Items filtered by date: October 2024

A wellness check under Medicare is an essential preventative measure designed to maintain and improve health as individuals age. Officially termed the "Annual Wellness Visit," this service is covered under Medicare Part B. It involves a comprehensive review of one's health, including a discussion about medical history, a routine measurement of vital signs, and a personalized prevention plan based on current health status and risk factors. This check-up is critical because it helps catch potential health issues early, when they are easier to treat. Furthermore, it allows individuals to discuss their health concerns with their healthcare provider. Regular wellness checks can lead to better health outcomes and lower overall healthcare costs by preventing diseases before they start. For those who find it convenient, it is suggested that you visit an urgent care center for this type of medical check.

For more information about the importance of wellness care at urgent care, contact one of our healthcare professionals from Summit Health Family & Urgent Care. Our healthcare professionals provide expert wellness checks to help maintain your health. 

Wellness Visits

Urgent care centers play a pivotal role in healthcare, not just for emergencies but also for routine wellness visits. These facilities offer convenient, timely, and comprehensive healthcare services that cater to a wide range of medical needs, including preventive care.

One of the significant advantages of urgent care centers is their accessibility. Unlike traditional primary care offices that often require appointments scheduled weeks in advance, urgent care centers usually offer walk-in services or same-day appointments. This flexibility is particularly beneficial for busy individuals and families who may struggle to find time for regular check-ups.

During a wellness visit at an urgent care center, patients can receive various preventive services such as vaccinations, blood pressure monitoring, cholesterol checks, and routine blood tests. These visits also provide an opportunity to discuss any health concerns with a healthcare professional, receive personalized advice on maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and get referrals to specialists if necessary.

Another benefit of urgent care centers is their extended hours of operation. Many centers are open evenings and weekends, making it easier to fit a wellness visit into your schedule without disrupting work or school commitments. This accessibility ensures that patients do not have to neglect their health due to time constraints.

For individuals who do not have a regular primary care provider or need immediate attention for non-emergency issues, visiting an urgent care center for a wellness visit can be an excellent choice. If you have ongoing health concerns or need more specialized care, the healthcare professionals at urgent care centers can provide the necessary referrals.

How long does a wellness check at urgent care take? 

A wellness check at an urgent care facility typically takes about 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the services provided and any additional tests required.

What should I bring to my wellness check at urgent care? 

Bring your identification, insurance card, a list of current medications, and any relevant medical records to your wellness check at urgent care.

Will I see a doctor during my wellness check at urgent care? 

During a wellness check at an urgent care facility, you may see a doctor, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant, all of whom are qualified to conduct the examination and provide care.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Sachse, TX. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your health needs.

Urgent care is a good choice for children because it offers immediate, quality care for non-life-threatening issues, with shorter wait times than an emergency room. Staff are well-equipped to handle common pediatric concerns, making it an accessible and efficient option that does not sacrifice comfort or quality, so your child gets compassionate, focused care quickly. Easing a child’s concerns about visiting urgent care starts with preparation and reassurance. Explain in gentle terms that the visit is to help them feel better, and that urgent care staff are friendly people trained to make children feel comfortable and cared for. Bringing along a comforting item, like a favorite toy or blanket, can provide added security. Staying calm yourself and engaging in soothing activities, like deep breathing or telling a favorite story, can also make the experience more manageable. If you are needing medical care for your child, it is suggested that you visit an urgent care facility for treatment.

For more information about pediatric services at an urgent care center, contact our healthcare professionals from Summit Health Family & Urgent Care. Our healthcare professionals provide expert care in a variety of areas for the younger members of your family.

Pediatric Services

Pediatric care at an urgent care facility encompasses a wide range of medical services designed to address the health needs of infants, children, and adolescents. This specialized care focuses on both preventive and acute medical issues, ensuring that young patients receive timely and effective treatment.

Urgent care facilities are equipped to handle a variety of pediatric concerns, making them a convenient option for parents. Common reasons to bring a child to an urgent care center can include minor injuries such as cuts, sprains, and fractures, which require prompt attention but are not severe enough for an emergency room visit. These facilities also treat common illnesses like colds, flu, ear infections, and strep throat, providing quick relief and preventing complications.

In addition to treating acute conditions, pediatric urgent care centers often offer preventive services. These can include routine vaccinations, physical exams for school or sports participation, and screenings for developmental milestones. Such preventive care is vital for monitoring a child's growth and development, catching potential issues early, and ensuring overall health and well-being.

Parents may choose to bring their child to an urgent care facility for several reasons. The convenience of walk-in appointments and extended hours, including evenings and weekends, makes it easier to get care without waiting for a scheduled visit with a primary care physician. Additionally, urgent care facilities typically have shorter wait times than emergency rooms, reducing stress for both the child and the parent.

By providing comprehensive and timely care, pediatric urgent care facilities offer a valuable resource for parents, ensuring that children receive the necessary medical attention quickly and efficiently. This approach helps manage health concerns effectively while accommodating the busy schedules of modern families.

Visiting urgent care for lab tests can be a practical and efficient choice. Urgent care centers are designed to provide prompt medical attention, often with shorter wait times compared to traditional hospitals. These facilities are equipped to handle a variety of lab tests, from blood work to diagnostic screenings, with results often available quickly. The convenience of extended hours, including evenings and weekends, ensures that patients can access services outside of typical business hours, reducing the need to miss work or school. Additionally, urgent care centers typically offer a more affordable option for lab tests compared to emergency rooms, providing significant cost savings. The streamlined process at urgent care facilities ensures that patients receive timely and accurate diagnostics, enabling quicker treatment plans. If you are seeking efficient, accessible, and cost-effective lab testing, it is suggested that you visit an urgent care center.

For more information about diagnostic services provided at an urgent care center, contact our healthcare professionals from Summit Health Family & Urgent Care. Our healthcare professionals provide several vaccinations for your immediate needs.

At an urgent care center comprehensive diagnostic services are offered, including X-ray imaging, ultrasound, and laboratory testing, to provide thorough and accurate healthcare assessments. The healthcare team is committed to delivering high-quality diagnostic services that aid in the diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment of various medical conditions.

X-ray imaging, also known as radiography, uses electromagnetic radiation to create detailed images of bones, organs, and tissues within the body. X-rays are valuable for diagnosing fractures, joint injuries, lung conditions, and digestive issues. X-ray services at an urgent care facility include bone X-rays for fractures, joint injuries, and arthritis, and chest X-rays for lung conditions such as pneumonia, tuberculosis, and lung cancer. Abdominal X-rays are taken to assess digestive issues and identify abnormalities, and dental X-rays are used for dental examinations and detecting oral health problems.

Ultrasound imaging, or sonography, utilizes high-frequency sound waves to create real-time images of internal organs and structures. Ultrasound is safe, non-invasive, and commonly used in obstetrics, cardiology, and various medical specialties. Urgent care ultrasound services include obstetric ultrasound for prenatal care and monitoring fetal development, and abdominal ultrasound to assess organs such as the liver, kidneys, gallbladder, and pancreas. Cardiac ultrasound, or echocardiography, is used for evaluating heart function and detecting abnormalities, and vascular ultrasound can assess blood flow and detect vascular conditions.

Laboratory testing plays an important role in diagnosing diseases, monitoring health indicators, and guiding treatment decisions. Laboratory services at an urgent care include a wide range of tests and analyses, such as: blood tests, urine tests, cultures, and sensitivity testing for bacterial infections and tissue analysis for cancer diagnosis and staging.

There are various benefits of comprehensive diagnostic services including accurate diagnosis for effective treatment planning, timely intervention and early detection of health issues, and personalized care based on individual patient needs. Continuity of care is vital to ensure seamless coordination between imaging, testing, and healthcare interventions.

How long does it take to get results from diagnostic tests at urgent care? 

The time to receive test results varies, with some rapid tests providing results within minutes, while others, like blood tests, may take a few days. The staff will inform you about the expected timeline for your specific tests.

Can urgent care handle complex diagnostic tests?

Urgent care centers are equipped to handle many common diagnostic tests, but for more complex or specialized tests, they may refer you to a hospital or specialized laboratory. They can provide an initial assessment and direct you to the appropriate facility if needed.

Athletes can trust urgent care facilities for their sports physicals, where health and performance are prioritized. Thorough evaluations are performed to assess fitness levels, identify potential risks, and offer guidance for optimal athletic well-being. Sports physicals go beyond basic check-ups. Cardiovascular health, musculoskeletal function, and injury risk factors specific to sports participation are evaluated. This comprehensive approach helps athletes understand their physical capabilities and potential areas for improvement. During your sports physical, the healthcare team also addresses nutrition, hydration, and injury prevention strategies tailored to your sport and activity level. They believe in empowering athletes with the knowledge and tools they need to perform at their best while staying healthy and injury-free. Whether you are a student athlete, recreational enthusiast, or professional competitor, if you are seeking a sports physical, it is suggested that you visit an urgent care center.

For more information about the ease of obtaining physical exams at an urgent care center, contact our healthcare professionals from Summit Health Family & Urgent Care. Our healthcare professionals provide different types of physical exams for various members of your family.

Physical examinations, commonly referred to as physicals, are essential components of preventive healthcare that focus on evaluating overall health and identifying potential medical issues. Urgent care facilities offer comprehensive physical examination services to assess your health status, address concerns, and promote wellness. The healthcare team is dedicated to providing thorough and personalized care to optimize your well-being.

A physical examination is a complete assessment of your overall health and wellness conducted by a healthcare provider. It typically includes a review of your medical history, including past illnesses, surgeries, medications, and family medical history. A vital sign assessment is also included with measurements such as blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, and body temperature, in addition to a physical assessment consisting of a head-to-toe examination, evaluating various aspects such as skin, eyes, ears, nose, throat, heart, and lungs. Depending on your age, health history, and risk factors, laboratory tests such as blood tests, urine tests, cholesterol screenings, and other diagnostic tests may be recommended. The urgent care center will offer guidance on healthy lifestyle choices, preventive measures, vaccinations, screenings, and disease management.

Benefits of physical examinations are numerous and include early detection of health issues, preventive care, personalized wellness plans, and continuity of care.

The types of physical examinations an urgent care facility can provide include annual wellness visits, pediatric well-child exams, pre-employment physicals, immigration physicals, and school physicals.

Can an urgent care provide documentation or forms required for school, sports, or employment physicals?

Yes, many urgent care centers can provide documentation or forms required for school, sports, or employment physicals. They typically have the necessary forms on hand and can complete them during your visit. It is a good idea to bring any specific forms required by your school, sports team, or employer to ensure they are filled out correctly. Always confirm with the urgent care center beforehand to make sure they offer this service.

Can an urgent care center provide copies of physical exam results, and how soon can they be expected?

Yes, urgent care centers typically provide copies of physical exam results. The timeframe for receiving these results can vary depending on the specific tests performed during the exam. For standard physicals, you might receive your documentation immediately after the exam. If additional tests such as blood work or imaging are required, it may take a few days to get the results. It is best to ask the urgent care staff about the expected timeline for your specific situation.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Sachse, TX. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your health needs.

Prostate screenings are important for early detection of prostate cancer, a common cancer among men. The screening typically involves two main tests. The prostate-specific antigen, or PSA, blood test and the digital rectal exam, or DRE. The PSA test measures the level of PSA in the blood, with higher levels potentially indicating the presence of cancer. The DRE involves a healthcare provider physically examining the prostate through the rectum to detect abnormalities. These screenings are essential because early-stage prostate cancer often has no symptoms, and early detection significantly improves treatment outcomes. Men should consider prostate screenings at around age 50, or earlier if they have a family history of prostate cancer or other risk factors. The frequency of screenings depends on individual risk factors and initial test results but is generally recommended annually or biennially. For immediate concerns or symptoms, it is suggested that you visit an urgent care center for prompt evaluation.

For more information about men’s health treatments at an urgent care center, contact our healthcare professionals from Summit Health Family & Urgent Care. Our healthcare professionals provide services to fit your needs.

Men's Health

Men’s health at an urgent care facility encompasses a range of services designed to address acute and non-emergency health concerns specific to men. Urgent care centers provide a convenient and accessible option for men seeking immediate medical attention without the need for an appointment, unlike traditional doctor's offices. They offer treatment for common conditions such as urinary tract infections, sexually transmitted infections, minor injuries, respiratory infections, and gastrointestinal issues. Additionally, urgent care centers can assist with issues like testicular pain, erectile dysfunction, and prostate concerns, offering initial assessments and treatment options.

When visiting an urgent care facility for men's health issues, patients can expect prompt and professional care. Upon arrival, the intake process involves a brief medical history and description of the current issue. The medical staff, which includes physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants, will then conduct a physical examination and may order diagnostic tests such as blood work, urinalysis, or imaging studies. Treatment plans are developed based on the diagnosis and can include medication prescriptions, referrals to specialists, or recommendations for follow-up care.

Urgent care centers are equipped to handle many health issues that men may face, providing quick and effective treatment. This environment is typically less crowded than emergency rooms, leading to shorter wait times and a more efficient experience. Most centers have extended hours, including evenings and weekends, making them a flexible option for those with busy schedules.

If you are a man experiencing a health concern, it is suggested that you visit an urgent care facility to receive timely and competent medical care tailored to your specific needs.

What should I expect during my visit to urgent care for a men's health issue?

You can expect a brief medical history intake, a physical examination, and possibly diagnostic tests like blood work or urinalysis.

 Will urgent care follow up on my men's health issue after the visit?

Urgent care centers typically provide initial treatment and may recommend follow-up with a primary care provider or specialist.