Sick Child Visits

sick child

We make every effort to schedule appointments for sick children on the same day that you call us. It’s best to call in the morning if your child needs to be seen that day. When calling us to schedule your appointment please provide us with all of your concerns that you would like addressed so we may schedule the appropriate amount of time.


We are now offering online scheduling of Express Care appointments at our Enola office. Click here to schedule. Please limit to the following concerns:

  • Ear pain
  • Insect bites
  • Pink eye
  • Upper respiratory concerns including ear, throat, or sinus infection (without signs of respiratory distress)
  • Sore throat
  • Fever (3 months of age and older)
  • GI upset that started in the past 2-3 days

If you would like us to see more than one child, please schedule both of them when you make your appointment. Without an appointment, we may not be able to see a sick sibling right away, and you may be asked to wait while the physician sees a scheduled patient who may be waiting. A parent or legal guardian must accompany all patients.


Sometimes, delays with emergencies may cause us to fall behind schedule. We are providing the best possible care on an individual basis and these delays are sometimes unavoidable. We respect the value of your time and will do everything possible to maintain our schedule.

WHEN DOES MY CHILD NEED IMMEDIATE MEDICAL CARE?

Some symptoms are red flags that your child needs quick medical attention. Call us immediately for the following symptoms:

  • Fever of 100.4ºF or higher in children younger than one year old
  • Fever that lasts longer than three days
  • Unusual symptoms lasting more than three days
  • Persistent pain
  • Widespread rash with fever of 102ºF or higher plus other symptoms in children over one year old
  • Fever accompanied by a rash, stiff neck, vomiting, or headache

Did you know that JDC has a great resource on this website that may help you the next time your child is sick?

Symptom Checker is an online tool, using protocols endorsed by the American Academy of Pediatrics, that allows parents to click on a body part, select a symptom, and receive advice on how to treat minor illnesses at home or when to seek professional medical help. This tool also includes First Aid advice, Dosage Tables, and Parent Advice on a wide range of topics.

This tool:

  • Is designed for JDC Pediatric patients.
  • Advises if you should see a doctor or care for your child at home.
  • Is not for use for patients with weakened immune systems.
  • Keeps the data that you share with us safe, secure and unidentified.