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Article Category: Highlights

COVID-19 Testing at Wellstar Urgent Care Centers

Published on August 26, 2021

Last updated 09:52 AM January 10, 2022

Illustration of COVID-19 testing kit

As COVID-19 continues to spread, our communities are seeing a surge in cases, especially among the unvaccinated and in children not yet eligible for the vaccines.

If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 or have been exposed to the virus, it is recommended you get tested so you can take action for your health and to help stop the spread.

While Wellstar is offering rapid and PCR tests at all 18 of our urgent care locations, we are experiencing increased wait times due to high demand. Find additional testing locations by visiting a local retail pharmacy, such as Walgreens or CVS, or through your local health department.

 

How do I get tested?

Due to the increase in demand for COVID-19 testing and evaluation, online appointment availability at Wellstar Urgent Care Centers may be limited. We are continuing to see patients on a walk-in basis.

What if my child needs a COVID-19 test?

While our urgent care centers will perform COVID-19 testing on children 12 and older, Wellstar recommends choosing a testing location based on your child’s medical circumstance. If your child requires a COVID-19 test and is:

  • Asymptomatic (showing no symptoms): Find a local COVID-19 testing site near you.
  • Showing mild to moderate symptoms: Contact your Wellstar pediatrician’s office directly to determine the appropriate location to receive care.
  • Experiencing severe symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, persistent high fever, unable to keep liquids down, lethargy, or severe gastrointestinal symptoms: Seek immediate medical care at the nearest pediatric emergency department.

For more information, visit our Pediatric Care During COVID-19 resource page.

Which tests are available?

Wellstar offers rapid and PCR tests. Both tests involve a provider inserting a swab into your nose to collect nasal secretions from the back of the nose and throat.

PCR tests look for viral genetic material in the sample. Test results are usually available within 24 hours. A lab processes the sample. Same-day results are available at the urgent care centers located at Wellstar health parks when testing is completed by noon.

Rapid COVID-19 tests detect specific protein in the sample, which may indicate a COVID-19 infection. The sample is then processed at the testing location. Results are also available at the testing location, normally in 15 to 30 minutes.

Can I still be treated at an urgent care location if my health issue is unrelated to COVID-19?

At this time, it is strongly recommended that patients with a non-COVID, non-emergency medical need use WellstarON for care, including:

  • Cold/flu
  • Cough
  • Cuts
  • Minor burns
  • Sore throat
  • Sprains

How can I prevent COVID-19?

The best defense against COVID-19 is vaccination. Everyone five and older is eligible to get vaccinated, and the shots are very effective at preventing COVID-19. Visit your local retail pharmacy to stick it to COVID and get your vaccine. 

However, our youngest community members under the age of five are especially vulnerable because they can’t get their shots yet. As schools are back in session, it is especially crucial that we step up to protect ourselves and our communities. Follow the 3Ws — wear your mask, wash your hands and watch your distance from others — and get a check-up with your Wellstar primary care provider to stay healthy. 

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Urgent Care COVID-19 Urgent Care
Related Articles
A friendly image July 4

Newsroom

Playing it Safe Ahead of the 4th of July Holiday

As we look forward to the Fourth of July holiday, fireworks, swimming, and grilling offer plenty of fun summer activities for families across Georgia. However, it's important to be cautious with fireworks, which can quickly turn your Independence Day celebrations sour.

While public fireworks displays have safety measures in place, fireworks at home may be less safe, especially for kids. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, an estimated 14,700 people were injured by fireworks in 2024, with burns accounting for 37% of all emergency room visits.

Dr. Joanna Dolgoff, a Wellstar pediatrician and representative for the American Academy of Pediatrics, warns that the most common injury from fireworks is a hand burn.

“But it can be worse, such as a hand fracture, cuts or even the loss of a finger,” she said. “Facial injuries, including burns and eye injuries, are also common. If you're going to handle fireworks, please be very careful.”

Dr. Earl Stewart Jr., an internal medicine physician and medical director of health equity with Wellstar Health System, has seen many times how climate and extreme weather can impact health. He reminds families that summer celebrations can bring a range of seasonal health risks.

“We often see more water-related injuries this time of year, such as drownings, boating accidents, and even head or spine injuries from diving into shallow water,” he said. “And with Georgia’s extreme heat, it’s important to plan ahead to avoid heat exhaustion, heat stroke and sunburns. Even surfaces like metal components of playground equipment and seat belts can cause burns after they’ve been exposed to the sun for long periods.”

Dr. Stewart also noted the importance of being mindful of summer pests and plants.

“Insect bites, allergic reactions, poison ivy, bee stings and even snake bites can quickly turn a fun day outdoors into a medical emergency. Vigilance and preparation equate to staying safe and alive,” he said.

As for sparklers, Dr. Dolgoff cautions parents not to underestimate their danger.

“Sparklers burn at about 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit—hot enough to melt some metals. They account for a high percentage of injuries, emergency room visits, and fires every year. The sparks can cause burns and eye injuries.”

She also recommends soaking used sparklers in a bucket of water before discarding them.

If your family plans to participate in Fourth of July activities, remember the word FIRE with these essential safety tips:

  • Families: Never hold a lit firework in your hand or point it at another person. Children should never handle fireworks, including sparklers.
  • Injury: Only light fireworks outdoors, away from people, homes and flammable materials. Wear protective eyewear to prevent eye injuries.
  • Run Away: Move away quickly after lighting a firework. Don’t light more than one at a time and never try to re-light a dud.
  • Extinguish: Keep a bucket of water nearby to douse fireworks that don’t go off or cause a mishap. Soak both used and unused fireworks before discarding.
Keep reading
Person using tablet

Highlights

Get Convenient Care Online with Virtual Urgent Care

Through Virtual Urgent Care Wellstar clinicians are available 24 hours a day, every day of the year to help diagnose and treat many health issues. You can see the next available practitioner—no appointment needed—from your mobile device, tablet or computer.

Visit for conditions including

  • Allergies 
  • Bladder infections/UTI 
  • Coughs and colds
  • Ear and eye irritation
  • Minor burns, bites and cuts
  • Minor cases of COVID-19
  • Sinus infections
  • Skin conditions
  • Viral infections 
  • General questions and more

Starting your visit with a Wellstar MyChart account

  1. Log in to your Wellstar MyChart account.
  2. Navigate to the Menu and select Start a Virtual Urgent Care Video Visit.
  3. Following the prompts to Prepare for your Virtual Urgent Care Visit, select your location, then choose General Video Visit.
  4. Connect for your visit using the option My Computer. A Chrome or Safari web browser will provide the best care experience.
  5. Choose when you would like your Virtual Urgent Care visit by selecting Next available clinician.
  6. Fill in the reason for your visit and select Complete.
  7. You will receive a text or email when the clinician is ready to see you.
 
If you don’t have a MyChart account, you can sign up online.

Starting your visit without a Wellstar MyChart account

  1. On our Virtual Urgent Care page, select Schedule for yourself or Schedule for someone else.

  2. Select your location, then Virtual Urgent Care Video Visit.

  3. Follow the prompts to complete scheduling your visit.

Your Virtual Urgent Care clinician will provide you with the same personalized, tailored treatments you’ve come to expect from us. That may include treatment recommendations and prescriptions to manage an immediate health issue, like an antibiotic or cough medicine.

 

After your Virtual Urgent Care visit, all Wellstar clinicians, including your primary care provider or specialist, can see a record of your appointment. You will also be able to access it through MyChart. Keeping all of your trusted care team members in the know is just one way we provide you with seamless care.

 

Get started at wellstar.org/virtualcare.

 
Keep reading
Person blowing nose and holding thermometer

Highlights

What’s Got You Sick?

Antibiotics save lives by effectively treating bacterial infections, but they aren’t effective against viral infections. At Wellstar Primary Care and Wellstar Urgent Care, our expert clinicians will evaluate your symptoms and tailor a care plan for your condition, including a prescription for the appropriate medication if needed.

Viral infections like colds, flu, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) or COVID-19 may require antiviral medications. There is no antiviral medication to treat norovirus, but it’s recommended that you stay hydrated and use anti-diarrheal or anti-nausea medication if needed. Most people with norovirus will feel better in about one to three days.

Antibiotics only treat bacterial infections.

If you’re diagnosed with an infection that has been caused by bacteria, such as strep throat or a urinary tract infection, an antibiotic can clear up the infection and help you feel better. Some bacterial infections can resolve without antibiotics, and your care team will work with you to determine your treatment plan.

While antibiotics are effective in treating bacterial infections, it’s important that you don’t take them if you don’t need them.

“Unnecessary antibiotic use can cause your body to build up resistance to them, which means they won’t be as effective when you do get an infection,” said Wellstar Urgent Care Physician Dr. William Broyles. 

If you think you may have a bacterial or viral infection, contact your primary care clinician or visit an urgent care location near you so our team can help you start feeling better. Learn more about the types of care available at Wellstar and which may be right for your condition.

 

Chart showing whether antibiotics treat certain illnesses. Cold/runny nose is a virus, no antibiotics needed. Sore throat (except strep) is a virus, no antibiotics needed. COVID-19 is a virus, no antibiotics needed. Flu is a virus, no antibiotics needed. Bronchitis/chest cold in otherwise healthy children and adults is either virus or bacteria, no antibiotics needed. Studies show that in otherwise healthy children and adults, antibiotics for bronchitis won’t help patients feel better. Middle ear infection could be virus or bacteria, antibiotics may be needed. Sinus infection could be virus or bacteria, antibiotics may be needed. Strep throat is caused by bacteria, antibiotics needed. Whooping cough is caused by bacteria, antibiotics needed. Urinary tract infection is caused by bacteria, antibiotics needed. Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

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