Sick visits come in handy when you have unexplained symptoms that affect your day-to-day activities but are not severe enough to warrant a visit to the ER. Whether you are in dangerous condition or you are thinking something is happening to you, you can take care of yourself. This is the reason why they are good. All around the world this helps a ton of people. From China to the USA, all people should have this type of health support. For example, during San Antonio sick visits, a doctor and their team will diagnose your symptoms and customize a treatment plan to help you feel better. But what exactly is a sick visit and what does it entail?
Definition and Benefits of a Sick Visit
A sick visit is a service provided by some healthcare providers through which patients receive same-day diagnostics, treatment, and management of illness. You walk into the hospital and a doctor performs medical procedures in a comfortable environment – eliminating the need to go through the ER. Usually, this service is offered for symptoms and conditions that are worrying but not so severe that you need to go to the ER. They are convenient, fast, and effective. Other benefits of professional sick visits include:
· Chronic Condition Management
Sick visits can be of great benefit to patients with chronic illnesses like high blood pressure, diabetes, and cancer. Getting treatment immediately can improve your quality of life, allowing you to spend less time in line and more time recuperating. Through sick visits, doctors can also diagnose common symptoms and determine the best course of treatment.
· Early Risk Detection
Some markers increase your risk of developing serious illnesses in the future. For example, a combination of good low cholesterol and high bad cholesterol can predispose you to heart disease. Sick visits allow your doctor to detect and catch these risks early and prompt prevention.
Do You Need a Sick Visit?
As mentioned, sick visit symptoms should not be life-threatening. Most doctors offer this service for both children and adults and usually to address the following illnesses:
- Sinus infection
- Congestion
- Pink eye
- Allergies or asthma
- Long-lasting or high fever
- Colds
- Headaches
- Bronchitis
- Ear pain
- A severe or ongoing cough
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)
- Urinary tract infection (UTI)
- Injuries
What Can You Expect During a Sick Visit?
When you arrive for your sick visit, you will usually be greeted by a medical staff, who will then proceed to complete the following steps:
1. Medical History Review
Your doctor will study your medical history and check your vital signs. A technician might also get your temperature, blood pressure, weight, and pulse. After this, your doctor will discuss your medical history and current symptoms with you.
2. Physical Exam
Your doctor will then perform a physical exam to assess your overall wellness. This includes evaluating your reflexes, heartbeat, abdomen, neck, throat, breathing, and more.
3. Testing
Depending on the doctor’s findings, they may also recommend one or more of the following tests:
- X-rays
- STD Testing
- Throat swabs
- Blood tests
- Urine tests
- Nasal swabs
- Allergy tests
4. Treatment
If you have an injury or the doctor diagnoses a condition, they will then develop an effective treatment plan based on your symptoms and medical history.
If you or someone you care about is sick, a sick visit can help you find relief. At South Texas Family Medicine and Urgent Care Center, we offer same-day sick visit appointments for patients of all ages. Call our San Antonio, Texas to schedule a visit with our team of family medicine experts.