Our Services / Sick Visits

What are sick visits?

A sick visit is a brief outpatient appointment- in-person or via telehealth that diagnoses and treats acute or chronic illnesses. Every child occasionally gets ill. Most minor illnesses respond to treatments like rest, drinking plenty of fluids, and over-the-counter medication. If your child’s symptoms persist or worsen, contact Dr. St. Etienne immediately.

What conditions do sick visits diagnose?

At Children’s Medical Clinic, Dr. St. Etienne uses sick visits to diagnose various conditions, including:

• Colds
• Coughs/Asthma
• Sore throats
• Seasonal flu
• COVID-19
• Headaches and migraines
• Urinary tract infections
• Bronchitis
• Sinus infections
• Pink eye
• Ear infections
• Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
• Irregular menses

Dr. St. Etienne also provides minor surgical care, including stitches and cryotherapy.

When should I schedule a sick visit for my child?

Schedule a sick visit for your child with Dr. St. Etienne if they develop symptoms such as fever, cough, abdominal pain or any symptom that is concerning to the caretaker. That’s especially true if the fever occurs alongside more serious symptoms like loss of consciousness, difficulty breathing, or chest pain.

What happens during a sick visit?

Dr. St. Etienne tailors sick visits to your child’s needs. Instead of prescribing blanket treatment, she works one-on-one with you and your child to develop a custom care plan that provides lasting relief-"Parent Partnership".

At the beginning of your child’s appointment, she reviews their medical records and asks about their symptoms, including when they first started, if at-home treatments provide any relief, and their impact on your child’s quality of life.

Next, Dr. St. Etienne conducts a complete physical. She also orders lab work, including blood tests, urinalysis, and, if necessary, a culture. Cultures help diagnose bacterial or viral infections, like Strep throat, bronchitis, or COVID-19.

After Dr. St. Etienne receives the results of your child’s tests, she makes a diagnosis and develops a custom treatment plan.

What can I do at home to help my child recover?

If your child gets sick, there are several things you can do at home to speed up their recovery. Dr. St. Etienne recommends:

• Applying nasal saline spray and steam (humdifer or bathroom) for nasal clearing of congestion
• Taking over-the-counter medications for the appropriate age and dosing
• Getting lots of rest
• Drinking plenty of fluids
• Monitor temperature

If your child has a bacterial or viral infection, Dr. St. Etienne might also prescribe antibiotics or antiviral medication.

If your child isn’t feeling well, don’t wait to schedule a sick visit at Children’s Medical Clinic. Call the office or book online today.