Emergency Calls - Day and Night Coverage

• Our practice is always covered.  When the office is closed a recorded message will give you the number of our answering service.  (800-361-3297).  If you have “Caller ID” please use another phone (e.g. Cell Phone) as the  doctors’ may be calling from an unlisted number that they don’t want displayed.
• If for any reason you have difficulty reaching us, call Winthropp University Hospital at 663-8767 to talk to the pediatrician on call for advice.
• Call 911 only for emergencies where your child may need resuscitation (e.g., your child is not breathing).
• Poisoning:  The poison Control Center can be reached by calling 542-2323.                    

Calls About Sick Children During Office Hours

We see children by appointment only.  Our office hours are Monday-Thursday 8:30 A.M. to 8:30 P.M, Friday 8:30AM - 5:30PM,

Saturday 8:30 A.M. to 2:00 P.M, and Sunday 10:00AM - 1:30PM.  If your child is sick and you want him or her seen, call ahead for an appointment so you won’t have to wait.  Try to call us about sick children during the morning hours.

Well Child Questions

We are happy to try to provide you with the health information you need to be a good parent   However, please place all calls about nonsick children during weekday office hours.  The best time to call is usually between 1:30 and 3:00 P.M. when our phones are least busy.

Prescription Refills

We refill prescriptions only during office hours.  We need your child’s chart handy to check on dosages and disease status.  Plan ahead so you don’t run out of important medicines.  Always have the phone number of your pharmacy available before you call the office.

Nighttime Calls

After office hours, one of the doctors is always on call and available.  Calls should be made only for emergencies or urgent problems that can’t wait until morning.  At night our line must be kept open for these purposes.  Calls about mild illnesses can usually wait until the next morning.  After hours your call will be answered by a recording which will give you our emergency phone number.  The answering machine will not record messages.

Weekends and Holidays

If your child becomes ill or injured, reach the physician on call through the answering service.  Try to call about sick children before noon so we can plan the day.  Again, after 5:30 P.M. calls should be made only about emergencies or other urgent problems that can’t wait until morning.

Information Before Calling - Please Know The Following  (except in emergencies)

• Your child’s approximate weight.
• Your child’s temperature if he or she is sick.
• The names and dosages of any medicines your child is taking.
• Your pharmacy’s exact telephone number.
• Have a pencil and paper handy.
• Also, have your child nearby, in case we need you to check something.