DELAWARE MODERN PEDIATRICS, P.A.

David M. Epstein, M.D.

300 Biddle Avenue, Suite 206

Springside Plaza, Connor Building

Newark, Delaware 19702

Phone: (302) 392-2077

Fax: (302) 392 - 0020

 

www.DelawareModernPediatrics.com

 

AFTER-HOURS EMERGENCIES

 

We try our best to provide 24 hour a day availability for our patients who have emergencies.  We feel that this is an important part of our practice.  However, we must depend on the judgement of our patients as to what constitutes an emergency.  The telephone operators at the answering service have no medical training, and cannot distinguish between emergencies and non-emergency problems.  We reserve the hours after the office closes and all day on weekends for emergencies only.

 

If your child has become ill, and you feel that it cannot wait until the following morning, we need to hear from you right away and we will be happy to assist you. .  (Please have available the phone number and hour of closing of your pharmacy.  Please also take the child’s temperature with a thermometer.)

 

Examples of true emergencies include:

           

·         Any infant under two months with a temperature over 100.5oF (38.1°C) rectally

·         Severe abdominal pain for more than two hours

·         Difficulty breathing (not just a stuffy nose)

·         Convulsion

·         Severe allergic reactions involving severe swelling or difficulty breathing or swallowing

·         Vomiting for more than 8 hours, unable to keep sips of fluids down

·         Possible fractures or lacerations possibly requiring stitches

·         Severe earache

 

Examples of non-emergencies include:

 

·         Older infants and children with fever, if the child is alert and responsive

·         Difficulty breathing because of nasal stuffiness, cough and congestion

·         Any illness which has lasted for several days

·         A child who has been on antibiotics for several days and does not appear to be getting better

·         Cough medicine refills, or refills for long-term medications

 

All of the above conditions are of concern, and certainly warrant a phone call.  However, for most non-emergencies, we will be much better able to help you during regular business hours, when the nurses can assist us and we have your records available.

 

Please try to assist us in providing the most efficient care for your child.  We are always ready to serve you.