Primary Care Physician Services Fort Lauderdale, FL

Proactive Medical Group Urgent Care Services Offered

Proactive Medical Group provides a wide variety of urgent care services.

We offer a wide variety of services for patients throughout the Fort Lauderdale Florida area.

Common Visits

Our care facilities are particularly popular during the wintertime, also known as cold and flu season. These conditions are part of a larger group of viruses known as acute upper respiratory infections. Acute upper respiratory infections are contagious infections that target the nose, throat, pharynx, larynx, and bronchi. They may be either viral or bacterial.

Our care facilities also see an uptick in visits during springtime, when many seasonal allergies kick in. This is also often correlated with asthma. Both conditions often mimic the symptoms of the common cold. Allergies may cause congestion, runny nose, itchy eyes, rashes, and even breathing problems or anaphylaxis. They may be triggered by dust, pets, pollen, food, medications, and insect stings. Patients with allergic asthma have airways that are especially sensitive to certain triggers.

Furthermore, we can treat other common bacterial infections, such as urinary tract infections (UTIs) or conjunctivitis (also known as pinkeye). Such conditions can make it uncomfortable – sometimes even impossible – for patients to perform their day-to-day activities. If left untreated, these conditions may also lead to severe consequences. For instance, UTIs may cause permanent kidney damage and pinkeye may lead to vision loss.

Those suffering from food poisoning may also benefit from going to our primary care offices. This affliction is so common that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimate that an average of 48 million people are affected by food poisoning per year. Around 3,000 even die from the condition. As such, it is imperative to address it immediately. Telltale signs of foodborne illness include diarrhea (sometimes bloody), abdominal pain, vomiting, weakness, fever, and chills.

Health should never take a backseat in one's life. Our care facilities can help with various common conditions, no matter how minor they may seem.

General Illnesses

We can also treat general illnesses that do not seem to go away with rest and over-the-counter medication. These can include colds, flu symptoms, strep throat, mono, various types of infections upper respiratory problems to name a few.

Many patients also come into our care facility to address feelings or symptoms of general malaise. This means the patient knows they are ill without being able to pinpoint how or why. We can diagnose and treat a wide variety of infectious diseases. Some are contagious, while others are passed on zoonotically (i.e., through insects or other animals). Others, still, are caused by consuming contaminated food or water or exposure to infected organisms.

Each infectious disease has its own unique set of symptoms. However, as stated by the Mayo Clinic, some of the most common are:

• Diarrhea
• Fatigue
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Muscle aches

In addition to watching out for the above symptoms, patients should seek medical attention immediately if they have recently been bitten by an animal, are experiencing a severe headache accompanied by fever, have been coughing for more than one week, or are experiencing swelling or a rash.

The common cold and the flu are some of the most common infectious diseases. Others, like chickenpox and measles, may be prevented by taking a vaccine. In any case, many possible causal factors can lead to infectious disease. These involve bacteria, fungi, parasites, and viruses. Direct contact, indirect contact, insect bites, and food contamination may also contribute.

Anyone can be affected by general illness, but those who are immunocompromised are more likely to be sick. This includes patients who are taking steroids or other medications that suppress the immune system, patients with HIV/AIDS, and patients with certain types of cancer or other disorders. Washing hands regularly, keeping up on vaccinations, staying home when sick, practicing proper food safety, and traveling wisely, can help prevent contracting infectious disease.

Many times, symptoms of general illness subside quickly and without problems. However, if they are long-lasting and severe enough to cause distress, patients should not hesitate to visit an urgent care facility. A physician can diagnose and treat the source of the illness. If necessary, they can also prescribe any medication to alleviate any pain or discomfort the patient may be experiencing.

Injuries

You may not be able to see the damage or know the exact cause of the injury, but avoiding treatment only makes it worse. We can diagnose fractures, breaks, injuries from falls, cuts, lacerations burns, rashes and more.

Our care facilities can also treat many common injuries. These include injuries from auto accidents, slip and fall accidents, cuts and lacerations, sprains and strains, and more. Many patients often make the honest mistake of assuming that their injuries are not that serious. However, symptoms may lie dormant for longer than expected. It is always important to seek medical attention after an injury before it has the chance to get worse. Doing so also establishes a medical record for any future physicians, lawyers, or claims adjusters to reference.

It can be upsetting and intimidating to deal with an open wound. As such, it should come as no surprise that cuts and lacerations are two of the main types of injuries treated by primary care and urgent care facilities. Patients should seek immediate medical attention whenever they suffer an injury associated with bright red, spurting, or uncontrolled bleeding. Objects may also become lodged inside deep wounds, which should only be removed by a medical professional.

Car accident injuries are another popular reason to visit our facility. It is crucial for individuals to see a medical professional following an auto accident – even if they do not feel like they suffered any injuries. It is not uncommon for a cocktail of adrenaline and other protective hormones to prevent victims from feeling the full effect of their injuries until some time has passed – at which point their condition may have already worsened.

According to the National Floor Safety Institute, slip and fall accidents are so common that they are among the leading causes of lost workdays nationwide. Since the category is so broad, the results may range from a small scrape to a traumatic brain injury. Any injury that leads to a blow to the head should be checked out immediately. Along with treating more minor fall injuries, primary care physicians can treat possible concussions and refer patients out to specialists as necessary.

Finally, sprains and strains are another common cause of primary care facility visits. Patients with sprains have stretched or torn their ligaments, while those with strains have stretched or torn their tendons. Both conditions can be incredibly painful, leading to swelling and tenderness in the affected area. Severe sprains and strains may not even be able to handle weight at all. A primary care physician can evaluate these conditions, take X-rays, devise a personalized treatment plan unique to the patient's needs, and refer them out to a specialist, as necessary.

It is crucial for patients to treat any injuries right away, even if they do not feel it is necessary. As mentioned earlier, the body often produces a protective cocktail of hormones that prevents them from feeling the full effects of pain. By the time all symptoms become present, the condition may have worsened. An primary care physician can determine the best diagnosis and treatment plan for each patient.

Wellness

We can also help patients stay on top of their wellness by providing women's health services, vaccinations, physicals, lab testing, STD testing and wellness child visits. Our goal is to keep patients healthy so they can thrive in life.

Experts recommend that everyone see the physician for a wellness exam at least once a year. These annual physicals help establish a baseline of patient health while also looking out for any warning signs of poor health. Wellness exams may also be necessary for work, school, sports, and more.

A typical wellness exam involves going over the patient's medical history, checking their vital signs, and performing some exams as necessary. These exams may include a heart exam, lung exam, head and neck exam, abdominal exam, neurological exam, dermatological exam, and extremities exam. The physician may also check the patient's general appearance for signs of illness.

Patients should remember the importance of getting annual wellness exams regardless of whether they feel they “need” them. Many health conditions can lay dormant for some time. For example, blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels may all be high without manifesting in any symptoms. With regular screening, patients can rest assured everything is under control and monitor their health before things become too severe.

By preparing for their wellness exams ahead of time, patients can ensure that they make the most of their time with the physician. Many find it helps to bring a list of medications they are currently taking, both over-the-counter and prescribed. They may also want to bring results from any recent tests, if applicable. With regular wellness exams, patients can keep themselves in optimal health.