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Article Category: Highlights

Feeling Sick? Know Where to Go to Get Care

Published on November 23, 2022

Last updated 03:47 PM November 23, 2022

Illustration of person with thought bubbles representing staying home, pharmacies, virtual care, primary care and emergency care

Whether you experience an injury, minor illness or simply need a wellness exam, the most important step you can take is getting the care you need. That way, you can find trained experts for your specific medical needs, stay ahead of potential health issues or even help prevent your condition from worsening. 

With primary, virtual, urgent and emergency care services available, as well as retail pharmacies, how do you decide which type of care is best for your medical situation? Learn the differences between each type of medical service so you don’t delay and get care right away. 

I have been exposed to COVID-19 and I want a test: local pharmacy, stay home. I have a runny nose and fatigue: WellstarON virtual care, Wellstar primary care/pediatrician, Wellstar Urgent Care, local pharmacy, stay home. My child has a fever, decreased appetite and/or is wheezing: Wellstar primary care/pediatrician, Wellstar Urgent Care, Wellstar emergency room. I’m COVID-19 positive and have mild symptoms: WellstarON virtual care, Wellstar primary care/pediatrician, Wellstar Urgent Care, local pharmacy, stay home. I’m COVID-19 positive and have severe symptoms: Wellstar emergency room. I’m having trouble breathing: Wellstar emergency room. My child is having trouble breathing: Wellstar emergency room.   

Local Pharmacies 

If you are ill and have minor symptoms, over-the-counter medications can help you feel better. At your local retail pharmacy, you can find over-the-counter treatments for minor conditions like colds. If your symptoms worsen or do not go away with over-the-counter treatments, contact your primary care provider or visit an urgent care location. 

Local pharmacies also carry at-home COVID-19 tests, offering a convenient testing option for people who have been exposed or are experiencing mild symptoms of COVID-19. 

Virtual Care 

Whether you have a busy schedule or are just looking for a more convenient option, virtual appointments are an easy way to keep up with your health from anywhere. 

At Wellstar, we offer virtual visits with both primary care providers and specialists — no matter if you are an established patient or not. Connect with your Wellstar provider over the phone or with video on a computer, smartphone or tablet. 

If you’re an established patient, simply request a virtual visit through MyChart. If you don’t have an account, it’s easy to sign up for MyChart and keep all of your important health information in one secure space. You can also call your physician’s office directly and request a virtual appointment over the phone. 

These days, many types of appointments can be done virtually, including consultations, care for chronic conditions and prescription management. In addition to virtual primary and specialty care appointments, we also provide virtual urgent care through WellstarON for minor medical concerns. 

While virtual care is a convenient way to stay well, it should never be used in place of emergency care. If you are experiencing a life-threatening medical emergency, call 911 right away. 

Primary Care 

Primary care is ongoing, comprehensive care and preventative medicine that helps you live a full, healthy life. 

Your primary care provider — either an internal or family medicine physician, pediatrician or OB/GYN, depending on your age and medical needs — gets to know you and your health history on a deeper level. That means they have a more accurate view of your overall wellness. 

Services include: 

  • Annual wellness exams 
  • Health screenings, labs and imaging 
  • Care for chronic conditions, such as diabetes or high blood pressure 
  • Immunizations for children and adults 
  • Treatment for acute illness, such as the flu or colds 
  • Coordinating care with other specialists 
  • Physical and mental health concerns, such as weight loss or anxiety 

Find a Wellstar primary care provider in your neighborhood. 

Urgent Care 

If you’re dealing with a minor injury or illness or need care after your physician’s regular office hours, going to urgent care is often the right choice. Wellstar Urgent Care Centers provide quick, convenient care for non-emergency medical conditions. 

We also offer urgent care through WellstarON, which provides virtual health visits for minor medical concerns from the comfort and convenience of home. 

Wellstar Urgent Care provides: 

  • Care for minor illnesses and injuries, such as coughs, colds, sprains and broken bones 
  • Treatment for medical issues like bites, burns and cuts 
  • COVID-19 testing and evaluation for patients 12 and older 
  • Lab and X-rays 
  • Sports physicals 
  • Occupational health services 
  • Worker’s compensation services 

Find a Wellstar urgent care location near you or make a virtual urgent care appointment. 

Emergency Care 

In a life-threatening medical emergency, every second counts. Never put off getting the proper care when lives are on the line. Remember, driving yourself to the emergency department (ED) may delay care, so call 911 for the fastest access to emergency care. 

When the unexpected happens, Wellstar is always ready in a medical emergency. Our trained team provides expert emergency care 24 hours a day for people of all ages. We even have several pediatric emergency room locations, specifically designed to treat children. 

Recognize the signs of a medical emergency: 

  • Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath 
  • Chest discomfort or pain 
  • Severe abdominal pain 
  • Fainting or loss of consciousness 
  • Sudden dizziness, weakness or vision changes 
  • Sudden, severe pain 
  • Uncontrolled or severe bleeding 
  • Choking, coughing up blood or severe vomiting 
  • Suicidal or homicidal thoughts 
  • Changes in mental status, such as confusion or unusual behavior 
  • Traumatic injury due to a motor vehicle or other accidents 

Find a Wellstar emergency department close to you. Remember, call 911 right away in a medical emergency. That way, care can begin sooner during the crucial time it takes to be transported to the hospital. 

Tags

Primary Care Emergency Care Urgent Care
COVID-19
Related Articles
Illustration of person thinking. Icons show bed, virtual visit on phone, family on couch, person talking to medical provider and ambulance.

Highlights

Feeling Sick? Know Where to Go to Get Care in Douglas

Whether you experience an injury, minor illness or simply need a wellness exam, the most important step you can take is getting the care you need. That way, you can find trained experts for your specific medical needs, stay ahead of potential health issues or even help prevent existing conditions from worsening. 

With primary, virtual, urgent and emergency care services available, as well as retail pharmacies, how do you decide which type of care is best for your medical situation? Learn the differences between each type of medical service Wellstar offers in Douglas County—so you don’t delay and get care right away.

WellstarON

In addition to virtual primary and specialty care appointments, we also provide virtual urgent care through WellstarON for minor medical concerns including allergies, sinus infections, strep throat or urinary tract infections. 

Your WellstarON provider will offer the same personalized, tailored treatments you expect from us. That may include treatment recommendations and prescriptions to manage an immediate health issue, like an antibiotic or cough medicine.

After your WellstarON visit, all Wellstar providers, 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 physicians in the know is just one way we provide you with continuity of care.

While virtual care is a convenient way to stay well, it should never be used in place of emergency care. If you are experiencing a life-threatening medical emergency, call 911 right away. 

Primary care 

Primary care is ongoing, comprehensive care and preventative medicine that helps you live a full, healthy life. 

Your primary care provider gets to know you and your health history on a deeper level. That means they have a more holistic view of your overall wellness. 

Services include: 

  • Annual wellness exams 
  • Health screenings, labs and imaging 
  • Care for chronic conditions, such as diabetes or high blood pressure 
  • Immunizations for children and adults 
  • Treatment for acute illness, such as the flu or colds 
  • Coordinating care with other specialists 
  • Physical and mental health concerns, such as weight loss or anxiety 

Wellstar has three primary care locations in Douglas County:

8820 Hospital Drive
Douglasville, GA 30134
(770) 947-3000

6043 Prestley Mill Road, Suite B
Douglasville, GA 30134
(770) 941-8100

6095 Professional Parkway, Suite 100
Douglasville, GA 30134
(770) 920-2255

Urgent care

If you’re dealing with a minor injury or illness or need care after your physician’s regular office hours, going to urgent care is often the right choice. Wellstar Urgent Care centers provide quick, convenient care for non-emergency medical conditions. 

Wellstar Urgent Care provides: 

  • Care for minor illnesses and injuries, such as coughs, colds, sprains and broken bones 
  • Treatment for medical issues like bites, burns and cuts 
  • COVID-19 testing and evaluation for patients 12 and older 
  • Lab and X-rays 
  • Sports physicals 
  • Occupational health services 
  • Worker’s compensation services 

Check in online to reduce your wait time at Wellstar Urgent Care in Douglasville.

Emergency care

In a life-threatening medical emergency, every second counts. Never put off getting the proper care when lives are on the line. Remember, driving yourself to the emergency department is dangerous and may delay care, so call 911 for the fastest access to emergency care. 

When the unexpected happens, Wellstar Douglas Medical Center is always ready in a medical emergency. Our trained team provides expert emergency care 24 hours a day for people of all ages. We also have a dedicated pediatric emergency room, specifically designed to treat children. 

Recognize the signs of a medical emergency: 

  • Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath 
  • Chest discomfort or pain 
  • Severe abdominal pain 
  • Fainting or loss of consciousness 
  • Sudden dizziness, weakness or vision changes 
  • Sudden, severe pain 
  • Uncontrolled or severe bleeding 
  • Choking, coughing up blood or severe vomiting 
  • Suicidal or homicidal thoughts 
  • Changes in mental status, such as confusion or unusual behavior 
  • Traumatic injury due to a motor vehicle or other accidents 
Keep reading
Illustration of student using laptop. Backpack and notebook with Kennesaw State University logo. Wellstar and Kennesaw State University logos at bottom of image.

Highlights

HealthyOwlCare

Between adjusting to college life, meeting friends in the dining hall and cramming for that big exam, Kennesaw State University students have a lot on their plates. 

While students maintain those busy schedules, it’s still important they keep up with their health so they can feel their best inside and outside the classroom. Wellstar provides expert student health services, keeping world-class care convenient and on campus.

Services include:

  • Treatment for illnesses like colds or flu 
  • Management of chronic conditions such as asthma or diabetes
  • Primary care check-ups, women’s and men's health, and STD testing and treatment
  • Vaccines 

Click, call or come in—easy online booking helps students take the first step toward taking charge of their health. Visit any of our student health locations on Campus Loop Road in Kennesaw, in University Village in Kennesaw or in University Courtyard in Marietta.

While physical health is an important part of overall wellness, it’s crucial that students look out for their mental well-being too. We offer compassionate, confidential care for mental health concerns with conveniently located offices on the Kennesaw and Marietta campuses. Call (470) 578-6644 to make an appointment. Learn more or book online at ksu-health.wellstar.org. 

Keep reading
Illustration of group of men

Highlights

Prostate Cancer Screening in Black Men

Screening for prostate cancer is crucial for early detection and to help provide the best possible outcome. It is especially important for Black men to be vigilant about screening, as they are disproportionately impacted by this cancer.

About 1 in 6 Black men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime, compared to 1 in 8 white men, according to a report from the American Cancer Society. Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in Black men.

The American Cancer Society recommends that men at an average risk of developing prostate cancer begin screening when they are 50, but Black men should start earlier—at age 45 if they have no family history of prostate cancer, and at age 40 if any of their male relatives have had prostate cancer. Wellstar takes a personalized approach to cancer screenings, with providers discussing benefits versus risks of screening and helping patients evaluate their risk.

“Despite many physicians being aware of this and following this practice, Black men continue to be diagnosed with and die from metastatic prostate cancer. This is a trend that desperately needs to be reversed,” said Wellstar Primary Care Physician Dr. Earl Stewart. “We have adequate screening tools that do not even require a digital rectal examination.”

The Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) blood test is more accurate than the digital rectal examination in helping to detect prostate cancer, according to Dr. Stewart. Patients should also discuss family history with their relatives. “Patients knowing their family history is so crucial in having those discussions with primary care physicians to determine the best age at which to start screening,” Dr. Stewart said.

Screening for prostate cancer is as simple as making a preventive appointment with your primary care physician, discussing your family history with him or her, and having a PSA blood test. This test may be performed during an annual physical or wellness visit. Shared decision making between physician and patient is important to discuss your risk, your need for testing and next steps to take if your PSA level is elevated and concerning. Knowing your risk can save your life.

“I know many personally who are near and dear to me who had the disease and who unfortunately died from complications of metastatic prostate cancer,” Dr. Stewart said. “I know many more who lived because they had the conversation and dared to move forward with appropriate screening at the appropriate age.”

Learn more about prostate cancer care at Wellstar.

Keep reading
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