physician on call 24/7

After-Hours Pediatric Care in Northern Illinois

Childhood doesn’t follow business hours. Fevers spike in the middle of the night. Rashes appear on Saturday morning. That moment of worry doesn’t wait for Monday. At Associates in Pediatrics, we make sure your family is never without pediatric guidance. We have a physician on call after hours, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week – ready to talk through your concerns, help you assess the situation, and tell you exactly what to do next.

What is a After-Hours Pediatric Care?

After-hours care refers to pediatric medical guidance available outside of regular office hours. When you call our after-hours line, you’ll be connected with an on-call physician from our practice who can assess your child’s symptoms over the phone and advise you on whether your child needs immediate attention, can be seen first thing in the morning, or can be monitored at home with specific instructions.

When to Call the After-Hours Line

Call our after-hours physician if your child is experiencing any of the following:

 

  • Unusual or high fever, especially in infants under 2 months
  • Abnormal bleeding that is not actively life-threatening
  • Persistent vomiting or diarrhea – especially in very young children
  • Violent or persistent coughing
  • An unexplained or worsening rash
  • Unusual lethargy or difficulty waking
  • A concerning change in behavior or appearance
  • Any symptom that is worrying you and can’t wait until morning

When NOT to Use the After-Hours Line

Our after-hours line is reserved for urgent medical concerns. Please do not use it to schedule routine appointments or ask general questions about minor illnesses. For routine scheduling, call our office during regular business hours. This keeps the line available for families who genuinely need urgent guidance.

    When to Call 911 Instead

    If your child is experiencing a life-threatening emergency, call 911 immediately. Do not call the after-hours line first. Emergencies that require 911 include:

    • Loss of consciousness or unresponsiveness
    • Seizures
    • Severe difficulty breathing
    • Severe or uncontrolled bleeding
    • Suspected poisoning or overdose

    When in doubt, call 911. Your child’s safety is always the first priority.

      after-hours care

      frequently asked questions

      Will I speak with my child's regular doctor?

      You’ll speak with a physician from the Associates in Pediatrics practice, though it may not be your child’s primary provider. Every provider on our team has access to your child’s medical record and is trained in pediatric care.

      How much does the after-hours call cost?

      There is a $25 charge for after-hours calls. When you call, please listen carefully to all prompts for instructions on how to proceed.

      Can the after-hours physician send a prescription?

      In some situations, yes. Our on-call physician can evaluate your child’s needs and determine whether a prescription is appropriate without an in-person visit. This is determined on a case-by-case basis.

      When should I call vs. go to the ER?

      Call us first for anything that concerns you but does not appear immediately life-threatening. For serious emergencies – seizures, loss of consciousness, severe bleeding – call 911 immediately.

      Contact Our After-Hours Line

      FOR AFTER-HOURS PEDIATRIC GUIDANCE, CALL OUR MAIN LINE AT (847) 742-6888

      Children don’t just get sick during business hours. That’s why Associates in Pediatrics offers 24/7 access to pediatric guidance for our established patients. If your child becomes ill after hours, call our office to reach the on-call pediatric provider for medical advice and guidance on the next steps.

      If your child is experiencing a life-threatening emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department immediately. For all other urgent concerns, we’re here to help – day or night.

      View Our Locations

      Caring for northern Illinois families for over 40 years

      Call for Appointments

      847.742.6888

      Office Hours

      Monday - Friday: 8 am - 5 pm
      (Closed for lunch 12 - 1:30pm)

      Saturday: 8 am - 12 pm

      Sunday: Closed

      ELGIN SUMMIT STREET

      1015 Summit St
      Elgin, IL 60120

      ELGIN RANDALL ROAD

      1530 N Randall Rd.
      Elgin, IL 60123

      STREAMWOOD

      1020 E Schaumburg Rd. Streamwood, IL 60107

      ALGONQUIN

      2971 Algonquin Rd. Ste 105
      Algonquin, IL 60102

      AFTER HOURS

      Call 847.742.6888 to reach our answering service. A provider will be paged to assist you. A $25 after-hours fee applies.

      For life-threatening emergencies, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.