Telehealth

Virtual care is a telehealth service that allows you to consult with a certified healthcare provider via video for non-emergency medical issues. Walk-in urgent care centers are often known for their lengthy wait times. With a video consultation, you can get the care you need within minutes of scheduling. Urgent care is appropriate for conditions that, while uncomfortable, don’t require emergency room attention.

For an online urgent care appointment with Arena Medical Group, all you need is a reliable internet connection and a private space where you feel comfortable (it’s not ideal to discuss medical matters in public). Arena Medical Group works with insurance, and it’s necessary to schedule the call 24 hours in advance for approval of the consultation by the insurance provider.

Urgent Care Conditions

Some conditions that can be diagnosed and treated during an urgent care video visit include:

• Common cold
• Influenza (The flu)
• COVID-19
• Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
• Sore throat
• Toothaches
• Sinus infection
• Conjunctivitis (pink eye)
• Back pain
• Asthma
• Migraines
• STI screenings

This is not a complete list of all conditions and concerns that can be treated during an online urgent care visit, though they are among the most common.

Urgent care visits are appropriate for medical conditions that need attention as soon as possible but do not require emergency care. You should not book an online urgent care appointment for a routine check-up or for preventative care.

If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, you should call 9-1-1 and seek emergency medical immediately:

• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Difficulty breathing
• Choking
• Sustained bleeding that won’t stop
• Persistent or severe vomiting
• Vomiting blood
• Head or neck injuries
• Loss of consciousness and fainting
• Sudden dizziness or weakness
• Severe stomach or abdominal pain
• Severe sudden pain in the body

These are signs of a medical emergency and require immediate care. Do not seek urgent care if you are experiencing any of the following, call 9-1-1 or get to the nearest emergency room immediately.

Urgent Care Treatment

Health care providers who offer urgent care services on Sesame can prescribe medication when appropriate. Although an urgent care appointment is not a guarantee for a prescription, many conditions treated via urgent care are treated with a course of prescription medication.

Common drugs prescribed during urgent care visits include:

Antibiotics: Antibiotics are a type of antimicrobial drug used to treat bacterial infections. These drugs can be used for the treatment of humans and animals. A course of antibiotic treatment will kill bacteria in the body which will treat the infection while preventing the invasive microbes from spreading.

Examples of antibiotic medication include:

• Penicillin
• Amoxicillin
• Ampicillin
• Tetracycline
• Minocycline
• Cephalexin
• Cefdinir
• Azithromycin
• Erythromycin
• Ciprofloxacin
• Levofloxacin
• Tobramycin
• Clindamycin

Antivirals: Antivirals are a type of drug used to treat viral infections like the flu. These drugs are also used to treat conditions caused by viral infections like shingles, cold sores, genital herpes, and chickenpox. Antiviral drugs generally work by keeping the virus from replicating and infecting healthy cells. This slows an ongoing infection and provides symptom relief.

Examples of antiviral medication include:

• Acyclovir
• Valacyclovir
• Oseltamivir
• Famciclovir

Providers on Arena Medical Group can prescribe a wide range of medications used to treat infections, allergies, pain, and more.

• In-person vs. Online

         Not sure if you should get urgent care in person or online?

Online health care marketplaces like Sesame make it easier than ever to see an urgent care provider over video. This means that you can get the care you need right away without ever leaving your home. During an online appointment, you can discuss your symptoms, get a visual examination of your physical symptoms, and screen for certain conditions.

In some cases, you may need to book an in-person visit for a definitive diagnosis. If follow-up testing, blood work, or a physical examination is required, your provider will tell you how to proceed. Certain STIs, for example, can only be diagnosed via a blood test. This will require a visit to a clinic. If an in-person or follow-up appointment is needed, your provider will discuss the next steps with you.