What Is a Sick Visit?

A sick visit can make all the difference when you or a loved one experience symptoms like a sore throat or a persistent cough. Unlike a wellness checkup, sick visits are all about helping you feel better as quickly as possible. These visits are especially helpful if you notice a flare-up of a chronic condition or experience a minor injury that isn’t life-threatening, but still needs medical attention.

Keep reading to learn more about sick visits, including what you can expect during them and where to go when you need help.

What Symptoms Call for a Sick Visit?

Sometimes, it can be difficult to know whether to schedule a sick visit, but we’re here to help you determine when to see your doctor. If new symptoms appear suddenly, persist longer than expected or worsen over time, it’s a good idea to schedule a sick visit with your primary care provider (PCP).

Here are some common symptoms that may merit a trip to the doctor:

• Breathing-related problems, such as a persistent cough
• Cold or flu symptoms such as a runny or stuffy nose, cough and mild body aches
• Discomfort or pain when urinating, which could be a sign of a urinary tract infection (UTI)
• Fever that is higher than 104°F for adults and kids or 100.4°F for very young children, or a fever that won't go away after three days
• Mild injuries, such as sprains, strains, mild burns, small cuts or possibly broken bones
• Neurological issues, such as migraine or sudden mood changes
• Skin problems like a rash or hives
• Stomach issues like nausea, cramping, vomiting or diarrhea that last for more than three days
• Symptoms related to viral infections, such as strep throat, ear infection or pink eye
• Worsening or flare-up of symptoms related to a chronic disease, like arthritis, Crohn's disease or asthma

A good rule of thumb is to schedule a sick visit even if you aren’t sure if you need one. It’s better to be on the safe side to rule out any possibility of sickness.

What Happens During a Sick Visit?

We know it can feel stressful to visit the doctor when you’re sick. But at AdventHealth Primary Care+, we focus on helping you feel comfortable while providing the compassionate, whole-person care you deserve. Here’s what you can expect upon visiting your doctor’s office for a sick visit:

1. Warm Welcome and Check-In: When you arrive, our team members will guide you through the check-in process and any necessary paperwork.
2. Symptom Review: Your provider will ask you about what brought you into the office, and may have questions regarding your health history.
3. Physical Exam: Your doctor will conduct a quick physical exam that focuses on your reported symptoms. For example, if you have a persistent cough, they will listen to your lungs or examine your ears if you have an earache.
4. Diagnostic Testing: Depending on your symptoms, your doctor may order lab blood work, tests for certain diseases like the flu, COVID-19 or strep throat, a urine analysis and possibly imaging such as a CT scan or X-ray.
5. Treatment Plan: Once your doctor has all the information they need to make a diagnosis, they’ll provide you with a treatment plan, which may include prescription or over-the-counter medications, preventive measures such as vaccinations or suggested lifestyle changes.
6. Follow-Up Instructions: Your doctor will outline whether you should return for follow-up care or see a specialist, ensuring your recovery stays on track.

If you have any questions regarding a sick visit, contact your doctor’s office to learn more — our team members will be happy to assist you.

How We Make Sick Visits Easy

At AdventHealth Primary Care+, we make it simple for you and your loved ones to get the support you need. Here are just a few ways we make getting expert care simple:

• Compassionate care from providers who know your history
• Connection to the full AdventHealth network for specialist referrals
• Easy online scheduling and same- or next-day appointments
• Onsite labs and rapid testing at many locations
• Same- and next-day availability, including evening and weekend hours at some locations

You deserve access to on-demand, whole-person care, and we’re dedicated to meeting your health needs.

Sick Visit vs. Wellness Visit: What’s the Difference?

It’s common to wonder how a sick visit is different from a wellness visit, especially when both involve seeing your primary care provider. Here’s a simple way to think about it:

• A sick visit is focused on helping you feel better when something suddenly makes you unwell. Maybe you have a persistent cough, fever, rash or a flare-up of a chronic condition. The goal is to diagnose the issue and provide treatment so you can start feeling like yourself again.
• A wellness visit, on the other hand, focuses on prevention and long-term health. During a wellness visit, your doctor checks in on your overall health, performs routine screenings, updates vaccinations and answers any questions you have, helping you stay on track to live your healthiest life.

Think of it this way: a sick visit helps you get back to feeling well, while an annual wellness visit enables you to stay well for the future. Both are essential components of maintaining overall health.

Visiting Your PCP vs. Going to Urgent Care for Sick Visits

When you’re feeling under the weather, it’s easy to feel unsure about what to do next or where to turn for care. Should you visit your PCP or head straight to urgent care? The good news is that with AdventHealth Primary Care+, you may not have to choose.

With same-day and next-day sick visit appointments at AdventHealth Primary Care+, you can see a provider quickly. Our team will provide the compassionate care you need, guiding you through your symptoms and treatment so you can get back to feeling your best. Below is a chart to reference when you’re unsure where to go for care.

If your symptoms are severe, worsening rapidly or life-threatening, it’s always best to immediately go to urgent care or the emergency room. For nonemergency illnesses or minor injuries, a primary care sick visit is usually the safest and most convenient choice.

Helping You Feel Whole, One Visit at a Time

Whether you have a fever, sore throat or something that just doesn’t feel right, we’re here for you at AdventHealth Primary Care+ with access to health care that prioritizes the whole person — body, mind and spirit.

Schedule a same-day sick visit with us to start feeling better, faster.