After Hours - A Parent's Guide to Calling the Pediatrician 

At HPP, one of our providers is always on call – 24/7 and 365 days of the year.

Many parents wonder when to call the doctor at home or wait until the office opens.

 Calling after hours:

• Please call our office and choose the after-hours doctor on call option.

• Leave a message with your child's name, date of birth, and a brief description of the problem, and the doctor will call you back.

• It is not necessary to call the doctor or to go to the ER if your child is >2 months of age and has a fever at night, unless there are other worrisome symptoms (i.e. difficulty breathing).

• Tylenol and Motrin dosing handouts are given at each well visit and may also be found on our website, Facebook, and Instagram pages! 

• Please do not call the doctor on call for Tylenol or Motrin dosing. 

• Please do not call the doctor after hours to request an appointment or a prescription refill. Medication will not be prescribed after hours.

Calling during business hours:

• For an appointment, speak to the receptionist to schedule the appointment.

• If you need urgent medical advice or are not certain if your child needs to be seen - please ask to speak to the nurse. The nurse may be able to help with the problem or get guidance from the doctor if necessary. Reception cannot give medical advice or recommendations.

• If you believe your child has a life-threatening emergency, call 911.

When speaking with the nurse or doctor:

• Tell us what symptoms concern you.

• Remind us about: any allergies, chronic illnesses, or if your child is not immunized.

• Remind us if your child has started a new medication or treatment.

Give the following information every time you call:

• Your name and phone number

•Your child’s name and age

•Your child’s symptoms and urgency of the call

Worrisome symptoms that would warrant a call:

• Difficulty breathing, stridor, or wheezing

• Not making wet diapers or decreased urine output (going 8 hours without urine)

• Unarousable/lethargic (and it’s not naptime/bedtime) or limp/unresponsive

• Possible seizure that has now resolved

• Hit their head and lost consciousness 

Poison Control Hotline: (800) 222-1222