Acute Care

Why would I need acute care?

Acute care is a branch of medicine designed to address illnesses and injuries that are not life-threatening but require immediate attention.

In a perfect world, you’d only have to visit the doctor once a year for an annual physical. Unfortunately, sports-related injuries, the flu, and strep throat can all occur with little warning. 

For example, if you wake up with a sore throat, fever, or congestion, and conservative, at-home treatments don’t provide adequate relief, acute care can pinpoint the source of your discomfort and get you back on the road to recovery. 

What is the difference between acute care and emergency care?

Emergency care treats life-threatening conditions such as heart attacks, severe abdominal pain, broken bones, heavy bleeding, and loss of consciousness. 

In addition, emergency care treats patients based on their level of need, so if you dislocate your shoulder, you might have to wait hours to see a doctor, especially if there is someone in front of you suffering from a more serious condition, like respiratory failure. 

Acute care, on the other hand, addresses conditions that require immediate treatment but don’t pose a threat to your life.  

What types of conditions can benefit from acute care?

The team at Lenox Medical Clinic offers acute care services and same-day appointments to address a variety of issues, including: 

• Allergic reactions
• Asthma attacks
• Back pain
• Vomiting and diarrhea
• Ear infections
• Strep throat
• Minor burns
• Pink eye
• Insect bites
• STD work up

The team also offers acute care for sports-related injuries such as sprains, strains, and stress fractures, as well as minor surgical care, including stitches, splints, and biopsies. 

What should I do in the event of a medical emergency?

If you or a loved one experiences a medical emergency, it’s important to stay calm. First, determine whether or not the situation is life-threatening. Common symptoms that require emergency treatment include:

• Vision loss
• Head trauma
• Difficulty breathing
• Severe chest pain
• Signs of anaphylaxis

However, if your condition isn’t severe, make an acute care appointment at Lenox Medical Clinic. 

If possible, call the team before your arrival and let them know what happened. They may be able to provide you with tips or insights that can ease pain or prevent further problems on your way to the office. 

To access acute care services, call either location of Lenox Medical Clinic today or simply walk-in during normal business hours. You can also book your appointment online. Dial 911 in case of emergency.