When your child is sick or injured, choosing where to take them for care can be a stressful decision. While urgent care clinics or the hospital emergency room (ER) may seem convenient, Pediatric Associates of the Northwest offers a better alternative for most non-life-threatening concerns. As your child’s medical home, we provide personalized, expert care every step of the way.
Urgent-care appointments are offered here every day (yes, weekends and holidays, too!) and if you are unsure how to handle a situation, call our 24/7 nurse advice line at (503) 227-0671 to reach our on-call provider for assistance.
When Should You Visit Us Instead of the ER?
It’s natural to feel hesitant about where to go when your child is sick or injured. While the ER is essential for life-threatening emergencies, many common illnesses and injuries can be treated safely and effectively within an urgent care visit at our offices.
Visit Us For:
- Fevers and flu-like symptoms that don’t improve with home care
- Coughs, colds, or sore throats
- Ear infections and pain
- Minor injuries, such as:
o Small cuts requiring stitches
o Sprains, bruises, or mild fractures
o Minor burns - Rashes or mild allergic reactions
- Stomach issues, like vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation
- Pink eye or other minor eye concerns
These are all common pediatric urgent care concerns that we regularly treat—without the stress, wait, or expense of the emergency room.
When to Go Straight to the ER:
While we’re here to help with many urgent care needs, certain symptoms require immediate emergency care. Head straight to the ER for:
- Difficulty breathing or severe shortness of breath
- Head injuries with loss of consciousness or confusion
- Seizures or uncontrolled shaking
- Severe injuries with heavy bleeding or broken bones protruding through the skin
- High fever in infants under 3 months old
- Severe allergic reactions, such as trouble breathing or swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
Your child’s safety is always our top priority, and we want to make sure they get the right care at the right place. If you’re ever unsure, don’t hesitate to call our 24/7 nurse advice line. Our on-call providers can point you in the right direction and help coordinate your care.
If a trip to the hospital or emergency room is necessary, Providence St. Vincent’s, Legacy Emanuel Medical Center, and Doernbecher Children’s Hospital at OHSU offer full pediatric hospital services and pediatric emergency departments.
8 Great Reasons Why PANW is the Best Urgent Care for Your Family:
Choosing Pediatric Associates of the Northwest for non-emergency situations has many benefits.
1. Pediatric-Focused Expertise You Can Trust
At Pediatric Associates of the Northwest, all of our providers are pediatric-trained. Unlike general urgent care clinics, we care exclusively for children, from birth to age 21. That means we’re experts in recognizing and treating the unique health concerns kids face.
2. A Medical Home That Knows Your Family
We’re not just here for a single visit; our doors are always open to you. As your child’s medical home, we know your family’s history, preferences, and ongoing needs. This connection ensures that every visit—whether for urgent care or routine check-ups—is seamless and comprehensive.
If you do find the need to visit an urgent care clinic or the ER, please let us know so we can update your child’s records and follow up to make sure your child is feeling better.
3. Care That Goes Beyond the Basics
While urgent care clinics treat the immediate issue, our pediatric team takes a whole-child approach. At every visit, we address:
- Chronic illnesses
- Nutrition concerns
- Behavioral health
- Special needs
- Keeping immunizations up to date
This level of care strengthens our relationship with your family and sets us apart from generic urgent care centers.
4. Faster, More Affordable Alternatives to the ER
- Shorter Wait Times: ERs prioritize the most severe cases first, which can mean long waits for non-critical concerns. With dedicated urgent care appointments throughout the day, we’ll see your child quickly and efficiently.
- Cost-Effective Care: Emergency room visits can be costly for minor issues. Our urgent care services offer a more affordable alternative.
- A Comfortable, Kid-Friendly Experience: The ER can be overwhelming for kids. Our environment is designed to be calm, welcoming, and focused on children’s needs.
5. Always Available—365 Days a Year
Kids don’t wait for convenient times to get sick or hurt. That’s why we offer urgent care appointments every day, including weekends and holidays. And when our office is closed, you can still call our main number to speak with an on-call provider who can guide you and direct you to trusted emergency care, if needed.
6. Strong Community Connections to Pediatric Specialists
If your child needs specialized care, we’ll coordinate and connect you with the best providers. Pediatric Associates is deeply rooted in the community, with access to trusted specialists, including our very own:
- Psychologists
- Neuropsychologist
- Lactation consultants
Our goal is to provide comprehensive support for your child’s health and well-being.
7. Stay Connected Through Our Patient Portal
We make it easy for families to stay informed and connected through our patient portal. With just a few clicks, you can:
- Email your provider with non-urgent questions
- Access lab results and past visits
- Request forms and updates
If you’re not signed up yet, just ask us how to get started!
8. A Legacy of Care for Portland’s Children Since 1957
For almost 70 years, families have trusted Pediatric Associates of the Northwest to provide exceptional care. Our commitment to your child doesn’t end when they leave our office. As your child’s advocate and health partner, we’re here for every step of their journey from infancy through young adulthood.
Your Child Deserves the Best Pediatric Care 24/7
At Pediatric Associates of the Northwest, we offer more than just pediatric and urgent care—we offer a trusted partnership focused on your child’s health. When you choose us, you’re choosing expertise, continuity, and compassionate care you won’t find anywhere else.
We’re here for you every day. Call us to schedule an urgent care appointment or to learn more about after-hours support.