Urgent Care vs. ER vs. Primary Care:

Know Where To Go for Your Child

By: Dr. Joe Chow

Trusted Care for Life’s Little Surprises

Helping first-time and seasoned parents feel confident when their child needs urgent attention. As a new parent, every cough, fever, or bump can feel overwhelming. Knowing where to turn when your child needs care is one of the most important decisions you will make. At our 5 Pediatric Urgent Care centers in Tampa, we are here to guide you—with compassion, clarity, and kid-focused expertise.

So, what exactly is pediatric urgent care—and how is it different from your pediatrician or the emergency room? Let’s break it down:

Primary Care Pediatrician: Your First Stop for Ongoing Care

Your pediatrician is your partner in your child’s growth and development.
They handle:

• Well visits and vaccinations
• Growth and developmental milestones
• Chronic conditions and long-term care
• Non-urgent questions and follow-ups

But sometimes, illnesses or injuries happen after hours on weekends or when your pediatrician isn’t available during a busy weekday. That is where After Hours Pediatric Urgent Care comes in.

Pediatric Urgent Care: Fast, Focused, Child-Centered Help

We treat:

• Fevers, ear infections, sore throats
• Coughs, asthma flares
• Mild allergic reactions
• Minor injuries (sprains, cuts, minor burns)
• Urinary tract infections
• Skin infections
• Rashes, pink eye, and more

We are open evenings and weekends including all holidays, and we welcome walk-ins—no appointment needed or Reserve A Time online. Our team is trained to care exclusively for children from newborns through age 21, so you can trust you are in the right hands.

Emergency Room: For Serious, Life-Threatening Issues

When seconds matter, the ER is the best place.
Go to the ER for:

• Severe breathing problems
• Head injuries with loss of consciousness
• Major trauma or broken bones with visible deformity
• Uncontrolled bleeding or seizures

Urgent care isn’t meant to replace emergency care—but it can help you avoid long ER wait times for issues that aren’t life-threatening.

Why First-Time Parents Love Our Pediatric Urgent Care

• We treat newborns through 21 years of age with expert pediatric care
• Short wait times and a calm, child-friendly environment
• On-site labs and X-rays for quick answers
• Open evenings, weekends, and holidays
• Walk-ins welcome—no appointment needed
• Reserve A Time online – relax at home until it’s nearly your turn.

Find Us at One of Our 5 Centers in Tampa-Just Around the Corner

Your child’s health shouldn’t have to wait. Whether it’s a sudden fever or a weekend tumble, our caring team is here for you.

We’re proud to be part of the Tampa community for over 25 years, helping parents feel confident and supported—every step of the way.