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New Web Site Helps Moms With Sick Kids

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(NewsUSA) - With schools in session, kids become exposed to more germs than ever. But with tight schedules and even tighter budgets, mothers might struggle to get their children to the doctor even when it turns out to be unnecessary.

Parents can easily misinterpret a young child's symptoms. A fever, headache and weakness could indicate the flu. But if a fever comes with neck pain or confusion, the child could have meningitis, a serious condition that warrants a trip to the emergency room. For this reason, emergency room physician Dr. Stephen Schueler, created a free Web site to help mothers diagnose a child's condition. It can even be used in schools by those who must make health care decisions.

Mothers don't want to waste time and money taking children to the emergency room for sniffles, but they can't ignore potentially serious conditions. And schools don't always have a health professional on hand to help diagnose children's symptoms or injuries on campus.

At FreeMD.com, a virtual version of Dr. Schueler "interviews" the visitor through a question-and-answer format. Based on the person's answers, the virtual Dr. Schueler tells them what may be wrong, how to treat the condition at home if possible or whether the condition warrants a trip to a doctor's office, an urgent care facility or an emergency room.

A visit to the emergency room can cost five times more money than a trip to the doctor's office, so knowing where to seek care can save parents' money and time.

The new service uses the same technology that the Veterans Health Administration has used to provide veterans with the best care, according to Dr. Schueler. The site also provides users with directions to the appropriate type of health care facility. This can be especially useful when needed in unfamiliar locations.

No matter how minor the ailment, trips for medical care can upset a small child. Here are some tips for less-stressful trips to the doctor:

- Be prepared to discuss your child's symptoms. FreeMD.com allows you to print out Dr. Schueler's diagnosis, including a checklist of symptoms.

- Allow your child to bring a favorite stuffed animal or portable game to the waiting room. Having a special toy on-hand can dispel anxiety; just make sure to clean it thoroughly when you get home.