Urgent Message: Postpartum vaginal bleeding and discharge have a broad range of etiologies ranging from benign and self-limited to life-threatening. As postpartum patients may present to urgent care centers with concerns for bleeding or discharge, it is important for clinicians to have an understanding of the unique differential diagnosis for causes of hemorrhage in this population. Alexa Bailey, BS; Lauren Kostandaras, BS; Hannah Poorman, BS; Michael Weinstock, MD; Catherine Neal, DO. Citation: Bailey A, Kostandaras …
Read MoreInsidious Unilateral Axillary Swelling in a Patient with Untreated HIV: A Case Report
Urgent Message: Lymphadenopathy in patients living with HIV is most commonly related to HIV infection, but it may also be related to many forms of systemic infection or malignancy. Definitive diagnosis is most often achieved by fine-needle aspiration. Hana Kusumoto, MD, MPH; Lindsey E. Fish, MD Citation: Kusumoto H, Fish LE. Insidious Unilateral Axillary Swelling in a Patient with Untreated HIV: A Case Report. J Urgent Care Med. 2025; 19(8):31-35 Key words: Diffuse Large B …
Read MoreRecurrent Neuropsychiatric Symptoms in a Patient With Repeated Exposure to Metronidazole: A Case Report
Urgent Message: Metronidazole, even during short courses of therapy, can result in disabling neuropsychiatric symptoms. It is important for clinicians to be knowledgeable about these relatively uncommon but serious adverse medication reactions. Faren Clum, MD; Joshua Russell, MD, MSc, ELS, FCUCM, FACEP Citation: Clum F, Russell J. Recurrent Neuropsychiatric Symptoms in a Patient With Repeated Exposure to Metronidazole: A Case Report. J Urgent Care Med. 2025; 19(7):37-41 Abstract Introduction: Metronidazole is a commonly prescribed antibiotic. …
Read MoreDeath After Delayed Diagnosis of Acute Epiglottitis in an Adult Patient Initially Seen in Urgent Care: A Case Report
Urgent Message: Epiglottitis is a potentially fatal condition that has undergone a changing etiology in the post-Hib vaccine landscape. Urgent care providers should be well versed on its presentation to properly triage patients and avoid misdiagnosis. William Bradley, BA Citation: Bradley W. Death After Delayed Diagnosis of Acute Epiglottitis in an Adult Patient Initially Seen in Urgent Care: A Case Report. J Urgent Care Med. 2025; 19(6)31-35. Key words: sore throat, epiglottitis, thumbprint sign Abstract …
Read MoreUrgent Care Assessment of Patients with Possible Diverticulitis
Urgent Message: Diverticulitis is a prevalent condition characterized by localized inflammation most commonly of the sigmoid colon. It is often diagnosed with a computed tomography scan with intravenous contrast. Uncomplicated cases are most common and require only monitoring, however complicated cases can require hospitalization and emergent surgical intervention. Urgent care clinicians should be comfortable assessing patients with possible diverticulitis and recognizing features that suggest the possibility of more complicated disease. Naushair Hussain DO; Shahmeer Hussain …
Read MoreRural Urgent Care Growth Continues, But Challenges Remain
Urgent Message: Rural urgent care is the industry’s fastest growing segment, influenced by rural primary care shortages, hospital closures and extended ED wait times, but operational staffing and reimbursement complexities must be navigated. Alan A. Ayers, MBA, MAcc Citation: Ayers A. Rural Urgent Care Grows, But Challenges Remain. J Urgent Care Med. 2024; 19(3): 17-21 As access to care in rural areas continues to decline, urgent care (UC) can play a pivotal role in the …
Read MoreUrgent Care Diagnosis and Management of Midshaft Ulnar (Nightstick) Fractures
Urgent Message: Fractures of the midshaft ulna, commonly referred to as “nightstick fractures,” typically occur after direct injury to a forearm outstretched above the head as a protective mechanism. Evaluation includes inquiry into the circumstances of the assault, assessment for any other areas of trauma, examination of the skin, wrist and elbow joints, and radiography of the forearm. Management of closed, nondisplaced midshaft ulnar fractures centers around splint immobilization and arrangement of appropriate follow-up. Chandrika …
Read MoreAbdominal Pseudohernia and Urinary Retention Due to Spinal Nerve Root Compression From Disc Herniation: A Case Report
Urgent Message: Abdominal pseudohernia is a rare diagnosis with variable presentation. Urgent care clinicians who are familiar with the condition and its variable presentations can reduce the risk of diagnostic errors and unnecessary or inappropriate diagnostic testing. Berkeley E Prewett, BSA; Stephen V Green, MD; Andrew L Juergens II, MD; Taylor K Ratcliff, MD Citation: Prewett BE, Green SV, Juergens AL, Ratcliff TK. Abdominal Pseudohernia and Urinary Retention Due to Spinal Nerve Root Compression From …
Read MoreUrgent Care Recognition and Management of Proximal Humerus Fractures
Urgent Message: Proximal humerus fractures most commonly occur in older patients after a fall and can be sentinel events that offer an opportunity to identify undiagnosed medical conditions or unsafe home environments. Lauren Schuermann, MS4; Shivani Kothari, MS4; W. Bradley Strauch, MD Citation: Schuermann L, Kothari S, Strauch B. Urgent Care Recognition and Management of Proximal Humerus Fractures. J Urgent Care Med. 2024; 19(2): 13-19 Questions for the Clinician at the Bedside Clinical Scenario A …
Read MoreRecognition and Management of Achenbach Syndrome (Paroxysmal Finger Hematoma)
Urgent Message: By understanding the symptoms of paroxysmal finger hematoma, clinicians can reduce patient anxiety and decrease unnecessary testing, as the condition is generally mild and has a favorable prognosis. Citation: Sanz Martinez E, Kranichfeld WH, Ceballos Y. Achenbach Syndrome: Diagnosis of Paroxysmal Finger Hematoma. J Urgent Care Med. 2024; 19(1): 25-29 Introduction Paroxysmal finger hematoma (PFH), also known as Achenbach syndrome, is a vascular disorder of unknown etiology characterized by subcutaneous bleeding in the …
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