Acute Care Visits Specialist

What are acute care visits?

Acute care visits are consultations for health problems that need urgent treatment. An acute illness is a condition that develops rapidly over a day or two, in contrast to a chronic disorder, which requires ongoing care.

Acute illnesses take many forms, some of which require urgent care, others that need emergency attention, and many that get better with self-care.

If you're young and fit, you're less likely to experience serious symptoms or complications from acute illnesses. However, if you're older or have underlying health problems, a condition like the flu could lead to pneumonia, which is far more serious.

What conditions require acute care visits?

You should consider coming in for an acute care visit at Global Family Medicine and Urgent Care if you have symptoms of conditions like:

• The flu
• An eye infection
• A urinary tract infection (UTI)
• Strep throat
• Persistent vomiting and diarrhea
• Dehydration

Burns or minor lacerations that need dressing or stitching also warrant an acute care visit.

If you're sick with something like a cold but only have mild symptoms, then resting, drinking lots of fluids, and over-the-counter medications can help you feel better within a few days. But if your symptoms persist, get worse, or if anything new develops (such as a fever or ear pain), an acute care visit might be in order.

When should I use the hospital rather than an acute care visit?

Going to the hospital emergency room or calling 911 are better for dealing with potentially life-threatening symptoms such as:

• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain that isn't a muscle strain or heartburn
• Heavy bleeding
• Loss of consciousness
• Sudden confusion
• Loss of function
• Fractures
• Seizures
• Serious burns
• Acute allergic reaction or anaphylaxis

Medication overdoses, inhaling smoke or poisonous fumes, or consuming a toxic substance are also likely to require treatment at the emergency room.

What should I do if I require an acute care visit?

If you have an illness or injury that requires urgent attention, Global Family Medicine and Urgent Care has a clinic. There's no need to make an appointment, just attend the urgent care walk-in clinic for prompt attention.

If you need help with a nonurgent illness or injury, chronic disease management, or routine screenings and immunizations, you can schedule a consultation with the main practice as normal.

Call Global Family Medicine and Urgent Care for more information about acute care visits, or book a routine appointment online today.