Whether your child has a fever, a cough, or another health problem, one of our experienced nurses can help determine the correct care for them over the phone. 

The Telephone Triage Program is a nurse triage phone line that’s available 24/7 for CHOP Primary Care. It is staffed by specially trained pediatric nurses who can evaluate your child's symptoms and provide guidance. Please note this is not an appointment scheduling line, but during weekday daytime hours (7 a.m. - 5 p.m.), our triage line can also schedule appointments, if needed.  

This service is just one of the many services CHOP offers to support families with their child's healthcare needs always, and in all ways. 

How to call the Telephone Triage Program

To reach our nurse triage team, call your primary care practice and follow the prompts to speak to one of the specially trained registered pediatric nurses on the nurse triage line.

When to call the Telephone Triage Program

Good reasons to call our triage nurses include:

• Fevers
• Rashes
• Ear pain
• Colds/coughs (including concerns for whooping cough and croup)
• Diarrhea
• Fussy/crying baby: There are few things as frustrating as seeing your baby cry and feeling as though there is nothing that you can do to help. Some causes include colic (usually if the baby is younger than 4 months) and teething (usually if the baby is older than 4 months)
• Belly pain
• Asthma

A reminder that our triage nurses cannot schedule appointments after‑hours. They are here to help families determine whether it is safe to wait at home until the next business day, offering guidance and advice to care for your child in the comfort of your home. 

If symptoms suggest your child needs care sooner, these nurses may suggest a visit to one of CHOP's pediatric Urgent Care Centers or an emergency room. You also have the option to self-schedule within your MyCHOP account at any time – sign in and look for available appointment slots. 

Please do not call our triage nurses for the following:

• Routine appointments 
• Routine medication refills (except for rescue breathing medication) 
• Referrals to sub specialists 
• School notes or health forms 

What to do if your child swallows or eats something they shouldn't

If you suspect that your child has ingested something dangerous (unintended medication, a dose of medication that is too high, a poison, etc.) please call the Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222.

What to do for trauma and injuries

Please call the Telephone Triage Program if you have questions about a potential injury that your child may have sustained. Our nurses can help you determine the next best step for your child's care. If it is an emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.