Acute Care

Acute Care services offered in Riverside, CA

Acute care provides prompt treatment for minor illnesses and injuries, including the common cold, the seasonal flu, and cuts that require stitches. At Riverside Primary Care Clinic in Riverside, California, board-certified family medicine physician Joanna Ayala, MD, Mayette Baylon Gonzalez, and the team offer same-day acute care to patients 12 and older. Call Riverside Primary Care Clinic today to schedule an acute care appointment for yourself or your child, or book online.

Acute Care Q&A

Are the emergency room (ER) and acute care the same?

No. The terms emergency room and acute care are often used interchangeably, but they aren’t the same thing:

Emergency room (ER)

The emergency room provides immediate care for potentially life-threatening illnesses and injuries, like heart attacks, strokes, and severe car accidents. ERs see patients based on their level of need, so if you have a sore throat, you might have to wait hours to see a doctor or nurse.

Acute care

Acute care, or urgent care, provides quick, hassle-free treatment for minor illnesses and injuries. The Riverside Primary Care Clinic team makes time for acute care appointments each day, so if you or your child need treatment, you can call the office or walk in during regular business hours.

What types of illnesses and injuries benefit from acute care?

The Riverside Primary Care Clinic team uses acute care to treat various illnesses and injuries, including:

The common cold
The seasonal flu
COVID-19
Minor allergies
Cough
Sore throat
Ear pain
Mild headaches
Vomiting, nausea, and diarrhea
Mild fevers
Sinus infections
Sprains and strains
Minor fractures
Insect bites
Minor burns

Acute care also provides minor surgical services. For example, the team provides stitches for minor cuts and lacerations as well as wart and mole removal.

What should I bring to an acute care appointment?

Before visiting Riverside Primary Care Clinic for acute care, gather necessary items like your health insurance information and the names of the prescription drugs and vitamins you take. If you’ve recently undergone any diagnostic tests, like blood work or X-rays, make sure to bring that information too.

This information provides key insights into your health and helps speed up your visit.

What can I expect during an acute care visit?

Your Riverside Primary Care Clinic provider reviews your medical records and asks about the reason for your visit. They ask you what symptoms you’re experiencing, when they started, and if you’ve tried any at-home treatments.

Next, your provider completes a physical exam. For example, if you twisted your ankle while playing sports, your provider checks it for swelling and bruising and assesses your joint’s range of motion.

After confirming your diagnosis, they make personalized treatment recommendations.

Call Riverside Primary Care Clinic today to schedule acute care for yourself or your child or book your visit online.