Items filtered by date: December 2024

Heart disease refers to a range of conditions affecting the heart, including coronary artery disease, arrhythmias, and heart failure. It is the leading cause of death globally, often resulting from plaque buildup in the arteries, which restricts blood flow. Key risk factors include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, obesity, in addition to  diabetes, a sedentary lifestyle, and a family history of heart disease. Men are at a higher risk earlier in life, but risk increases for everyone with age. Symptoms to watch for include chest pain or discomfort, shortness of breath, fatigue, dizziness, and swelling in the legs or feet. If you experience chest pain that radiates to the jaw or arm, sudden shortness of breath, or fainting, it could signal a heart attack. If you are experiencing troubling symptoms that might be related to the health of your heart, it is suggested that you visit an urgent care center immediately for evaluation, and to prevent further complications.

For more information about the role of urgent care at an urgent care center, contact one of our healthcare professionals from Summit Health Family & Urgent Care. Our healthcare professionals provide this type of care in an accessible, expert manner.

Urgent Care

Urgent care centers are medical facilities designed to provide immediate, non-emergency care for patients. These centers bridge the gap between primary care physicians and emergency rooms, offering a convenient alternative for individuals needing prompt medical attention without the severity warranting a visit to the emergency department.

Urgent care centers function as walk-in clinics, meaning no appointment is necessary. They typically operate with extended hours, including evenings and weekends, to accommodate patients outside regular office hours. Staffed by a team of healthcare professionals, including physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants, these centers are equipped to handle a variety of medical issues.

Urgent care centers address a broad spectrum of conditions such as minor fractures, sprains, cuts requiring stitches, severe colds and flu, ear infections, urinary tract infections, and other non-life-threatening ailments. They also offer diagnostic services like X-rays and laboratory tests, facilitating quick diagnosis and treatment. Additionally, many urgent care centers provide routine services such as vaccinations, physical exams, and travel medicine.

Choosing to go to an urgent care center can be advantageous for several reasons. First, it can save time compared to the often lengthy wait times in emergency rooms. Second, the cost of care at an urgent care center is generally lower than that of an emergency room visit, making it a more economical option for non-emergency situations. Third, urgent care centers offer convenience with their extended hours and walk-in policy, making healthcare accessible when primary care providers are unavailable.

How long will I have to wait at an urgent care center? 

Wait times at urgent care centers are typically shorter than emergency rooms, but can vary depending on the number of patients and the severity of their conditions.

Are urgent care centers open on weekends and holidays? 

Many urgent care centers are open on weekends and holidays, offering extended hours to accommodate patients outside of regular office hours.

Can urgent care centers provide prescriptions? 

Yes, urgent care centers can prescribe medications as needed based on the diagnosis and treatment plan.

Navigating the Department of Transportation, or DOT, physicals is seamless at an urgent care facility. Thorough evaluations and understanding of regulatory requirements ensure that commercial drivers receive the certifications they need efficiently. DOT physicals are required for commercial drivers to obtain and maintain their CDL, or Commercial Driver's License. Urgent care healthcare providers are familiar with DOT regulations and perform comprehensive exams to assess drivers' medical fitness for duty. During your DOT physicals, vision, hearing, blood pressure, cardiovascular health, and other essential criteria outlined by DOT guidelines are evaluated. The goal is to facilitate the certification process and ensure that drivers meet safety standards. If you require a DOT physical, it is suggested that you seek care from an urgent care where you can get a convenient appointment and efficient evaluation to minimize disruptions to your work schedule. 

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.