Can Urgent Care Test For Pneumonia

Pneumonia In The Elderly

Elderly patients with pneumonia may not exhibit typical symptoms or physical examination findings seen in younger adults, such as pleuritic chest pain, cough, fever, and leukocytosis. Signs and symptoms more frequently seen in older adults include falls, decreased appetite, or functional impairment. A change in mental status should prompt evaluation for an infectious cause., As with any adult, risk factors for atypical or drug-resistant pathogens should guide treatment. Elderly patients with history of stroke or known dysphagia are at an increased risk for aspiration pneumonia. Residents of nursing homes or long-term care facilities are at an increased risk for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus or multidrug-resistant pathogens.

What Are The Symptoms Of Pneumonia

Pneumonia symptoms can range from mild to severe, depending on the type of organism infecting your lungs and your overall health. Some of the most common symptoms of pneumonia are:

• Fever, night sweats, and chills
• Uncontrollable wet cough
• Phlegm production with coughing fits
• Shortness of breath or wheezing
• Chest pain or tightness

Pneumonia can even affect your digestive tract. If this happens, you can wind up with nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. Before your pneumonia symptoms get any worse, schedule an evaluation at Elite Urgent Care and get started on your personalized treatment plan.

Can Urgent Care Treat Bronchitis

Urgent care centers offer on-site x-ray imaging which means theyre able to diagnose bronchitis quickly and easily. Once diagnosed, the doctor will devise a treatment plan. Since bronchitis is a viral infection, it typically clears up on its own without antibiotics. The doctor at urgent care can still prescribe a cough medication to make you more comfortable and offer tips for helpful home remedies.

If you are in need of antibiotics to cure your bronchitis, urgent care can provide a prescription. Your treatment plan should also include a follow-up after a certain period of time to ensure the bronchitis has cleared from your system and no other treatment is needed.

Utilizing your local urgent care center for your bronchitis treatment will allow you to get the treatment you need without hours spent in an emergency room waiting room. Youll also be able to get treatment you can afford due to the lower costs at an urgent care center. Waiting to get treated at your primary care provider gives the bronchitis time to get worse, while an urgent care center has flexible hours of operation that allow you to stop by whenever its convenient.

We know life gets busy this time of year, but youre never too busy to prioritize your health and well being!

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How Do I Know If I Have Pneumonia

In the early stage of pneumonia, you may feel like you have a bad cold or flu. But symptoms can progress and become much more severe. You might have pneumonia if you experience:

• Persistent cough with green or yellow mucus
• High fever that wont go down after several days
• Severe chills and shaking spells
• Shortness of breath
• Difficulty breathing
• Stabbing chest pain

In its most severe stage, pneumonia can lead to confusion and extreme fatigue. You could even cough up blood. Healthy adults can often recover with proper treatment when pneumonia becomes severe. But it can be devastatingly dangerous and even fatal for older adults, pregnant women, children, and anyone with a compromised immune system.

A Doctor Will Usually See You More Quickly At Urgent Care

Since emergency rooms prioritize life-threatening health problems, urgent care can get you in and out more quickly if you have a minor medical concern. the ER, patients often wait hours to be seen for their potentially non-life-threatening concern, Alexis Halpern, M.D., an emergency medicine physician at New York-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center, tells SELF.

There are even some technology-based urgent care services where you can see a provider ASAP, such as NYU Langones Virtual Urgent Care center. For $126 , people in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania can book appointments to see an NYU Langone doctor virtually for nonemergency concerns.

Were going to go ahead and emphasize that nonemergency bit. If you need care for a concern that feels like a serious threat to your health, the emergency room is a better option than virtual or even IRL urgent care. Also, emergency rooms are open 24/7, whereas many urgent care centers are closed late at night, Dr. Tan says. They do typically stay open later than doctors offices, though.

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Is It Pneumonia How To Know And When To Go To The Er

Many people still think of pneumonia as an illness that happens only to the frail and elderly. But pneumonia can strike anyone at any ageincluding otherwise healthy young adults. Pneumonia is an infection that causes inflammation and fluid buildup in the air sacs of the lungs. It can be severe and even fatal, especially during the winter months, when respiratory infections occur more frequently. ESPN reporter Ed Aschoffs pneumonia-related death on December 24, 2019his 34th birthdayis a sad reminder.

Common causes of pneumonia include respiratory syncytial virus , rhinovirus and Streptococcus pneumoniae . Having the flu, in particular, can raise your risk of developing pneumonia.

Heres what you need to know about pneumonia to keep your family safe.

What Our Patients Are Saying

“The overall care I received was excellent! I also appreciate your affiliation with Yale New Haven Hospital.”

“Throughout the visit I felt like the staff really cared. The Doctor took his time talking with me about my symptoms, and I felt like he listened to all my concerns and took that into consideration when recommending the right treatment. Thank you!”

“I had to take my son in for an ear infection following a sudden change in temperament at daycare. He was inconsolable the entire car ride but when we got there and by the time we left this care facility he was back to his normal happy go lucky little two year old boy. I highly recommend PhysicianOne Urgent Care.”

“I wanted to take a moment to thank you for the attention you gave me last week. My son was started on antibiotics and ear drops. Within 24 hours he began to feel better. The poor kid had been going to school in tears because he was afraid of missing any more days, but feeling just awful! He’s not been able to even think about lacrosse practice, but thanks to starting him on antibiotics, he was thrilled to return to practice today.”

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Hospitals Could Be Overwhelmed By The Pandemic

Zipkin, with Northwell Health GoHealth Urgent Care in New York, is confident his centers can take on the patients.

The ultimate goal is to keep hospitals from getting overwhelmed by patients who don’t need a higher level of care.

, millions of Americans sickened by coronavirus might need a hospital stay. That could put a strain on staff, tax supplies of equipment, and even put facilities at risk of running out of room.

“We have to protect our ERs. We have to protect our hospitals,” Zipkin said.

Are you on the front lines of this at your pharmacy, primary care office, urgent care center, or hospital? I want to chat with you . I’m at .

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What Are The Pneumonia Symptoms That Bring Patients To Urgent Care

One of the most common symptoms associated with pneumonia is a persistent and painful cough. It is common to cough up mucus, and that mucus may be green in color or contain visible blood. The more a patient coughs, the more painful the cough will become. In addition, many people develop significant chest pain, which gets worse during coughing spells or when taking deep breaths. Some will have nausea and encounter trouble keeping food or fluids down. Others will have chills and uncontrollable shaking. Each individual is different, but a combination of these symptoms is usually enough to bring someone in for urgent care medical treatment.

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Urgent Care Centers Generally Cost Less Than Emergency Rooms

Of course, what youll pay will depend on your insurance, but urgent care is often much cheaper.

Because most urgent care clinics dont have as much equipment or specialist availability as an emergency department, the cost to provide care is less, and many insurance companies will require a lower copayment for evaluation, Paul L. Nadler, M.D., medical director of adult urgent care and a clinical professor of medicine at the University of California at San Francisco, tells SELF.

Words From Our Patients

• “In the 10 years I have lived in the south bay, I have only had the best experience every time I have gone to this urgent care facility.”

  Josh E.

• “The doctor was very friendly and accommodating. I had my two kids checked up for school and got the necessary paperwork. Very simple and easy.”

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• “Doctors and nurses are very caring and considerate.”

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• “Filled out forms and was seen in less than 10 minutes. Competent MD care. I would go again.”

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• “I’m the kind of person who hates the doctor, terrified of having to get blood drawn etc. I went in, spoke about what I was concerned about, and got the royal treatment.”

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• “One of the biggest pro’s about this place is that they can fill your prescription in-house — no need to make a trip to another drug store.”

  Jeff S.

• “Always knowledgable and friendly service, whether a PA or MD is there, I am always taken care of and never feel as if my issues are being overlooked.”

  K W .

• “Go in for a sinus infection, you don’t have to make a second trip to the pharmacy. Gold for me.”

  Kelly B.

• “Basically, it’s super convenient because it’s a one-stop-shot for illness and injuries.”

  Lindsey H.

• “The staff are helpful and nice. I had three appts and all were fast and the doc was one of the nicest and most professional I have met.”

  Bob L.

• “Staff is very friendly, the Doctor was knowledgeable and easy to talk to, I was in and out in less than an hour.”

  James M.

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What Types Of Covid

Middlesex Health Urgent Care administers PCR molecular tests. A COVID-19 PCR molecular test uses a nasal or nasopharyngeal swab, and this test is processed by Middlesex Healths Laboratory. PCR testing is offered at Middlesex Health Urgent Cares offices in both Middletown and Old Saybrook seven days a week. Patients can expect their results in 24 to 48 hours.

I Have Symptoms And My Doctor Wants To Order A Test But The State Or Local Health Department Wont Test Me

This is a direct result of the limited number of testing kits that have been available to date. When state and local public health departments had the only test kits that were available, health officials there made the decision about who to test. Essentially up to now the test was being rationed to people where it might make a difference, says Buccholz.

But that is quickly changing, as commercial testing labs are rolling out thousands of tests a day. And any physician can order tests through these companies, although many are still following certain criteria in deciding which people need them.

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Here Are Five Signs You Should Head For The Emergency Room Instead

Again, these are general. If you think you need emergency care for something that isnt on this list, seek it.

For instance, an allergic reaction involving swelling in your tongue and mouth can impact your breathing, which deserves emergency attention. Severe shortness of breath can also be a sign of a cardiovascular issue such as a heart attack. No matter the cause, always seek emergency care if your ability to breathe is compromised in an alarming way.

Chest discomfort on the left side, which could signal a heart attack, generally deserves prompt medical attention. This could present as straight-up pain, but it might also feel like pressure, squeezing, or as though that area is strangely full, according to the National Heart, Blood, and Lung Institute. This discomfort can be mild or intense, persistent or intermittent.

With that said, women are more likely to experience lesser known symptoms of a heart attack, like shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and pain that radiates into the back, shoulders, and jaw. If youre experiencing any of these, go to the emergency room or call 911.

This is especially important if youre more prone to heart attacks due to being over 55 or having other heart attack risk factors, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and a family history of this health issue.

You can think of the stroke symptoms to watch for with the acronym FAST, the Mayo Clinic says:

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If I Have Symptoms Where Should I Go To Get Tested

Because COVID-19 seems to be highly contagious, doctors are urging people with fevers and cough to not walk into emergency rooms or make appointments at their doctors office. Call first, describe your symptoms and then follow your doctors advice about whether you need to be tested.

If you need testing, you may be directed to special COVID-19 testing facilities, including drive-through units or tents outside emergency rooms where you would minimize your contact with others.

These practices may change as the outbreak evolves, say experts, and its likely that in coming weeks as more tests are available, more groups of people would be eligible for testing, including those with respiratory symptoms that cant be linked to flu. Broader testing of people without symptoms may also be possible, as public health officials try to learn important information about how deeply the virus has penetrated a community, and how many people can be infected with no symptoms or only mild ones. But were still days or weeks away from having that kind of testing capacity, says Kuritzkes.

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Duke Virtual Urgent Care Makes It Easy To Talk To A Doctor During Flu Season

Its winter and youre tired, coughing, and have a low fever. What do you do next? As the country settles into another flu season, its important to familiarize yourself with flu symptoms and how to care for yourself if you get sick. While getting a flu vaccine is the best way to stay healthy, Duke urgent care providers are available in person and virtually to answer questions and offer guidance when you think you may have the flu.

I Have A Fever And A Cough Can I Get Tested For Covid

Not necessarily. COVID-19 symptoms include fever, cough and difficulty breathing. But those are also symptoms of the seasonal flu, so doctors will first make sure you dont have the flu or other common respiratory illnesses. Most hospitals and some urgent care centers can run a test for those and for some types of pneumonia. In most cases, results take a couple of hours. If those results are negative, then doctors might consider ordering a COVID-19 test. But before doing that, they will ask you more questions to determine how likely it is that you were exposed to the virus.

All folks who come to the hospital with symptoms go through risk stratification per the Centers for Disease Control , says Dr. Dan Varga, chief physician executive at Hackensack Meridian Health. This includes asking about whether you traveled in the past 14 days to places with high numbers of cases, or if you had close contact with someone who tested positive. At the University of California Los Angeles Medical Center, doctors are following California department of health guidelines that limit testing only to people with symptoms who need hospitalization and have traveled to affected countries or been in contact with people who tested positive. Columbia University Medical Center in New York is also only testing those who are sick enough to need hospitalization.

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What Treatment Options Are Available For Pneumonia

When a patient seeks urgent care treatment for pneumonia, a number of options are available. In some cases, IV antibiotics are administered. For patients who have become dehydrated as their illness progressed, intravenous antibiotics also have the added benefit of rehydrating the patient. Those who have accumulated mucus within their lungs might be treated with respiratory therapy. These procedures work to move mucus out of the lungs and could include postural drainage or medically-directed deep breathing exercises.

Insurance Providers

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Urgent Care Is For Minornot Majormedical Issues

The difference between urgent and emergency care boils down to what constitutes a medical emergency. Urgent care is a form of medical care that focuses on conditions that are not potentially life- or limb-threatening emergencies, but still require prompt care within 24 hours or less, Timothy Tan, M.D., M.P.H., an assistant professor at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and an attending physician at Mount Sinai Urgent Care, tells SELF.

At urgent care centers, youll typically find both doctors and physician assistants who usually have training in emergency or family medicine, Dr. Tan explains. They have a broad range of medical knowledge and skills that allow them to diagnose and treat a wide variety of illnesses in patients of all ages, Dr. Tan says. also identify when a specialist is needed or when there is a potential emergency medical condition requiring an emergency room visit.

Urgent care centers usually have X-ray machines, basic lab testing , and equipment for minor procedures such as splinting a broken bone, stitching a wound, or draining an abscess, Dr. Tan explains. If what youre dealing with requires a more intense level of care, going to an emergency room makes more sense.

Emergency departments will have more in-depth diagnostic testing, a wide range of medications, and access to specialists such as cardiologists for heart attacks, or orthopedic surgeons for complex fractures, Dr. Tan says.