Flu, Strep, or Cold? Get Quick Answers (and Treatment) with Our Walk-In Care
In the midst of cold and flu season, some symptoms just can't wait. Maybe you wake up with a sudden earache or scratchy throat or your kiddo has a cough that just won't quit. While emergency rooms and urgent care centers serve a vital purpose, our providers at Abilene Primary Care offer the convenience of same-day, walk-in care for these common symptoms. We get you answers and treatment quicker and at a more affordable cost than a trip to the ER or urgent care.
At Abilene Primary Care, we are committed to making quality healthcare accessible when you need it most. Here’s a quick guide to understanding the benefits of our walk-in appointments during cold and flu season.
Why Walk In to Your Primary Care Clinic When You're Feeling Off?
Choosing to walk into your PCP's office offers several advantages:
Continuity of Care: Your PCP already knows your full medical history, your medications, and your allergies. This leads to safer, faster, and more informed treatment decisions.
Affordability: Walk-in visits at a primary care clinic are billed under your standard office visit copay, which is often less expensive than a trip to an urgent care or, especially, the emergency room.
No Appointment Needed: While we always encourage scheduled appointments for preventive care, our walk-in appointments are designed to address acute, non-life-threatening issues immediately.
What Is Appropriate for a Walk-In Visit?
Walk-in appointments are best utilized for acute (sudden onset) and minor illnesses or injuries that cannot wait for a scheduled appointment.
Common Reasons to Walk In:
Respiratory Illnesses: Cold, flu symptoms, sinus infections, sore throat, or earaches.
Minor Injuries: Small cuts, abrasions, sprains.
Skin Issues: Rashes, bites, minor burns, or poison ivy.
Urinary or STI issues: Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) or sexually transmitted infection (STI) symptoms.
When Should You Skip the Walk-In and Head to the ER?
While we are here for minor emergencies, a walk-in appointment is never a substitute for true emergency care. If you experience any of the following, please call 911 or proceed immediately to the nearest emergency room:
Chest pain or heart attack symptoms.
Signs of stroke (face drooping, arm weakness, speech difficulty).
Severe abdominal pain.
Significant head trauma or loss of consciousness.
Severe bleeding that won't stop.
Difficulty breathing.
Get the Care You Need, Today!
Don't let minor illnesses disrupt your life. When something unexpected happens, remember that quick, quality care is right around the corner, delivered by the medical team you already trust. We look forward to providing the convenient care you and your family deserve at any of our 5 locations.
📞 Call us at: (325)-231-4667
📍 Visit us at: 6743 Memorial Dr., Abilene, TX 79606
