Common Childhood Illnesses and When to See Your Family Care Physician

December 27, 2024

Childhood is a time of growth, exploration, and, unfortunately, illness. As children’s immune systems develop, they are more susceptible to a range of common illnesses. While many of these can be managed at home, others require professional attention. Knowing when to see family care physicians is essential for ensuring your child's health and preventing complications.

Respiratory Illnesses in Children

Respiratory illnesses such as colds, flu, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are common in children, especially during the colder months. Symptoms like runny noses, mild fevers, and coughs are usually manageable with rest and hydration. However, if your child experiences difficulty breathing, persistent high fevers, or dehydration, it's important to consult your family care physician. Early intervention can help prevent conditions like pneumonia or severe RSV complications, particularly in young children or those with underlying health conditions.

Gastrointestinal Issues

Upset stomachs, diarrhea, and vomiting are common childhood complaints, often caused by viral infections like rotavirus or norovirus. While these typically resolve within a few days, prolonged symptoms can lead to dehydration, which is especially dangerous for infants and toddlers. Signs like dry lips, reduced urination, or lethargy warrant a visit to family care physicians. Additionally, if your child has blood in their stool or vomit, immediate medical attention is necessary to address potential underlying issues.

Skin Conditions and Rashes

From chickenpox to eczema and hand-foot-and-mouth disease, skin conditions frequently affect children. Most rashes are harmless and clear up on their own. However, certain signs indicate the need for professional care. If a rash is accompanied by fever, spreads rapidly, or causes significant discomfort, schedule an appointment with your family care physician. Some conditions, like impetigo or severe allergic reactions, may require prescription medication or further evaluation. According to MedStudy, board-certified pediatricians undergo at least five years of post-graduate training, making them well-equipped to identify and treat even subtle signs of illness.

Recognizing when your child needs medical attention is a vital part of parenting. From respiratory concerns to skin issues, family care physicians offer comprehensive support to manage illnesses and promote recovery. At Hitchcock Family Medicine, we’re here to provide compassionate, expert care for your entire family. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and ensure your child’s health is in the best hands.

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Why We Don’t Take Insurance — And Why That’s Better for You

By 7071424396 • October 22, 2025

At Hitchcock Family Pharmacy, we’ve chosen to do things differently. We don’t accept insurance. Not because we can’t, but because we believe there’s a better way. And the result? Patients get clear prices, faster service, and real human care. In many cases, they even pay less than they would with insurance. Here’s why skipping the middlemen puts you back in control of your health. ⸻ Isn’t insurance supposed to make prescriptions cheaper? That’s the idea. But in reality, insurance often adds layers of cost and complexity that hurt everyone involved. When you fill a prescription at a typical chain pharmacy using insurance, a company called a Pharmacy Benefit Manager (PBM) gets involved. They decide which medications are “covered,” how much the pharmacy gets reimbursed, and what you end up paying. They can delay or deny medications your doctor recommends. And the final price at the register is often a surprise, even to the pharmacist. So even if your medication is technically covered, you might still overpay or walk away empty-handed. ⸻ Our approach is simpler. And it works. We work directly with patients and their doctors. No PBMs. No insurance games. This means: • You see the full price up front, with no surprises • If your doctor writes a prescription, we fill it • You’re not stuck waiting on prior authorizations • You can pick up meds same day or have them delivered • You’ll talk to real people who know your name Our pricing is often equal to or better than what you’d pay using a discount card like GoodRx. And we don’t play bait-and-switch pricing games. ⸻ What this means for doctors too We’re proud to support direct primary care practices, but we also work with traditional insurance-based clinics every day. Doctors are tired of wasting time on pharmacy red tape. Prior auth forms, phone tag, delays… It’s exhausting. When you send a prescription to Hitchcock Pharmacy, we get it filled quickly. We’re easy to reach, easy to work with, and always focused on what’s best for the patient. You don’t have to change your practice model to work with us. We’re just here to make your life easier. ⸻ Healthcare should be personal. So should your pharmacy. We didn’t build our pharmacy to fit into a broken system. We built it to fix what’s broken. No corporate call centers. No surprise charges. No runaround. Just fast, personal, affordable care from people who truly want to help. ⸻ Ready to try something different? 📬 Transfer your prescriptions today 📱 Set up refills or home delivery 🏥 Clinic or physician? Reach out and let’s work together