After Hours (outside the hours of 8:00AM - 5:00PM Mon-Fri)

Please review the instructions below before starting an Urgent Text Thread with afterhours physician (click here from cell phone to start).

After Hours text/calls should be made only for emergencies or urgent problems that cannot wait until the morning.

  • Dr. Lam’s Common Illness and Concerns under Resources will often provide guidelines for most common illnesses and help to decide what might be urgent.

  • Acetaminophen (Tylenol) and Ibuprofen (Motrin) dosing is not an urgent or emergent issue. Dosing charts can also be found on our website for your convenience.

  • Sending us an Urgent Text (from cell phone) is the best way to relay your message as Voicemails sometimes take many hours to be processed.

  • What to include in text message (example text below):

    • Child Name

    • Age

    • All symptoms of problem and when each symptom started

    • State your main concern

    • Pharmacy of choice, if relevant

  • If you are concerned about your child, it is best to speak to a pediatrician before driving to the urgent care or emergency department.

  • Emergency department visits should be reserved for those who truly need EMERGENT care.

  • In general, if you do not need to call 911 for emergency transportation, then you have time to contact the pediatrician on-call first if you are uncertain if the situation is emergent.

Emergency Calls:

  • Call 911 for EMERGENCIES. Usually this means your child needs cardiac or pulmonary resuscitation and/or transportation to the hospital.

  • Call Poison Control 1 (800) 222-1222 for ANY and ALL POISONINGS.

Example of after hours “Urgent Text”:

Hi Dr. Lam this is John Doe, daughter Jane Doe, DOB 2/25/22. She has cough and runny nose since yesterday. Today fever of 102F. I read your Respiratory Infection and Fever handouts. I am concerned that she started having difficulty breathing tonight. If you can please call me to discuss if I should bring her to the ER that would be appreciated.