Should I go to the ER, urgent care, or primary care?

If you're experiencing respiratory symptoms, you're not alone. Discover the care options that can help you feel better.

Inova Pediatric Emergency Services Near You

A quick guide: When to go to the ER or Urgent Care


ambulance

PEDIATRIC EMERGENCY CARE

Most Emergency Rooms aren’t specifically equipped to care for kids, but Inova Children’s Emergency Rooms are.

NOTE: In a life-threatening emergency, call 911.

Inova Children's Hospital, Inova Fair Oaks Hospital and Inova Loudoun Hospital offer specialized emergency care for children, with board-certified pediatric emergency physicians and specially-equipped pediatric ERs.

• Pediatric ER doctors, physician assistants and nurses at each location
• Child life specialists trained to ease anxiety in children 
• Kid-friendly treatment rooms and waiting areas
• Access to iPads, DVDs and games
• If needed, expedited transfer to Inova Children’s Hospital

Learn about Inova's Pediatric Emergency Rooms arrow

urgent care symbol

PEDIATRIC URGENT CARE

For life's everyday bumps and bruises – and more – Inova Children's Urgent Care offers convenient care for your child seven days a week.

In addition to having specially trained pediatric providers on-site, we offer child-friendly spaces and equipment, as well as seamless coordination with your child's pediatrician.

These Inova urgent care locations have pediatric-specialized services available Monday – Friday noon to 8 p.m. and weekends 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.:

Inova Urgent Care – Dulles South (Chantilly)
Inova Urgent Care – Reston
Inova Urgent Care – Tysons (Vienna)
Inova Urgent Care – West Springfield

All Inova Urgent Care locations provide care for children.
 
Find an Inova Urgent Care near you arrow



 

child life program

INOVA CHILD LIFE PROGRAM

Little differences can make a BIG difference in your child’s care. That’s why Inova Children’s Emergency Rooms offer a comprehensive Child Life Program.

Inova's child life specialists are on site to prepare and support your child during a hospital stay or visit. They can answer questions and explain medical procedures in a kid-friendly manner and will provide distraction and support during a medical procedure.

If your child gets anxious, child life specialists can help soothe through medical play and self-expressive activities.

Learn more about Inova's Child Life Program arrow

PLEASE NOTE: All Inova emergency rooms and urgent care locations offer evaluation and treatment for pediatric patients.

Visit the ER if you have a serious or life-threatening medical emergency. Accidents happen. You might not be ready, but we are.


 

 


A-Z

Health Library
footer top