No primary care doctor? Here are 4 ways to get treatment

Whether battling a cold or needing help managing chronic conditions, a primary care practice is a great place to turn. But sometimes, life gets in the way.

Maybe you need immediate help and don’t have a primary care doctor. Or you’re too busy to travel to a distant office. Whatever the reason, you’ve got convenient alternatives, and they can be as easy as stopping by the pharmacy.

Don’t let a lack of time or resources keep you from treatment. Here are four ways to get the care you need in the time you have:  

Phone it in

You already use your phone to FaceTime with friends, so why not a healthcare provider, too? When you have a quick question or prefer to stay in bed, technology connects you with providers fast. Get convenient care without leaving home.

Remote medical professionals are available 24/7, meaning you have round-the-clock access to care even when you’re on the go. Virtual exams may cost less than in-person visits and still provide private, one-on-one time with a medical professional. Appointments aren’t necessary – just dial in when you need help.

Piedmont OnCall gives you access to healthcare providers 24/7. Virtual visit wait times are often 20 minutes or less. The service is available for a flat rate of $49 per session, and you can get care right now.

Stop by your pharmacy

Some drugstores now house miniature clinics, giving you care exactly when and where you need it. If you're picking up prescriptions or supplies at your pharmacy, stop by the clinic for a quick check. Get that ache or sniffle evaluated while you're there. Opening times will vary by store, but you can often find extended hours that don’t require appointments.

These locations are helpful even if you aren’t sick. For example, if your child needs a sports or camp physical, it can be done on-site. You can also receive vaccinations during the same visit.

You can find Piedmont’s version of mini-clinics inside many Walgreens locations around metro Atlanta. Piedmont QuickCare clinics are staffed by Piedmont providers. Your visit information may also be shared with other Piedmont providers for seamless, coordinated care. Save your spot today.

Check out your local urgent care center

For more complex issues, you might want to try an urgent care center. Like smaller clinics, they provide brief exams and vaccinations. They also have the resources to treat a wider range of conditions. You can usually find X-ray machines at these sites, so providers can diagnose sprains or breaks. Urgent care centers have more staff and equipment. They can treat minor burns, headaches, flu symptoms and other common conditions.

Urgent care centers combine the convenience of extended hours with the benefits of a larger clinic. Walk-in patients are also welcome.

Visit one of 23 Piedmont Urgent Care centers in metro Atlanta and Athens for same-day care. Get treatment without the wait or high cost of an emergency room. Most Piedmont Urgent Care locations are open on weekends and offer extended hours, and you can save a spot online.

Find a new primary care physician 

Sometimes, there’s no substitute for your own internist or family doctor. These providers offer a wide range of services. Building a relationship with one physician can benefit your long-term health.

Seeing the same doctor each time helps them understand your health history. This allows for more personalized and effective treatment recommendations. And when you have a primary care physician, you always have somewhere to turn for medical advice. These physicians can assist you with chronic disease management, and they can counsel you on preventive care.

No matter what level of care you need, Piedmont offers an integrated network of practices and providers to serve you. For a primary care doctor, turn to a Piedmont Physicians location near you. Online scheduling is available, so it’s never been easier to set an appointment and establish a relationship with a doctor. With over 65 Atlanta-area practices, many offering extended hours and weekend availability, these offices provide comprehensive, convenient primary care services.

Need to make an appointment with a Piedmont physician? Save time, book online.