By Marty Martin, PsyD, MPH, MA Imagine a patient who walks into an urgent-care center feeling as many patients do – sick, tired, and irritable. But as soon as the patient arrives, the receptionist greets him warmly and with respect. As the patient sits down in the waiting room, the receptionist lets him know how long the wait might be. When the receptionist invites the man back to the treatment area, he is greeted warmly …
Read MoreGaleazzi Fracture–Dislocation of the Wrist or Isolated Distal Radius Fracture?
Urgent message: Fractures of the distal radius are a common presentation in the urgent care setting. Nonetheless, a high index of suspicion is required for the diagnosis of a Galeazzi fracture–dislocation.By Heather L Hinshelwood, MD and David Caro, MD IntroductionThe anatomic structure of the forearm typically maintains the integrity of the distal radioulnar joint when the radius is fractured. However, in certain situations this joint may be compromised with certain rotational forces. CaseA 14-year-old African-American male …
Read MoreOutpatient Management of Opioid Dependence in Urgent Care
Urgent message:Â Urgent care physicians may be well positioned to play a role in stemming the national epidemic of opioid dependence, providing much needed care for patients and adding a new facet to their own clinical practice. By Paolo T. Coppola, MD, FACEP and Matthew I. Salzberg Introduction The DSM-IV-TR defines dependence as “a cluster of cognitive, behavioral, and physiologic symptoms that indicate a person has impaired control of psychoactive substance use and continues use of …
Read MoreThe International Face of Urgent Care
You thought you were alone on an island trying to navigate through the trials of urgent care. You thought you were the only one faced with the clinical and financial challenges. Hopefully, you have discovered the Urgent Care Association (UCA), attended one of the conferences, and shared in the delight of collaborating with colleagues who share your questions, your challenges, and your desire to make a difference one patient at a time. Hopefully, you recognize …
Read MoreInformed Consent and Treating Minors in Urgent Care
STATES HAVE ENACTED STATUTES, and courts have proffered an abundance of case law on the treatment of minors. There have been no reports of physicians being held liable for rendering emergent or urgent care to minors prior to obtaining parental consent. Still, informed consent issues surrounding the care and treatment of minors are often a source of confusion and are, at best, problematic. Essentially, competency to give consent is determined in the same way for …
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