INDUSTRY INSIGHT
URGENT CARE / FAMILY CARE
SPONSORED CONTENT
Typically when you are sick , you visit your doctor ’ s office . With the advent of the Affordable Care Act (“ Obamacare ”), getting an appointment to see your primary care physician can seem impossible . In an emergency you can head to the local hospital emergency room , which typically has long wait times and higher co-payments . But did you know that you have another choice ? Urgent care . Yes , urgent care . For many patients , urgent care ’ s appeal is twofold : it ’ s convenient and it can save you money . And you know what ? Chances are most insurance plans will cover your urgent care visits .
Some ailments , such as a simple cough or constipation , don ’ t usually require medical attention . But when you have symptoms of a cold or the flu , urgent care may be the most convenient option for treatment . AFC Urgent / Family Care provides extended hours ( open
8-8 every day except for Christmas ) for patients with acute illness or injury that ’ s beyond the scope of retail pharmacies but not life-threatening .
It offers walk-in medical care for injuries and illness , including fevers , upper respiratory infections and “ walking ” pneumonia ( as well as allergic reactions , sprains , cuts , wounds , simple tension and migraine headaches , and back pain ). The facility is always staffed by a physician who is certified in family or internal medicine .
What separates AFC from some of the other urgent care centers in the area ? At AFC Urgent / Family Care , you always see a physician … ALWAYS ! It also features on-site x-ray , all types of physicals , DOT exams , full lab testing , splints , braces , breathing treatments and an inhouse pharmacy to get you started should a prescription be needed .
With cold and flu season upon us , physicians will determine what ’ s causing your symptoms and what the best course of treatment should be . “ Cold and flu symptoms usually start suddenly ,” says Alison Kliber , MD , medical director at AFC Urgent / Family Care located on Route 8 in Shaler Township . “ They can include high fever , headache , fatigue , cough , sore throat , runny or stuffy nose , body aches and even vomiting and diarrhea , most commonly among children . Utilizing rapid strep and flu tests helps us determine what ’ s causing your symptoms and what the best treatment to follow is .”
The old saying “ An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure ” has never been so true . During the holiday season , watch your sugar intake , drink responsibly , drink plenty of water and get a good night ’ s rest . And remember : AFC Urgent / Family Care is here for you every day ( except Christmas ) from 8-8 for your convenience !
AFCUrgentCarePgh . com
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