as well as muscle aches and pain, coughs, back strain, sprains and minor fractures. SameDay Care works closely with other specialties within Billings Clinic. If your child needs to be treated by a specialty department, SameDay Care assists in getting you to the proper area. SameDay Care is not intended to be used in place of a pediatrician. Prescriptions and refills are all done by your pediatrician, so give their office a call first to see if they can get you in that day. It gets repeated a lot but already having an established relationship with a pediatrician can save you time in the long run! Need more info? Visit www.billingsclinic.com/samedaycare.
Emergency & Trauma Center
Just as the name says, the emergency department should only be used in emergency situations, as in 911 has been called and you’re waiting to hear the weo weo weo of an ambulance off in the distance. If you, your child or someone you know is experiencing chest pain, trouble breathing, stroke symptoms, severe abdominal pain, excessive bleeding, severe pain for any reason, or another potentially life-threatening condition; it’s time to go to the emergency room. Though it’s the greatest hope you never need to visit the Emergency & Trauma Center, it is open 24 hours a day 7 days a week: always open and always ready to provide the best care to those you love.
