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Our Services / Sick Visits Specialist

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Sick Visits Specialist services offered in Clarksburg, MD

When you’re sick or in pain, it’s reassuring to have a health provider you can depend on. At Peridot Primary Care in Clarksburg, Maryland, Princess Stephenson, CRNP, and her colleagues offer sick visits to patients experiencing acute or persistent symptoms like abdominal pain, fevers, and coughs. For expert diagnosis and treatment, call Peridot Primary Care today or schedule an appointment online.


Sick Visits Q & A

What are sick visits?

Sick visits are consultations with your provider when you need help with an acute health problem.

If you’re feeling unwell and self-care isn’t helping, or your symptoms are getting worse, you can book a sick visit at Peridot Primary Care for prompt attention.

What conditions might require a sick visit?

Common illnesses that may require sick visits include:

  • Colds and flu
  • Strep throat
  • Sinusitis
  • Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
  • Gastroenteritis 
  • Eye or ear infections
  • Headaches and migraines

Many common illnesses don’t require sick visits, as they resolve themselves without medical treatment. For example, healthy people usually recover from colds and stomach upsets with a few days’ rest and the use of over-the-counter remedies.

However, anyone who’s older or has underlying health problems could find it hard to shake off these illnesses. They’re also more likely to develop complications. For example, flu can lead to lung disorders like pleurisy, pneumonia, or bronchitis.

What symptoms indicate I need a sick visit?

Any symptoms that are severe, failing to improve, or persistent would warrant a sick visit. Specific symptoms to look for include:

  • Fever of 103° F or higher
  • High temperature that won’t go down
  • Vomiting or diarrhea exceeding 24 hours
  • Rectal bleeding
  • Chronic cough
  • Persistent heartburn
  • Severe sore throat
  • Constant or recurring abdominal pain
  • Feelings of hopelessness and despair
  • Thoughts of self-harm
  • Pain when urinating

The experienced providers at Peridot Primary Care diagnose your symptoms after a physical exam and review of your medical history. They may run tests to confirm or rule out specific conditions, such as COVID-19. You can then get the treatment you need.

What treatments are provided at sick visits?

The treatments your provider prescribes at your sick visit vary according to your diagnosis. If you have a bacterial infection, such as strep throat, they might prescribe antibiotics to clear it up. However, these drugs are ineffective against viral diseases like colds and flu.

If you’re at risk because of your age or an existing health issue, you might need antiviral medication to reduce the effects of viral illnesses. Patients with problems like heartburn (acid reflux) can benefit from drugs like proton pump inhibitors that reduce acid levels in their stomach.

In some cases, your provider might have to refer you for further tests to determine what’s causing your symptoms. For instance, if you have rectal bleeding and a physical examination doesn’t find an obvious cause like hemorrhoids, you might need to submit a stool sample for lab testing.

Whatever the reason for your sick visit, you can be sure of getting expert, timely assistance at Peridot Primary Care. Call their office now to arrange your sick visit or book a routine appointment online.