What Can You Expect From Your Visit to Urgent Care at Peachtree?

When we launched Urgent Care at Peachtree in partnership with Absolute Care, we knew we had a great opportunity to offer people both the quality care that can only come from a local ER Doctor owned and operated urgent care PLUS the comprehensive healthcare that Absolute Care is known for in Atlanta.  So, a visit to Urgent Care at Peachtree not only provides convenient medical services for non life-threatening injuries and illnesses, it also provides quick and full access to our Absolute Care partners and our broad network of specialists.  Our goal is to always consider the patient needs first and foremost and to provide the best care in the most professional and accessible atmosphere.  So, when we received this letter from a patient this week, our team was so proud, that we had to share it…

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"I came to the clinic because of the high reviews online I read about the Urgent Care team. I was worried due to changes in my body over the past week and needed to see someone right away. I was seen by Dr. Ferrara who realized the urgency and he promptly referred me to specialists that I should see. After I left, he personally called me to let me know what he found with my test results and it was not good news. When I told him I couldn't see the doctor for a week or so, he said he would make some calls to see what he could do. I had an appt the next morning at 8am. Most doctors would have just told me see what I could do to get an earlier appt and go to the ER if something bad happened. Dr. Ferrara found a specialist who wasn't currently seeing patients the next day, helped get me an appt within 24 hours and by all accounts probably saved my life with his quick action. PS - his nurse while I was at the office was super sweet and professional. 

After Dr. Ferrara reached out to the other side of the clinic, you took me in outside of normal practice hours to make sure I was taken care of (as a first time patient no less!). I was met by a friendly front office team and then greeted by someone (Matt or Mark I think) to tell me all about the clinic and to provide me a full range of services offered and the mission of AbsoluteCare. I have been seeing doctors for 16 years - this level of attention was a first. Dr. Rosenstock and Mary Burns took their time, tested EVERYTHING, and made me feel like I was going to be okay. They took the stress of this type of a visit off of my mind so I could focus on my health. I am eternally grateful. I know Dr. Rosenstock won't be my long term physician as he was seeing me due to the urgency of my health issue, but knowing he is leading the organization gives me confidence that my health and well-being is a genuine concern and a priority of the team. 

I was terrified, and still am, but I feel like you guys are here with me and I can't thank you all enough for that. I am not sure everything will be okay but I feel like you won't stop until it is. 

I am rarely blown away by customer service in any industry but you guys were masterfully solicitous with my care. Thank you!”

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When a patient takes the time to let us know that we are doing a great job, it means the world to us. We are proud to offer our very best care and expertise to the Greater Atlanta area, and when you come to Urgent Care at Peachtree and Absolute Care, you can expect nothing less than the best! Urgent Care at Peachtree is Atlanta’s only ER Doctor owned and operated urgent care open until 10:30pm daily. And, we are the only Urgent Care in Atlanta offering concierge House Call services powered by MedZed. We truly hope you don't need us, but if you do, we are here for you...night AND day!

What is heat stroke, how can you protect yourself from it and how is it treated?

Urgent Care at Peachtree was proud to serve as the first aid staff for the BB&T Atlanta Tennis Open last week.  It was a scorching week on the court and in the stands.  Since we are likely to have more high heat index days before this Summer is over, we wanted to remind everyone that heat exhaustion can happen even when you are just watching a sporting event. 

To illustrate this point, click here to see the footage that ESPN captured of Dr. Ferrara and the Urgent Care at Peachtree medical team assisting an overheated fan at the tennis tournament. 

Whether you are on the court, at the park or in the stands, you can be overcome by heatstroke quickly, so read over the below from The Mayo Clinic and stay hydrated when you are sizzling in the Summer sun!

Heatstroke requires emergency treatment. Untreated heatstroke can quickly damage your brain, heart, kidneys and muscles. The damage worsens the longer treatment is delayed, increasing your risk of serious complications or death.

Heatstroke symptoms include:

• High body temperature. A body temperature of 104 F (40 C) or higher is the main sign of heatstroke.
• Altered mental state or behavior. Confusion, agitation, slurred speech, irritability, delirium, seizures and coma can all result from heatstroke.
• Alteration in sweating. In heatstroke brought on by hot weather, your skin will feel hot and dry to the touch. However, in heatstroke brought on by strenuous exercise, your    skin may feel moist.
• Nausea and vomiting. You may feel sick to your stomach or vomit.
• Flushed skin. Your skin may turn red as your body temperature increases.
• Rapid breathing. Your breathing may become rapid and shallow.
• Racing heart rate. Your pulse may significantly increase because heat stress places a tremendous burden on your heart to help cool your body.
• Headache. Your head may throb.

If you think a person may be experiencing heatstroke, seek immediate medical help. Call 911 or your local emergency services number.

Take immediate action to cool the overheated person while waiting for emergency treatment.

• Get the person into shade or indoors.
• Remove excess clothing.
• Cool the person with whatever means available — put in a cool tub of water or a cool shower, spray with a garden hose, sponge with cool water, fan while misting with cool water, or place ice packs or cold, wet towels on the person's head, neck, armpits and groin.

Fourth of July Fireworks Fun and Safety

Although the Fourth of July is truly meant to celebrate our country's independence with extravagant fireworks displays and great fanfare, it is also an opportunity for individuals to put on their own backyard celebrations.  Before this year, Georgians were relegated to sparklers and smaller fireworks without much bang.  New laws went into effect today allowing Georgians to purchase and play with the larger fireworks that before were only available in neighboring states.  For more information on those new laws, click here to watch this 11 Alive news segment. 

While this may mean more fun for the Fourth of July, it also means more danger for those who don't handle their fireworks safely.  After decades of working in Emergency Rooms across the country and in the Metro Atlanta area, the ER Doctors at Urgent Care at Peachtree are all too familiar with the dangers of fireworks.  Dr. Ferrara said, "We have seen burns and massive wounds and even life and limb-threatening injuries as a result of fireworks mishandling.  All of those could have been avoided with some simple precautions."

With that in mind, Urgent Care at Peachtree is sharing a great infographic here that was put together by the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission about fireworks injuries and safety.

"We want everyone to appreciate, enjoy and celebrate on the Fourth of July...we just want them to do it safely," says Dr. Ferrara.  

Everyone at Urgent Care at Peachtree hopes you have a safe and happy Fourth of July!

Is it Spring Allergies or a Sinus Infection?

It’s raining pollen in Atlanta, and you can’t stop sneezing.  How can you tell if your symptoms are related to allergies or if you might have something more serious, like a sinus infection?

According to Dr. Anthony Ferrara at Urgent Care at Peachtree, here are some symptoms that are likely to indicate allergies:



• Watery Eyes
• Stuffy Nose
• Sneezing
• Loss of smell or taste
• Cold symptoms that last for more than 10 days with no fever
• Constant sniffling
• Dark circles under the eyes

If these are your only symptoms, it is most likely an allergy.

Allergies are simply your immune system reacting to foreign substances, like pollen.  When your immune system reacts to pollen, it releases histamines causing a myriad of different symptoms.

On the other hand, Dr. Ferrara says that sinus infections result from blocked mucous becoming infected with bacteria.  And, severe upper respiratory allergies can lead to a sinus infection.  The symptoms for sinus infection include:

• Facial or dental pain
• Headache
• Sensation of pressure
• Congestion
• Green nasal discharge
• Eye pain
• Fever
• Malaise
• Bad breath
• Nighttime cough

Sinus infections are often the result of a cold or allergies that have been present for at least 10 days.

Regardless of the cause of your sinus symptoms, if they last more than 4 days, you should see a doctor to ensure that you don’t have a medical issue that needs treatment.

With so much pollen in the air, if you do suffer from allergies, remember to wash your hair, face and hands and change your clothes after being outside to help reduce the amount of pollen you are exposed to in the Spring.  It may be raining pollen outside, but you don’t have to bring it in with you!

Urgent Care at Peachtree Top Three - March 26, 2015

The doctors at Urgent Care at Peachtree want you to know why the familiar Blue Bell Ice Cream logo has been in the news recently. They are also bringing good news concerning your morning coffee and sharing the amazing contributions 3D printing is bringing to the field of medicine.

1. More Products Are Recalled Over Listeria Fears - NY Times

A food-borne illness that contributed to the deaths of three people has been traced to a second production facility operated by Blue Bell Ice Cream, a company spokesman and health officials said Tuesday.
 http://www.nytimes.com/2015/03/25/us/oklahoma-more-products-are-recalled-over-listeria-fears.html?partner=rss&emc=rss&_r=0

2. Coffee in the morning may pack more than just an energy boost. - Medical News Today

The potential health benefits associated with drinking coffee include: protecting against type 2 diabetes, Parkinson's disease, liver disease, liver cancer, and promoting a healthy heart.

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/270202.php

3. 3-D printing furthers medical advancements - The Wellesley News

Scientists have used the technology of 3-D printing to create everything from life-like prosthetics to teeth and bones, making many medical practices faster and more personalized.

http://thewellesleynews.com/2015/03/11/3-d-printing-furthers-medical-advancements/

Urgent Care at Peachtree is focused on helping to create a healthier Atlanta and be there for you when you or your family’s health is compromised. 

So, look for more “Urgent Care at Peachtree Top Three” posts to come, and let us know what health topics you are reading about, too.

Urgent Care at Peachtree is Atlanta’s only local ER Doctor-owned urgent care open 7 nights every week from 6pm to 11pm.

Urgent Care at Peachtree Top Three - February 6, 2015

1. This year is on track to be one of the worst for measles, in more than a decade, and health officials say people who refuse to vaccinate their children are behind the increase. Here are the five things you need to know about measles. http://www.cnn.com/2013/12/05/health/measles-5-things/index.html.
   


2. An estimated 48 million food-borne illnesses occur each year in the United States. Food-borne illnesses are caused by eating or drinking a contaminated food or beverage. When 2 or more people get the same illness from the same contaminated food or drink, the event is labeled a food-borne outbreak. There are more than 250 pathogens and toxins known to cause food-borne illness. Find out more about the risks and how to prevent them. http://www.cdc.gov/foodsafety/investigations.html.


3. The Centers for Disease Control's most current data shows this year's flu season has returned to an epidemic level. Records show 45 pediatric deaths, as compared to last year when 27 children died after having the flu. So, why is the 2014-2015 flu season worse than last year? This article can help you understand the science behind the flu vaccine. http://www.cnn.com/2015/01/16/health/new-flu-numbers/

Urgent Care at Peachtree is focused on helping to create a healthier Atlanta and be there for you when you or your family’s health is compromised.  

So, look for more “Urgent Care at Peachtree Top Three” posts to come, and let us know what health topics you are reading about, too.

Urgent Care at Peachtree Top Three - January 23, 2015

The Doctors at Urgent Care at Peachtree work diligently to stay on top of health-related research and news so they can pass this information along to their current and potential patients.  In 2015, they are committed to a new blog series, “Urgent Care at Peachtree Top Three” to share these important topics with you .  Here are your first “Top Three.”

1. Urgent Care at Peachtree frequently sees patients dealing with temporary or ongoing vertigo.  There is an easy new positional treatment that is giving vertigo sufferers some great relief from this dizzy disease: http://denver.cbslocal.com/2012/04/23/colorado-doctor-finds-way-to-treat-common-vertigo/
2. If you think that working out or walking every day makes up for sitting in your office chair for the rest of the day, think again: http://www.cnn.com/2015/01/21/health/sitting-will-kill-you/index.html?eref=rss_topstories
3. In addition to ensuring that you are taking short breaks from sitting throughout the day, just 20 minutes of walking will definitely help you maintain a healthy lifestyle and can prolong your life: http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2015/jan/14/scientists-recommend-20-minute-daily-walk-premature-death

Urgent Care at Peachtree is focused on helping to create a healthier Atlanta and be there for you when you or your family’s health is compromised.  

So, look for more “Urgent Care at Peachtree Top Three” posts to come, and let us know what health topics you are reading about, too.

Urgent Care at Peachtree is Atlanta’s only local ER Doctor-owned urgent care open 7 nights every week from 6pm to 11pm.