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Breaks, Strains, and Sprains: Walk-In Urgent Clinic or ER?

Strains, sprains, and fractures may occur because of incorrect form or technique, insufficient equipment, or just an accident. The question is: Should you go to a walk-in urgent care clinic or head straight to the emergency room?

Where should you seek medical attention for a sudden injury? Let’s talk about how to choose one over the other, and where you can go in Wellington and Royal Palm Beach for a handy walk-in urgent care clinic.

Walk-In Clinic vs. ER for Common Injuries

This is your rule of thumb for these injuries:

  • A sprain is a tear or pull of a ligament, which is the tissue connecting bone to bone
  • A strain is a tear or pull of a muscle or a tendon, which is the tissue connecting muscle to bone
  • A fracture is a broken bone of any kind, from mild (hairline fracture) to a shattered bone

If your pain or the symptom is mild, a walk-in clinic is your best bet. However, a total tear of a ligament, tendon, or muscle (a severe sprain or strain) or a severe fracture will instantly be debilitating, and this warrants treatment at an emergency room.

What Is a Walk-In Urgent Care Clinic?

A walk-in urgent clinic is a medical facility that provides relatively quick treatment for acute illnesses and minor injuries. They are best for handling health conditions or injuries that require prompt medical attention but are not life-threatening. If you sustain a mild sprain, strain, or fracture, you can get help from a walk-in urgent care center.

These walk-in facilities are equipped with medical and diagnostic equipment. If you suspect you may have sustained a musculoskeletal injury, the medical staff can conduct X-rays and other imaging tests to confirm the diagnosis. Once they have ascertained the damage, the medical staff may give you a splint or bandage to wear. They will also provide you with instructions on how to take care of yourself to speed up your recovery.

In addition to minor musculoskeletal injuries, a walk-in clinic can help with:

  • Colds and flu
  • Cuts and lacerations
  • Minor car accident injuries or post-accident evaluations (cuts, scrapes, bruises, whiplash, or evaluation for underlying injury)
  • Diarrhea and constipation
  • Dislocations
  • Earache
  • Headache
  • Fever
  • Infections
  • Insect bites
  • Mild allergic reactions
  • Minor burns
  • Splinters
  • Vomiting

When Should I Go to the ER?

On the other hand, you should head to an emergency room if you experience severe or possibly life-threatening symptoms. For example, while a walk-in urgent clinic can handle simple fractures, you would need to go to an ER for complex fractures – such as a broken bone with a visible deformity, or if the bone is pushing through the skin. This will require minor surgery to repair the bone internally, rather than just with a cast.

A hospital’s emergency room is equipped with complex equipment and high-level technology that can address these concerns. Here are situations when going to an ER is more appropriate:

  • Breathing issues
  • Choking
  • Deep or large wounds
  • Fainting
  • Head and neck injuries
  • High fever
  • Seizures
  • Serious burns
  • Severe allergic reaction
  • Severe pain anywhere in the body
  • Uncontrolled bleeding

Walk-In Clinic in Wellington

If you’re looking for a Wellington walk-in clinic, look no further than the Advanced Medical Clinic. We are a primary care clinic also providing high-quality walk-in services.

Unlike other Wellington walk-in clinics, you will receive expert service and compassionate care from primary care physicians. If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment, call us today at (561) 434-1935 or fill out our online appointment request form. We also have an office in Royal Palm Beach for your convenience. We look forward to serving you and your family!

Tips to Stay Healthy When You’re Under The Weather

If you are feeling under the weather, you are probably dreading it. Even the mildest of sicknesses can take a toll on your body and prevent you from participating fully in your daily responsibilities and activities. As such, it is useful to know how to avoid getting common illnesses and how to feel better if you do get sick.

Reasons Why You May Be Sick

Most of the time, we think that we get sick by chance, but that’s not necessarily true. Here are some reasons why you might be feeling unwell.

Hereditary Factors

 

You may have inherited some types of allergies from one or both of your parents. Allergic reactions can range from mild to life-threatening. They are caused by the immune system overproducing antibodies to “fight” the allergen present in the body.

Common allergies include hay fever, eczema, asthma, hives, and food allergies. Children are more commonly affected by allergies, but a first-time occurrence can happen at any age.

Workplace Environment

 

If there’s a cold or flu going around the office, there’s a good chance you’re going to get sick, particularly if your immune system is easily compromised.

Workplaces have communal areas and objects that get passed around constantly. Touching your eyes, nose, or mouth after contact with a contaminated object is a sure way for you to get the same sickness as your colleagues.

Time of the Year

Some illnesses affect more people at certain times of the year. For example, seasonal allergies like pollen or hay allergies usually occur during spring. Meanwhile, the flu and strep throat are more common during fall and winter.

Chronic Conditions

If you’re experiencing recurring symptoms, you may have a chronic illness. There are a variety of causes of these conditions. These include age, diet, and lifestyle choices such as being overweight, smoking, and drinking excessive alcohol.

Tips to Fight Common Illnesses

No one enjoys feeling sick. It can take away from your busy day, the enjoyment you typically feel participating in your favorite activities, and can even impact your work performance. Not to mention, feeling sick is simply uncomfortable.

Get Enough Rest

You may think that staying on your feet will shake off whatever ailment you’re feeling. However, it’s not advisable to go about your day when your body is giving you signals that it’s not functioning properly. It’s best to listen to your body and take a break.

Getting ample sleep is critical to a speedy recovery. Good quality sleep has been proven to boost the immune system, which is crucial for recovery. To help you get quality sleep, make sure the room is dark, quiet, and cool.

Wash Your Hands Frequently

Cold viruses are transmitted by touch. If you use the same utensils and equipment as others, share the same food, or interact frequently with someone who has a cold, you’re more likely to get sick.

It’s important to thoroughly wash your hands with soap for at least 20 seconds several times a day, as well as avoid touching your nose, mouth, and eyes when you are outside your home. These steps can help prevent many common illnesses.

If you are sick, it’s important to continue taking these precautions as to not spread your illness to others around you.

Drink Lots of Fluids

Drinking water and other beverages like juices, broth, and electrolyte drinks when you’re feeling sick helps you replace the fluids you’ve lost. You also take in vital nutrients and eliminate waste.

Remember that being dehydrated can prolong your illness, so be sure to monitor your fluid intake over the course of a day.

Take Over-the-Counter Medications

Some go-to medications when you’re feeling flu symptoms such as fever, runny nose, and sore throat are acetaminophen and ibuprofen. Take these medications to reduce fever and muscle aches, as well. Meanwhile, seasonal allergies can be treated with oral antihistamines, decongestants, and nasal sprays. These drugs treat sneezing, itchy skin, and stuffy nose.

Consult with Your Doctor

If you cannot pinpoint why you’re feeling unwell or if your symptoms persist for more than a few days, it’s best to seek the help of an expert. Your doctor can diagnose what’s ailing you and guide you towards the best treatment options.

You should also consult with a doctor if you suspect that you may have a chronic condition, such as diabetes, bronchitis, or high blood pressure.

Primary Care Physician at Wellington and Palm Beach, Florida

If at-home remedies do not work or you believe that you’re experiencing something more serious, it’s best to get yourself checked out by a doctor.

Here at Advance Medical, we provide quality healthcare to our patients. We offer internal medicine and family medicine services in Wellington and Palm Beach, Florida. Our comprehensive treatment options and experienced healthcare providers ensure that your visit with us will be both seamless and worry-free.

If you have any questions about our services, contact us at (561) 434-1935. You can also fill out our convenient online appointment request form. We look forward to getting you back to full health! 

Can Whiplash Cause Depression?

Whiplash is a type of neck injury that occurs after a fast-paced vehicular or sports accident. The sudden, forceful motion during the accident can cause the neck to overextend, causing the vertebrae to become misaligned. Pain from whiplash can be physical and psychological.

You may not automatically connect whiplash with depression, but there is a connection between the two. Depression is common in those with whiplash-associated disorders. Let’s discuss how whiplash could cause depression. 

Why Whiplash Could Lead to Depression

Long-Term Whiplash Injury Complications

Alignment issues in the cervical region, in addition to the co-occurring soft tissue injuries, can impede normal blood flow to and from the brain, causing other medical conditions such as chronic pain, which is also linked to depression. For some, the problems that arise from whiplash can be long-term. Pain, stiffness, migraines, dizziness, and ringing in the ears are just a few examples of long-term effects associated with whiplash.

The long-term effects of whiplash can include depression. Without getting back to normal function, the patient can be psychologically impacted. This is compounded by thoughts of the accident, such as feeling angry, scared, or anxious.

Recovery

Another cause of depression due to whiplash may be the recovery period required. Soft tissue injuries can take up to 10 weeks to heal. For some, whiplash symptoms can persist even at the six-month mark or longer, which means the condition is chronic. Patients with chronic whiplash tend to have higher incidences of and increased levels of anxiety and depression.

Recovery from whiplash takes time, and during this period, the patient is limited in the activities they can engage in. For instance, sports and exercise are going to be off-limits, as the patient will need to wear a collar or neck brace to prevent movement and to support the neck as it heals.

Don’t Want to Become Depressed After Sustaining a Whiplash Injury?

In order to get the best possible outcome from whiplash treatment, it is important to seek treatment immediately after being involved in a sport or vehicular accident. Moreover, entrust your care in the hands of experts in whiplash treatment. Whiplash is usually treated using a combination of physical therapy, chiropractic treatment, various pain management techniques, and orthopedic care.

Whiplash Treatment in Royal Palm Beach and Wellington, FL

At Advanced Medical, our primary care doctors provide treatment for patients with whiplash. We are committed to your recovery. We will make sure our treatment plan is highly individualized for effectiveness and to reduce complication risk. We also coordinate care with other specialists, such as chiropractors and physical therapists, to give you the best chance at a fast recovery. We also treat patients with chronic pain and other long-term complications from whiplash.

If not treated in a timely manner, whiplash can cause serious health conditions. To schedule an appointment for whiplash treatment, call us today at (561) 434-1935 or use our appointment request form. We look forward to helping you get back to your life, pain-free.

Most Common Injuries You Can Have Treated At A Walk-In Clinic

A walk-in clinic is a place you can go to receive urgent treatment for a non-life-threatening injury. This facility is built for your convenience and is open for longer hours with the ability to receive patients with little or no wait time and without an appointment.

You know all too well that small accidents can happen at night or on weekends, which can mean a trip to the emergency room, or it could mean waiting until you can see a doctor for it. Common injuries are not a priority in the ER. Plus, it’s expensive getting treated there for common injuries. Whereas waiting to see a doctor may not give you peace of mind, and the symptoms can be overwhelming.

It pays to know your options for the next time you or a family member sustains an injury or medical emergency that is not life-threatening. Find out what common injuries can be treated at a walk-in clinic.

Injuries Treated at a Walk-in Clinic

Walk-in clinics vary in the services they provide. A walk-in clinic providing quality urgent care services should be able to treat patients with the following injuries:

  • Cuts and lacerations – open wounds can be cleaned and stitched shut to prevent infection and to assist with healing.
  • Sprains and strains – severe sprains and strains need stabilization and the use of bandages and splints.
  • Splinters – removal of foreign objects to prevent damage from infection and internal damage.
  • Fractures – fractures need to be immobilized with a brace, cast, or splint to encourage proper healing of the injury and to reduce pain and swelling.
  • Dislocations – a dislocated shoulder can be manipulated back into place and immobilized for the healing process to begin.
  • Burns – first-degree burns, where the skin is red but not blistering, can be cleaned and treated in a walk-in clinic. Burn ointment can be applied to prevent infection and provide relief from pain.
  • Car accident injuries such as cuts, scrapes, bruises, and whiplash – the providers at a walk-in clinic can provide prompt evaluation following a car accident and determine the seriousness of the injury. A cervical collar may be used to enhance the healing of a whiplash injury.

Walk-in clinics are an excellent resource for patients needing urgent treatment for common injuries. To get the highest quality treatment for injuries, choose one with board-certified medical professionals on the team.

Royal Palm Beach and Wellington Walk-in Clinic

At Advanced Medical, our health care providers include a board-certified internal medicine doctor, Dr. Ishan Gunawardene, and board-certified nurse practitioner, Dr. Shariffa Gunawardene. We are a healthcare team composed of caring and compassionate professionals offering patient-centric care.

If you’ve sustained an injury, we can provide a quick diagnosis and treatment to begin your recovery. We have many on-site conveniences and can provide continuity of care. Each patient’s treatment is personalized and will be overseen by Dr. Gunawardene.

If you have any questions or to let us know that you are coming, call (561) 434-1935 or request an appointment online. We look forward to serving you in our Wellington walk-in clinic.

Tips on How to Recover From Whiplash

Whiplash is a neck injury that usually results from a car accident. It develops when the neck is forcefully moved back and forth, like a whip. However, you can get whiplash from other activities, too, such as sports.

Fortunately, most cases of whiplash can be addressed using conservative methods, like medication and exercise. Here are some tips to speed up your recovery.

Rest

Just like any other injury, rest can relieve whiplash symptoms. A few days of bed rest can help you recover. However, excessive lack of movement may delay recovery. The structures in your neck can weaken due to prolonged immobilization. Your doctor will give you advice on how long you should rest and any movement restrictions to follow.

Use Neck Support

Your doctor may advise you to wear a neck foam or brace to relieve pain and promote healing. A brace or a collar could help reduce the pressure on your neck by holding it still.

Most experts say that you shouldn’t wear neck support for more than 72 hours. The duration will depend on several factors, including the severity of your injury. Your doctor will give instructions on how long you should wear the brace and when to take it off.

Apply Hot/Cold Packs

Apply a hot or cold compress to reduce muscle swelling and pain. You may do this every 3 hours for 15 minutes. If you’re using ice packs, wrap the ice in a cloth first. Avoid direct application to avoid damage to the skin.

Take Medication

Your doctor may recommend medication to relieve painful symptoms. For mild to moderate whiplash pain, you can try over-the-counter medications, like ibuprofen and Tylenol. If you have more severe symptoms, you may require prescription medication. If needed, your doctor may prescribe antidepressants to relieve nerve pain. For your safety and health, it’s best to consult with your doctor before taking any medications.

Your doctor may also prescribe muscle relaxants. These medications force tight muscles to relax to provide pain relief. However, muscle relaxants can induce drowsiness. Your doctor may also recommend injection treatments. This ensures targeted delivery of the medicine into the painful muscle areas.

Stay Active

Rest can help in the first few days following your injury, but you will need to be active to complete your recovery. Being inactive for too long can be detrimental. Muscle stiffness and decreased physical strength are typical problems for those who have sustained an injury and remained at rest for a significant time. To combat this, your doctor will likely incorporate light exercises or physical therapy into your treatment plan.

Physical therapy aims to improve range of motion and rebuild strength. Here are some of the exercises your doctor may recommend:

●      Rotating your neck clockwise/counterclockwise

●      Tilting your neck to the left and right

●      Shoulder rolling

●      Bending your head towards and away from your chest

Treatment For Whiplash Wellington, FL

Most cases of mild whiplash can be resolved with over-the-counter medication and home care. However, severe cases may result in chronic pain and other prolonged complications. If you are suffering from whiplash due to an accident or physical trauma, see a doctor immediately.

If you would like to seek help for whiplash in Wellington, look no further than the Advanced Medical Clinic. We are a primary care practice committed to delivering personalized healthcare treatment to patients of all ages. Our team crafts appropriate treatment plans for urgent and non-urgent conditions.

Let us know you’re coming! Call us at (561) 434-1935 or fill out our online appointment request form.

What Are the Benefits of Choosing a Walk-In Clinic?

You’ve been feeling under the weather for days now. You’ve finally decided to see a doctor, but it’s the weekend or already past business hours. You may be tempted to just sleep it off, but why wait any longer when you can get seen right away?

Your best bet is to visit us at Advanced Medical. We accommodate walk-in patients as part of our commitment to providing comprehensive and convenient healthcare services to the residents of Wellington, Royal Palm Beach, and the surrounding areas.

So, before you go to a regular walk-in clinic or make that long and expensive trip to the emergency room, check out the benefits of choosing to visit us instead for your non-emergency medical needs.

We Are Not Your Run-of-the-Mill Walk-In Clinic

What sets us apart from those walk-in clinics you typically see in grocery stores, pharmacies, and “big box” stores is that we are run by highly qualified medical professionals—a board-certified internist and a board-certified family nurse practitioner. This means that you are in very good hands.

We combine our expertise with advanced evidence-based medical care to deliver the best patient experience and treatment outcomes. Compassion, empathy, and respect are the cornerstones of our practice.

You Are a Top Priority

Emergency rooms can get overcrowded. As such, patients with non-emergency cases often don’t receive prompt care and have to sit in the waiting area for hours on end.

At Advanced Medical, you are a top priority, and we don’t just treat you like a number—we treat you like a family. We will provide you with the personalized care that you need, when you need it.

We Provide High-Quality and Affordable Services in Wellington, FL

Since we are essentially a primary care practice, you can trust us to help you with the vast variety of medical conditions, both acute and chronic.

We see patients of all ages, and we offer a comprehensive range of preventive and urgent care services—all at friendly rates.

These include:

o   Allergies and asthma

o   Auto accident and workplace injuries

o   Chronic conditions (e.g., cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, and type 1 and type 2 diabetes)

o   DOT physicals

o   Physicals for sports, school, camp, employment, and insurance

o   Respiratory tract infections (e.g., common cold, the flu, tonsilitis, etc.)

o   Weight management

o   Women’s healthcare services (e.g., gynecologic exams, Pap smears, and preventive medicine)

Are you sick today? Be seen today at either our Palm Beach or Wellington Walk-in Clinic! If you prefer to set a same-day appointment, you can either call us at (561) 434-1935, or you may fill out our appointment request form.

Benefits Of Going To A Family Medicine Practice

A family medicine practice offers many benefits to individuals and families seeking a doctor for primary care services. A primary care doctor is your first point of contact for medical care. This is the first physician you see when you get sick, need a check-up or vaccine, or want to get your symptoms evaluated.

With different types of primary care doctors to choose from, it’s important that you know what makes family medicine physicians a top choice for most people. Here are some of the biggest benefits of going to a family medicine practice.

Convenience

Family medicine physicians are trained and experienced in seeing patients of all ages. If you have a family, this can be extremely convenient for you. Instead of having different primary care doctors for yourself, your children, and your parents, everyone can be seen at a family medicine practice. This can translate into significant saved time, money, and energy. For instance, you can schedule annual check-ups or the flu shot for the entire family at the same time and place.

Familiarity with Family Medical History

Another important benefit of being part a family medicine practice is that you and your family members will be taken care of long-term. For instance, if a certain illness runs in your family, your family medicine doctor will be on the lookout when caring for your parents, you, and your children. Your doctor will understand how the health of your parents can influence your health, and how your health can influence your children’s health. An example of this is heart disease, colon cancer, and diabetes – all of which can be passed down in families. Having a physician with insight into your entire family’s health history is invaluable.

Continuity of Care

Another benefit of seeing a family care doctor is continuity of care for you and your family. A family medicine doctor can treat patients of all ages, from newborns to geriatric patients. This means your children can see their childhood doctor when they become adults without any issues. It also means that you won’t have to change doctors as you get older and your healthcare needs change. Due to their experience in providing primary care for all age groups, a family medicine doctor will be able to take care of you at every stage of life.

Personalized Preventative Care

Getting treatment for illnesses is not the only reason to visit a family medicine practice. When it comes to your health, prevention is always the key. Your family doctor is your partner in maintaining your overall health and well-being. They can recognize patterns in your health over time and see which illnesses you are prone to develop. So, the care they give will be tailor-fitted to your needs.

Here at Advanced Medical Clinic in Wellington, we have a holistic approach to health. Our services go far beyond simply treating illnesses as they sprout up, and include:

●      Weight control and nutritional guidance

●      Techniques in managing stress and depression

●      Contraception and fertility counseling

●      Strategies on how to maximize physical exercise

Diagnostic Services

Family medicine practices are equipped to provide diagnostic services that are commonly required for primary care. Examples of diagnostic services you can take advantage of at a family medicine practice include:

●      Blood draws

●      EKG

●      Echocardiography

●      Pulmonary function testing

●      MRIs

●      CT scans

Family Practice in Wellington, FL

If you’re looking for excellent primary care from a family practice in Wellington, FL, your search is over. Advanced Medical Clinic is a leading facility for family health. Our team of providers focuses on achieving optimal health for you and your family. We do this by administering compassionate and patient-centered care.

We have offices conveniently located in Wellington and Royal Palm Beach, Florida. If you want to visit us or learn more about our services, give us a call at (561) 434-1935. You can also request an appointment online.

Coping With Erectile Dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction (ED) impacts 30 million men in the United States alone. Fortunately, there are many effective treatments for ED. In Royal Palm Beach, Advanced Medical Clinic is the place to go to discuss erectile dysfunction confidentially and to get the coping strategies and treatments you need for satisfying sexual health.

What Is Erectile Dysfunction?

Frankly, most men would admit they experience some degree of sexual dysfunction from time to time. However, persistent difficulties in achieving and maintaining an erection sufficient to have intercourse are abnormal. Men who experience this issue need help from their primary care physician.

What Causes Erectile Dysfunction?

Your family doctor encounters many patients who struggle with ED. The reasons for the problem vary, but usually, they fall under two categories: physical and psychological.

The physical causes include:

●     Poorly controlled diabetes

●     Injury to the groin, abdomen, or back

●     Obesity

●     Cardiovascular disease

●     Hypertension

●     Prostate issues, such as benign prostatic hypertrophy

●     Neurological problems

●     Certain medications

●     Some surgeries

The psychological causes include:

●     Alcohol or substance abuse

●     Family or work stress

●     Relationship issues between partners

●     Depression

●     Anxiety

Coping With Erectile Dysfunction

The first and best coping mechanism is an open, honest discussion with your primary care physician. They will assess your overall health and ask about your symptoms. They may order blood tests and other lab work to check for diabetes and other problems which could cause ED.

Additionally, your doctor will screen you for emotional health issues, such as depression and anxiety, to determine if you require counseling or other psychological interventions.

To manage your ED, you and your physician will pursue a treatment plan tailored to your individual needs. Some men benefit from oral medications, such as Viagara and Cialis. There are suppositories and self-injectable medications that help many men, as well.

Other men may need a surgically-inserted penile implant to aid in obtaining and keeping an erection. Plus, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is not just for women. Men with erectile dysfunction may have low-T (testosterone) and can benefit from HRT taken in pill form.

For most men–and this likely includes you–lifestyle changes greatly improve sexual function. Here are some suggestions that really work:

●     Avoid being sedentary, and start exercising. Regular exercise improves your mood, reduces stress, and benefits your vascular function.

●     Stop all smoking, and limit alcohol consumption. Both adversely impact the microcirculation in the lower extremities.

●     Achieve a healthy body weight. The bigger your waistline, the greater your chances of developing ED.

●     Eat fewer processed foods and more vegetables and fruit. Studies show a direct link between junk food and ED.

Don’t Wait for Erectile Dysfunction to Go Away

You can manage sexual problems, such as erectile dysfunction, with the help of your primary care physician. So, why not take back control by calling Dr. Ishan Gunawardene? He is board-certified in internal medicine and has expertise and training in many subspecialties, including men’s health.

Contact Advanced Medical Clinic to schedule a consultation. Call us at (561) 434-1935, or request an appointment online.

How Do I Find the Right Family Doctor for Me?

Having a family doctor, as research shows, is linked to better health outcomes. But there’s one other great reason to have a family physician, and that is the doctor-patient relationship you can rely on for your and your family’s healthcare needs over the long term.

If you don’t have a family doctor or are not at ease with whom you’re currently seeing, now is the time to find a new one—one you can see yourself establishing a lifelong relationship with. Don’t wait till you or a family member gets ill. Pressure and illness can cause you to make a hasty, uninformed decision.

Here are some simple tips to help you streamline your search for the right family doctor for you.

o   Gather several recommendations.

The first step in finding the best family doctor is to get lots of referrals.

Ask your family, relatives, friends, and colleagues. Word-of-mouth recommendations are inherently reliable, as they come from people you personally know and trust.

You can also get referrals from other medical practitioners. Talk to your dentist or therapist. They possibly work with general practitioners, so they are in a position to recommend a family doctor who fits your family’s needs. 

o   Do an internet search.

The World Wide Web is replete with resources that can help you find the right family doctor for you.  You can find information about the practice’s business hours and the doctor’s credentials on their website.

Additionally, the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) website has a helpful database that allows you to verify the practitioner’s board certification status, the number of years they have spent in practice, and whether they have any medical malpractice history. 

o   Check their location.

Distance is one important factor that many tend to overlook. Twenty miles may only seem like a quick ride, but if you need to take time off work to drive there, then it can be inconvenient.

There are big advantages to having a family doctor whose office is located close to where you live or work. This lessens the burden of having to travel far and ensures you have fewer hindrances to showing up for your appointments.

o   Read reviews.

In this day and age, it is very easy to find out about a medical practitioner’s reputation. Online reviews, though not necessarily a deciding factor, can help you make an informed decision with greater confidence.

You can find the answers to your own questions about the attitude of the doctor or the staff, quality of services, and wait times by reading reviews, which you can find either on the practice’s website and/or social media page.    

o   Schedule a visit.

This is a great way to ascertain the family doctor’s bedside manner and communication style, both of which have a huge impact on your confidence in their care and expertise as well as your overall experience.

Talk to the family doctors you have on your list and observe whether they have a soothing bedside manner and communicate effectively.

Are they able to explain complex medical concepts? Do they answer all your questions politely? Do you feel comfortable talking to them? If you answer no to any of these questions, it might be a sign that they may not be the right one for you.

Family Medicine Provider in Wellington, FL

If you’re searching for the right family doctor in the Wellington area in Florida, visit us at Advanced Medical Clinic for a consultation with our board-certified nurse practitioner, Shariffa Gunawardene. She is as equipped to provide you and your family with the highest quality of primary care services— the very same one you get from a family doctor in Wellington. 

Call us at (561) 434-1935 to set an appointment with our highly qualified family medicine provider. You can also use our convenient online request form.

Should You Visit a Walk-In Clinic?

A walk-in clinic is a healthcare facility where you can receive medical care without an appointment. These medical offices are also often called urgent care centers.

Think of a walk-in clinic as an ultra-convenient doctor’s office. It operates as if you could walk right into your doctor’s office without making an appointment beforehand.

Let’s talk about why you would want to visit a walk-in clinic, the differences between these facilities and emergency rooms (ERs), and where you can go in the Wellington and Royal Palm Beach area for convenient, personalized healthcare.

What Is a Walk-In Clinic?

Walk-in clinics have doctors and nurses who can efficiently diagnose and treat non-life-threatening injuries and illnesses, such as a cold, flu, fever, sore throat, sudden pain, infections, and cuts. These healthcare professionals can also administer vaccinations and perform physicals for school, sports, and employment. If you’re going away on a trip and need to get specially vaccinated per your destination (which has been the case long before COVID-19), walk-in clinics also provide this service.

These urgent care clinics can treat patients who have minor allergic reactions, asthma, bronchitis, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. An urgent care center can also provide wellness checks, such as your annual checkup. This type of medical office is a great option for when your primary care doctor is not available.

Is a Walk-In Clinic the Same as an Emergency Room?

If you have a potentially life-threatening issue – such as a severe allergic reaction that is affecting your breathing or a severe traumatic injury, such as a blow to the head or being injured in a car accident – go to an emergency room at a hospital. Do not go to an urgent care or walk-in clinic. Hospitals are equipped with ventilators and other high-level medical technology that is necessary to handle trauma.

An emergency room tends to have a much, much longer wait time than does a walk-in clinic if you have a non-life-threatening health issue. That is because a hospital’s emergency room will conduct triage, which is prioritizing the severity of injuries and illnesses – and the more severe cases will be seen first. Low-level illnesses or injuries may take a long time to be seen by a doctor.

What Is the Difference Between a Walk-In Clinic and an Urgent Care Clinic?

You may be surprised to learn that there is actually no real difference between an urgent care center and a walk-in clinic. People use these terms interchangeably, per their own comfort level, but they both mean that you can go to the clinic or the medical office without an appointment.

Walk-In Clinic in Wellington and Royal Palm Beach, Florida

It is ideal to have a primary care doctor whose office also accepts walk-ins for sudden minor emergencies, such as a bad cut or a cold. Here at the Advanced Medical Clinic, we offer primary care and urgent care services to patients of all ages, and we accept walk-ins without an appointment.

Our staff can quickly assess your medical issue and provide treatment, thereby avoiding unnecessary visits to the emergency room. If you have any questions about our urgent care services or would like to schedule an appointment, contact our friendly staff today at the Advanced Medical Clinic by calling us at (561) 434-1935 or by filling out our online request form now. We look forward to being your healthcare partner!