Wellstar 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. 

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. 

When a kid experiences a sudden medical emergency, it can be a stressful experience for both the parents and the child.

With four dedicated pediatric emergency departments, Wellstar Health System helps families have peace of mind that their little ones are in expert hands. Find a location near you:

• Wellstar Cobb Hospital
• Wellstar Douglas Hospital
• Wellstar Kennestone Hospital
• Wellstar Paulding Hospital

Here, we know quick action, advanced services and compassionate care are essential to treating children like 12-year-old Alex. When he broke his leg during football practice, the injury could have caused lasting damage if he didn’t get the proper care.

“From the moment we arrived at the ED, the experience was absolutely phenomenal. He wasn’t treated like a number,” said Stephanie, Alex’s mother. “Knowing that the Wellstar team really cared about my son helped build my trust.”

Due to the severity of the break in Alex’s leg, surgery was a likely outcome.

“There was a 90% chance that my son would need surgery,” Stephanie explained. The odds seemed stacked against them.

However, the skilled pediatric team, led by Dr. Mark Brown, didn’t give up. They expertly set Alex’s break in a cast. Because it was done so well, he never required surgery to heal.

Now, months after the injury, Alex is on the mend and finishing up his last few physical therapy sessions. He will make a full recovery and can keep playing the sports he loves.

That’s because Wellstar knows kids aren’t just “mini adults.” Our pediatric specialists take time to understand your child’s unique needs, even in an emergency.

Expert emergency care just for kids

Our pediatric emergency departments are designed for our youngest patients, from birth to early adulthood. We deliver emergency care for a full range of pediatric emergency conditions, including:

• Fracture
• Head injury
• Gastrointestinal (GI) obstruction or severe abdominal pain
• Acute asthma
• Pulmonary issues
• Diabetic emergency
• Severe allergic reaction
• Seizure

Wellstar Pediatric Emergency Departments are powered by Pediatric Emergency Medicine Associates (PEMA) to provide high-quality care. Pediatric patients also have access to child life specialists who are trained to help children understand their injuries, medical care and even how to cope with difficult emotions.

In addition to our skilled medical team, each facility offers special equipment — like small casts and crutches — that are the perfect size for kids at any age or stage. Having the right technology, treatments and resources in place helps your child heal and feel better.

Don’t delay care for kids

Medical emergencies are just as serious for children as they are for adults. If your child needs care for a life-threatening condition, call 911 right away.
For routine care and other specialty services, find Wellstar pediatric care near you.

Wellstar has a wide network of experts close to home. From well-child exams and specialty care to diagnostic testing and high-tech treatments, our team is here to protect your child’s health.