Key Takeaways
- Your primary care physician is the best choice for treating common acute illnesses like colds, flu, sinus infections, and more.
- Helical Health offers same-day or next-day sick visits for patients in Keller, Southlake, and surrounding North Fort Worth communities.
- Unlike urgent care, primary care offers the benefit of a continuous relationship with a doctor who knows your health history.
- We provide comprehensive care during sick visits, including diagnosis, rapid testing, and personalized treatment plans from Dr. Mehta.
What is an Acute Illness? (And Why Your PCP is Your Best First Call)
When you wake up with a sore throat, a sudden cough, or an upset stomach, you’re dealing with an acute illness. Unlike chronic conditions that develop over time and require long-term management, acute illnesses appear suddenly and typically have a limited duration. Think of the common cold, the flu, a stomach bug, or a sinus infection; these are all classic examples.
While your first instinct might be to search for “primary care near me” or head to the nearest urgent care clinic, your best first call should always be to your primary care physician (PCP). Why? Because your PCP is the one provider who knows you and your health history inside and out. At Helical Health, Dr. Mehta understands your existing conditions, current medications, and any allergies you may have. This established relationship is invaluable when you’re not feeling your best. It allows for safer, more personalized, and more effective acute illness treatment in primary care. Instead of explaining your entire medical history to a stranger, you can connect with a trusted advisor who is already invested in your well-being. This continuity of care is the foundation of our holistic and preventive care philosophy.
Common Acute Conditions We Treat at Helical Health
When you’re feeling under the weather, you need prompt, expert care. Dr. Mehta provides compassionate and comprehensive sick visits for a wide range of common illnesses for patients across Keller, Southlake, and the greater North Fort Worth area. We are committed to helping you understand your symptoms and get on the path to recovery as quickly as possible. Here are some of the acute conditions we frequently treat:
Colds and Flu
The common cold and influenza (the flu) are viral respiratory illnesses that share similar symptoms, such as coughing, sneezing, sore throat, and fatigue. However, the flu is often more severe and can lead to serious complications. We can help differentiate between the two, offer rapid testing if necessary, and provide a personalized treatment plan to manage your symptoms and help you feel better faster.
Sore Throats and Strep Throat
A sore throat can be caused by anything from a simple virus to a bacterial infection like streptococcus (strep throat). An accurate diagnosis is key to proper treatment, as strep throat requires antibiotics to prevent complications. We can perform a rapid strep test right here in our office to give you a definitive answer and the right prescription if needed.
Sinus and Ear Infections
Pain and pressure in your face, a stuffy nose, and a headache could signal a sinus infection. Similarly, ear pain, especially when accompanied by a fever, often points to an ear infection. Dr. Mehta can diagnose these common ailments and determine the best course of action, whether it’s symptom management for a viral infection or antibiotics for a bacterial one.
Mild Gastrointestinal Issues
Stomach bugs (viral gastroenteritis) can leave you feeling miserable with symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. We can provide guidance on managing dehydration and other symptoms, helping you recover comfortably at home. For patients in communities from Grapevine to Roanoke, our primary care services provide a reliable home base for all health concerns, big or small.
Bronchitis and Other Respiratory Infections
A lingering cough that produces mucus, often following a cold, may be acute bronchitis. Dr. Mehta can perform a thorough examination to rule out more serious conditions like pneumonia and recommend treatments to soothe your cough and ease any breathing discomfort.
Primary Care vs. Urgent Care for Sick Visits: Making the Right Choice
In the moment, it can be tempting to visit an urgent care clinic for a quick fix. They’re convenient, but they offer a transactional approach to medicine. You see a provider you’ve likely never met before, and who doesn’t know your health baseline. The difference between urgent care and primary care comes down to one crucial element: the relationship.
Choosing Helical Health for your sick visits means you are choosing continuity of care. You will always see Dr. Mehta, a physician who is familiar with your entire health profile. This isn’t just about convenience; it’s about quality and safety. A doctor who knows your history is better equipped to:
- Identify if a new symptom is related to a pre-existing condition.
- Prescribe medication that won’t interact with your current prescriptions.
- Follow up effectively to ensure you’ve made a full recovery.
- Integrate your acute care into your long-term wellness plan.
Our model is built on providing unhurried, same-day sick appointments, ensuring you get the personalized attention you deserve without the impersonal, rushed feeling of a walk-in clinic. For those seeking an even higher level of access and care, you can learn about our concierge care model.
What to Expect During Your Same-Day Sick Visit in Keller
We understand that when you’re sick, you want care that is both fast and thorough. At Helical Health, we proudly serve patients from Keller to Colleyville, Trophy Club, and North Richland Hills, providing timely and effective sick visits. Our goal is to make the process as seamless and stress-free as possible.
When you call our office for a sick visit, we will prioritize getting you a same-day or next-day appointment. To save time, you can even access our patient forms online beforehand. During your appointment, Dr. Mehta will take the time to listen to your concerns and conduct a comprehensive physical exam. Depending on your symptoms, we may recommend in-office rapid testing for conditions like flu, strep throat, or COVID-19. This allows us to get an accurate diagnosis quickly and start the right treatment immediately.
Your personalized treatment plan may include:
- Prescription medications, if necessary.
- Recommendations for over-the-counter symptom relief.
- Lifestyle and at-home care advice.
- A clear plan for follow-up care.
By choosing us for your sick visits primary care needs, you’re not just treating an illness—you’re reinforcing a healthcare partnership. To find out more about our unique approach, you can connect with Dr. Mehta and our team. For other health and wellness insights, feel free to explore more health topics on our blog. We also offer aesthetic and wellness services to support your overall well-being.
Let’s Get You Back on Your Feet
Don’t wait to feel better. Dr. Mehta is here to provide the compassionate, expert care you need, right when you need it. Call our office or use our online form to schedule your sick visit and connect with a doctor who truly cares.
FAQs
Can I get a same-day appointment at Helical Health if I’m sick?
Answer: Yes, we prioritize patients with acute illnesses. We offer same-day or next-day appointments to ensure you get the timely care you need without the long waits of an emergency room.
Should I go to the ER for a bad cold or flu?
Answer: For most common cold and flu symptoms, your primary care doctor is the best and most cost-effective choice. You should only go to the ER for severe symptoms like difficulty breathing, chest pain, high persistent fever, or confusion.
Do you offer rapid tests for flu or strep throat?
Answer: Yes, during a sick visit, we can perform rapid diagnostic tests for common illnesses like influenza (flu), strep throat, and COVID-19 to ensure you receive an accurate diagnosis and the right treatment plan quickly.
Why see Dr. Mehta for a sick visit instead of an urgent care clinic?
Answer: Seeing Dr. Mehta means you are treated by a physician who knows your complete health history. This continuity of care leads to more personalized and effective treatment, whereas an urgent care clinic provides one-time, episodic care from a provider you don’t know.