As a parent, it’s natural to worry when your child isn’t feeling well. But knowing when to head to a pediatric urgent care—and when it’s safe to wait or go straight to the ER—can be overwhelming. At Complete Health Partners, we’re here to help you make that call with confidence.
Here’s a quick guide to help you know when urgent care is the right choice for your child’s symptoms or injury.
What is a Pediatric Urgent Care?
A pediatric urgent care is the sweet spot between your pediatrician’s office and the emergency room. It’s designed for non-life-threatening issues that still need attention quickly—like fevers, minor injuries, and ear infections.
At our Nashville & Hendersonville urgent care clinics, we’re open 7 days a week, with walk-ins welcome—so you can get help when your pediatrician isn’t available.
When Should I Bring My Child To a Pediatric Urgent Care?
1. Fevers That Won’t Go Away
For babies 6 months and older, bring them in if their fever is over 102°F and lasts more than a day.
If your child is acting lethargic, refusing fluids, or has a rash with a fever, come in to rule out something more serious.
Note: For infants under 3 months with any fever over 100.4°F, head to the ER.
2. Cold & Flu Symptoms That Are Getting Worse
Wheezing, persistent coughing, or difficulty breathing
Ear pain or pulling at the ears
Yellow or green nasal discharge with facial swelling
3. Vomiting or Diarrhea
Lasting more than 24 hours, especially in younger children
Signs of dehydration like dry mouth, no tears when crying, or not urinating
4. Minor Injuries & Accidents
Sprains, strains, or possible broken bones
Cuts or gashes that may need stitches
Mild head injuries without loss of consciousness or confusion
Our clinic is equipped with X-rays and concussion testing, and our team is experienced in evaluating pediatric injuries.
5. Rashes, Bites, or Skin Infections
Rashes with fever or rapid spreading
Infected insect bites
Mild allergic reactions (like hives or itching, without breathing issues)
6. Sore Throats, Earaches & Pink Eye
Strep-like symptoms (fever, sore throat, no cough)
Painful ear infections or drainage from the ear
Red, itchy, or goopy eyes
7. Mild Breathing Issues or Asthma
Mild wheezing not relieved by medication
Increased effort to breathe, especially at night or with activity
Coughing that won’t go away
When to Go to the Emergency Room Instead
While urgent care is a great option for many issues, you should go directly to the ER if your child has:
Severe trouble breathing or bluish lips
Loss of consciousness or seizure
Head injury with vomiting or confusion
Uncontrolled bleeding
Protruding bone from a break
Severe allergic reaction (swelling of lips/tongue, difficulty breathing)
Fever in an infant under 3 months
Complete Health Partners Pediatric Urgent Care
Our walk in clinics are equipped to treat infants & children of 6 months and older. With compassionate providers to make your child feel safe & taken care of. We offer two walk in clinics in Nashville & Hendersonville that are both open 7 days a week, so you can get your child the care they need, when they need it. Walk in or book an appointment online: https://completehealthpartners.com/pediatric-urgent-care/
6749 Charlotte Pike, Nashville, TN 37209
629.203.7858
9am – 7pm, 7 days a week
166 E Main Street, Hendersonville, TN 37075
615.991.2855
7am – 7pm, Monday-Friday
9am- 7pm Saturday-Sunday