Call your pediatrician if your child older than 2 isn’t well; we can help you decide next steps.

Story by: Kim Huston on April 1, 2020

The 24 offices of Norton Children’s Medical Group, affiliated with the UofL School of Medicine, are keeping their normal hours for patients who need to see a pediatrician and meet either of the following criteria:

• Patients under 2 years old, who need immunizations (shots)
• Children of any age who aren’t feeling well
  • We ask that you call your pediatrician’s office so we can triage your child’s care with you.
  • We may have you come in to the office or set up a telehealth appointment with one of our providers.

If you need to bring your child to the office, please call the office from the parking lot when you arrive. Someone on the staff will give you further instructions about coming inside.

If you have any questions about your child’s upcoming appointment, or if they aren’t feeling well, call your pediatrician’s office to discuss. If you are not feeling well, we ask that you let us know that as well before you bring your child in for an appointment.

If you are an expectant parent and need to find a pediatrician’s office right now, please call your closest office to discuss options about next steps

Testing children for COVID-19

Be aware that your child’s pediatrician cannot automatically test for COVID-19. The decision of whether or not to administer the test is based on criteria provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and is made in consultation with an infectious disease specialist.

Depending on your child’s symptoms, the provider may ask you to take your child to an off-site testing facility. If symptoms are severe enough, they may tell you to visit an emergency room. This is why calling ahead is so important.