Newsletter

Eeny, Meeny, Miny, Moe — Where should my child go (to see a doctor)?

Your teenager needs a physical. Your daughter has an ear infection. Your son broke his arm. Your baby is having trouble breathing. There was a time when you only had two choices for medical attention for your children – the pediatrician’s office or the emergency room. But now, thanks to the ever-expanding levels of care that are available, you have several choices of where to take your child.

Pediatrician’s office

Your pediatrician knows your child best. For well-baby visits, routine check-ups, vaccinations and school physicals, make an appointment with your pediatrician. This office should be your first choice.

If your child suddenly becomes ill, and it is during regular office hours, call the office. All pediatricians keep openings during the day so sick children can be seen right away. If necessary, your pediatrician can refer you to a specialist.

Looking for a pediatrician? Washington University Physicians has expert pediatric primary care providers throughout the area. Please visit our primary care page for more information and an entire list of pediatric primary care practices.  

St. Louis Children’s After Hours pediatric care

For those situations where your pediatrician’s office is closed and you can’t wait until morning, peace-of-mind is available at St. Louis Children’s Hospital After Hours. This office offers kid-focused care for non- emergencies in an easy-to-access location, when you want a medical professional to see your child as soon as possible – no appointment necessary.

Families have access to high-quality care from a team trained in treating children and adolescents, including a nurse practitioner, pediatric nurse and radiology technician.

12436 Tesson Ferry Road
St. Louis, MO 63128
314-454-6336

Monday through Friday: 5 pm to midnight

Saturday and Sunday:  Noon to midnight

Holidays:  5 p.m. – midnight on the following holidays: New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day, Easter, Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve (closed Christmas Day)

StLouisChildrens.org/AfterHours 

Washington University and Barnes-Jewish Orthopedic Injury Clinic

Kids are active, and injuries are inevitable – from falling off a bike to falling out of a tree, and everything in between. The injury clinic offers urgent orthopedic care at two walk-in locations.  At the Orthopedic Injury Clinic, patients receive immediate care by orthopedic specialists, with convenient on-site x-ray, splinting and casting services. 

Get instant access to Washington University orthopedic excellence – afternoons, nights and weekends. Save time and skip the emergency room — no appointment necessary.

Patients age five years and up can be seen for NON-LIFE THREATENING CONDITIONS such as:

  • Sprains
  • Strains
  • Fractures
  • Minor dislocations
  • Sports injuries

West County 
Washington University and
Barnes-Jewish Orthopedic Center

14532 S. Outer Forty Drive
Chesterfield, MO 63017
314-514-3500

Walk-in hours:
Monday-Thursday: Noon – 7 pm
Friday: Noon – 6 pm
Saturday: 8 am – noon
Sunday: closed

South County
Center for Advanced Medicine – South County
5201 Midamerica Plaza, Suite 1500
St. Louis, MO 63129
314-514-3500

Walk-in hours:
Monday-Thursday: Noon – 7 pm
Friday: Noon – 6 pm
Saturday: closed
Sunday: closed

Emergency room

The emergency room (ER) is for life-threatening or very serious conditions that require immediate medical attention. If your child has a large open wound, heavy bleeding, major burns, severe head injury, difficulty breathing or major broken bones – call 911 FOR AN AMBULANCE TO TAKE YOU TO THE NEAREST emergency room.  If the situation seems life threatening, don’t hesitate — take action immediately.