Sick Visits

Sick visits offer fast access to medical care for new or urgent health problems. At Persona Healthcare in Austin, Texas, board-certified internist Vincent Esparza, MD, provides timely sick visits in the office and via telemedicine. To request a sick visit, call Persona Healthcare or book an in-person or telemedicine appointment using the online booking feature today.

What are sick visits?

Sick visits are medical appointments designed to address acute health concerns or new symptoms. If you feel unwell and self-care measures aren’t working, or if your symptoms worsen, you can schedule a sick visit at Persona Healthcare for timely evaluation and treatment.

Common illnesses that often lead to sick visits include:

• Colds and flu
• Strep throat
• Sinus infections
• Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
• Vomiting and diarrhea
• Eye or ear infections
• Headaches and migraines
• Emotional distress

While many minor illnesses, such as colds or stomach upsets, resolve on their own with rest and over-the-counter remedies, some individuals may require medical attention.

Older adults or anyone with underlying health conditions might struggle to recover from these illnesses and face a higher risk of complications. For instance, the flu can sometimes lead to more severe respiratory issues like pneumonia.

What symptoms indicate the need for a sick visit?

Persona Healthcare recommends sick visits for symptoms that are severe, persistent, or fail to improve. Signs that you might need a sick visit include:

• Fever of 103°F or higher
• High fever that doesn’t subside
• Vomiting or diarrhea persisting for more than 24 hours
• Rectal bleeding
• Chronic cough
• Persistent heartburn
• Severe sore throat
• Ongoing or recurring abdominal pain
• Feelings of hopelessness or despair
• Thoughts of self-harm

Dr. Esparza evaluates your symptoms through a physical examination and review of your medical history. He may also recommend tests to confirm or rule out specific conditions.

What treatments are offered during sick visits?

Dr. Esparza tailors your treatment plan to your diagnosis. For example, bacterial infections like strep throat might require antibiotics to eliminate the infection. However, antibiotics have no effect against viral illnesses, such as colds or the flu.

In some instances, he may recommend antiviral medications to reduce the severity of viral illnesses, particularly for those at higher risk due to age or pre-existing conditions.

In certain situations, Dr. Esparza may refer you for additional testing to determine the cause of your symptoms. For instance, if you have rectal bleeding without an obvious cause, like hemorrhoids, you‘d benefit from further investigations, such as a colonoscopy.

No matter the reason for your visit, Persona Healthcare provides expert, compassionate care to help you feel better as quickly as possible. Contact the office by phone to schedule your sick visit or book an in-person or telemedicine appointment online today.