What are sick visits?

Sick visits provide prompt medical care for problems that need same-day attention, whether you wake up with the flu, suffer a minor injury, or a chronic health condition flares up.

Your sick visit is dedicated to managing your current health problem, allowing your provider to focus on the issue and offer treatment as quickly as possible.

What conditions do sick visits treat?

Prosperity Internal Medicine frequently treats the following during sick visits:

• Respiratory infections (such as the flu, COVID, or bronchitis)
• Ear infections
• Congestion
• Coughs
• Sore throat
• Sinusitis
• Migraines
• Abdominal pain
• Poison ivy and oak (and other rashes)
• Urinary tract infections
• Minor cuts and injuries

You should also schedule a sick visit if a chronic condition flares up. These conditions include  asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and arthritis.

What happens during a sick visit?

Your Prosperity Internal Medicine provider evaluates your symptoms, gives you a physical exam, and runs lab work if needed. For example, you may need a throat swab, blood tests, or urinalysis.

Their goal is to diagnose the problem as quickly as possible, then prescribe treatments that ease your symptoms and put you on the road to recovery. You may need medications, or your provider might recommend self-care measures you can use to improve your comfort and promote healing.

Many people won’t need another office visit, as long as their symptoms improve and they heal. Your provider could schedule a follow-up appointment to monitor your progress, depending on the reason for your sick visit.

When do I need emergency care instead of a sick visit?

Though Prosperity Internal Medicine providers treat most illnesses, some health conditions need the level of care that’s only available in your local emergency room.

Seek emergency care for any of the following:

• Fever accompanied by a stiff neck, headache, or rash
• Wound that doesn’t stop bleeding
• Loss of consciousness or confusion
• Lip, tongue, and face swelling
• Deep cut or puncture wound
• Severe abdominal pain
• Difficulty breathing
• Seizures
• Heart attack
• Stroke

Signs of a heart attack include shortness of breath, dizziness, chest pain (or pressure), and back, arm, or jaw pain. Stoke signs to look out for include drooping on one side of your face, weakness in one arm, and difficulty speaking.

If you need to schedule a same-day sick visit, call Prosperity Internal Medicine or book an appointment online as soon as possible.