Sick Visits

What we treat at a sick visit

Respiratory and ENT Colds, influenza like illness, COVID symptoms, cough, bronchitis symptoms, sore throat and strep evaluation, ear pain and ear infections, sinus pressure and sinus infections, seasonal allergy flares.

Urinary Burning with urination, urinary frequency and urgency, suspected urinary tract infection, recurrent UTI evaluation.

Skin Rashes, hives, insect bites and stings, poison ivy and contact reactions, suspected skin infections, minor wounds and abrasions.

Allergy Seasonal allergy symptoms, mild allergic reactions, evaluation of new environmental triggers.

Minor injury Sprains and strains, minor cuts, bruising, minor burns, joint pain after a fall or overuse.

General Fever, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, headache, dizziness, fatigue that came on suddenly.

When to go to the emergency department instead

Some symptoms should never wait for an office appointment. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department for:

• Chest pain, chest pressure, or pain radiating to the arm or jaw
• Trouble breathing or shortness of breath at rest
• Sudden weakness or numbness on one side, facial droop, trouble speaking, or sudden confusion
• Sudden severe headache unlike any you have had
• Uncontrolled bleeding
• A seizure, fainting, or loss of consciousness
• Severe allergic reaction with throat tightness, swelling of the lips or tongue, or trouble breathing
• Severe abdominal pain
• Signs of a serious infection such as high fever with stiff neck, confusion, or a spreading red rash
• Any injury involving a suspected broken bone, a deep wound, or a head injury with vomiting or confusion

When in doubt, err toward the emergency department. It is always the right call to be evaluated for something serious and turn out to be fine.

Why a sick visit with your own practice is different

A walk in clinic sees a stranger. Your primary care office sees you.

That difference is practical, not sentimental. Your provider already knows what you are allergic to, what you are currently taking, whether you have a condition that changes which antibiotic is safe, and whether this is the third sinus infection this year or the first in a decade. Recurrent problems get recognized as recurrent. A UTI that keeps coming back becomes a question worth investigating rather than another prescription.

It also means follow up is built in. If the symptoms do not resolve, you are calling the same practice that saw you, not starting over.

What happens during a sick visit

1. Check in and vitals. Temperature, blood pressure, heart rate, oxygen saturation, and weight.
2. History. When did it start, what makes it better or worse, what have you already tried, who else at home is sick.
3. Focused exam. Targeted to your symptoms rather than a full physical.
4. Point of care testing when indicated. Testing may include rapid strep, influenza, COVID, or urinalysis, depending on your symptoms.
5. Plan. Your provider explains what she believes is going on, what the treatment options are, what to expect over the next few days, and the specific signs that mean you should call back or seek emergency care.

About antibiotics

Antibiotics treat bacterial infections. They do nothing for viruses, which cause the large majority of colds, sore throats, coughs, and cases of flu. Prescribing them anyway does not shorten a viral illness, and it carries real costs: side effects, disruption of normal gut bacteria, allergic reactions, and the slow erosion of antibiotic effectiveness across the whole community.

Your provider will explain what she thinks is causing your illness and why she is or is not recommending an antibiotic. Sometimes the honest and correct answer is that the best treatment is symptom relief, fluids, rest, and a clear list of what to watch for. That is not being denied care. That is being given accurate care.

If your symptoms change or worsen along the lines she describes, call back.

How to get seen today

Call (772) 678-0011 as early in the day as you can. Appointment availability depends on how the schedule is running, so morning calls generally have the most options.

When you call, describe your symptoms clearly, including how long they have been going on and whether you have a fever. That helps the front desk book the right amount of time and flag anything that should be seen sooner.

If nothing is open soon enough and your situation allows it, ask about a telehealth visit. Some acute complaints can be handled well by video.

Payment

Seaside Family Wellness participates with some insurance plans, but not all. Participating plans change frequently, so call (772) 678-0011 before your visit to confirm whether we currently participate with your specific plan. Self-pay options are available, and labs and diagnostics can sometimes be billed through your insurance when medically appropriate.

Contact

Seaside Family Wellness 1657 SE Port St Lucie Blvd, Port St. Lucie, FL 34952 Phone: (772) 678-0011 Hours: Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Common questions

This page is general health education. It is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified provider who knows your history. Always talk with your provider about your own health questions. If you think you are having a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.

Reviewed by Amy Weber, APRN and Stephanie Hoppy, APRN, September 2026.