Sick Visits

Please call us first — we’re an appointment-based practice, and calling lets us hold the right slot, prepare the room, and give you guidance over the phone if you don’t need to come in. Walk-ins may not be able to be seen the same day.

First thing in the morning — ideally between 8 and 9 AM when we open. We hold sick slots open every weekday, but they fill up quickly, especially in cold and flu season. If you call later in the day and we’re full, we’ll triage by phone and help you decide what to do.

Call our main line at 703-580-6400. The answering service will reach the on-call provider, who can call you back, give guidance, or send you to urgent care or the ER if needed. There’s a provider on call every night and every weekend, year-round.

Go straight to the ER (or call 911) for trouble breathing that isn’t getting better, persistent severe pain, a serious injury, a seizure, sudden confusion or unresponsiveness, or a fever in a baby younger than 3 months. When in doubt, call us first — we can help you decide in seconds.

Often, no. Most childhood illnesses — colds, most sore throats, stomach bugs, bronchiolitis — are viral and don’t respond to antibiotics. We prescribe antibiotics for confirmed bacterial infections like strep throat or some ear infections, and we always explain why or why not.

Generally: 24 hours fever-free without medicine, no vomiting or diarrhea for 24 hours, and (for strep or pink eye) at least one full dose of antibiotic. Every sick visit ends with a written return-to-school plan based on your child’s specific illness.