Know when to take your child to your health center or primary care doctor
Your primary care doctor will want to see your child for:
- Well-baby care
- Regular check-ups
- Immunizations
- Allergy care
- Fever
- Itchy eyes
- Clear, runny nose
- Asthma
- Stomach aches
- Ear infections
- Common colds
- Staying current about chronic conditions
Your child’s primary care doctor can help you decide when it is best to go to the Emergency Department for serious illnesses or injuries. Be sure to have your health center or primary care doctor’s phone number to call if you have questions.
Know when to take your child to the closest Emergency Department
Take your child to the closest Emergency Department if he or she has:
- High fever
- Difficulty breathing
- Severe vomiting
- Deep cuts
- Possible broken bones
- Asthma attack
- Dehydration (baby has not wet a diaper or child has not urinated in 8 to 10 hours)
Call 911 for an ambulance if your child is having an emergency that you believe needs immediate attention.
If you need help finding a primary care doctor or health center:
- Check the list of doctors offered by your health insurance plan
- Check websites that list primary care doctors or health centers
- Ask the care team members in the emergency department, including the community health educator.
- The Children’s National Emergency Department community health educator can be reached at: 202-741-4125
- Call the Medicaid provider that covers your child-you will need your child’s
- Medicaid ID number
- Chartered Health Plan: 202-408-4720
- Unison: 800-701-7192
- Medicaid general: 202-698-2000
- DC Healthy Families and DC Healthcare Alliance: 202-639-4030
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