Urgent Care Specialist

What is urgent care?

Urgent care services are available to provide prompt treatment to patients who are injured or ill. The purpose of urgent care is to diagnose the cause of the patient’s symptoms and provide effective treatment options. Urgent care isn’t appropriate for patients with a true emergency.

When is urgent care appropriate?

Urgent care is appropriate when a patient has an issue that doesn’t require treatment in an emergency room but can’t wait several days for a standard doctor’s appointment. Examples of symptoms or issues that may require an urgent care visit include:

• Cold or flu symptoms
• Fever
• Acute injuries
• Pain
• Symptoms of infection
• Stomach viruses

Patients who aren’t sure whether urgent care is appropriate should contact the office for guidance.

How soon can patients make an appointment with Dr. Calonje?

South Florida Sports Medicine and Primary Care tries to hold a few appointments open each day for patients in need of urgent care. However, if no same-day appointments are available, the staff will usually schedule patients for the following day. Because urgent care appointments may fill up quickly, patients should call as soon as their need for care occurs.

What happens during an urgent care appointment?

During an urgent care appointment, a member of the staff at South Florida Sports Medicine and Primary Care will begin by taking the patient’s vital signs, including blood pressure, temperature, and heart rate. Dr. Calonje will also examine the patient and listen carefully as the patient describes their symptoms. Depending on the results of the exam, Dr. Calonje may order specific tests to provide more information, such as:

• Blood work
• Imaging studies
• Throat cultures
• EKG

Once Dr. Calonje has identified the cause of the patient’s symptoms, he will offer treatment options. The specific treatments recommended will depend on the patient’s diagnosis. For example, many patients need antibiotics, prescription pain relievers, or other medications. Some patients may need nothing more than some rest and at-home remedies. Other patients may need minor procedures, such as stitches.

In cases where the patient needs more extensive treatment, Dr. Calonje may recommend a visit to a specialist or the hospital.