The patient, a 22-year-old woman, presented with a complaint of chest pain. View the image taken (Figure 1) and consider what your diagnosis would be. Resolution of the case is described on the next page.
Read More
A Slowly Healing Leg Wound
Urgent message: Clinical suspicion of CA-MRSA should be high for any skin wound or soft tissue infection with delayed healing, abscess, or persistent cellulitis. RALPH S. BOVARD, MD, MPH, and ANNE REINER, MD, MPH Introduction Caregivers need to remain vigilant and challenge diagnoses to avoid complacency in the treatment of “common” problems. We all need to foster the habit of systematic and meticulous clinical evaluation. As Goethe said: “We see what we know.” Case Presentation …
Read MoreThe ED Utilization Debate: Can a Shell-Game Redirect the Scrutiny?
Lee A. Resnick, MD, FAAFP You might not expect one of our most prestigious medical journals to be susceptible to scientific sleight of hand. But the JAMAeditorial board apparently fell victim to just that in publishing the latest in a string of self-serving, extraordinarily biased “studies” supported by the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP), entitled “Comparison of Presenting Complaint vs Discharge Diagnosis for Identifying “Nonemergency” Emergency Department Visits.” The study’s objective was to determine …
Read More
Establishing Your Online Presence: Website Basics for Urgent Care Operators
Urgent message: Establishing a practice website takes careful planning and execution but it can enhance traditional marketing efforts by providing a central repository of relevant information for prospective patients. ALAN A. AYERS, MBA, MAcc Practice Velocity When consumers experience a minor illness or injury, numerous questions arise, such as “What do these symptoms mean?” “Can I do something about this myself?” and “What kind of help do I need, where do I get it, and …
Read More
May 2013
An Urgent Care Approach to Low Back Pain
Urgent message: To better evaluate and treat patients with low back pain, urgent care providers need a good understanding of the anatomy of the back and they must be vigilant for “red flags” that signal a potentially serious condition. SHAILENDRA K. SAXENA, MD, PHD, MIKAYLA SPANGLER, PHARM D, BCPS, and SANJEEV K. SHARMA, MD, MBA Introduction Acute low back pain is a common condition often seen by urgent care providers. An episode of acute low …
Read More
28-year-old male with pain in shoulder after fall
The patient, a 28-year-old male, presented with pain in his left shoulder after a fall. View the image taken (Figure 1) and consider what your diagnosis would be.
Read More
76-year-old male presented after blow to right shoulder
The patient, a 76-year-old male, presented after a blow to his right shoulder. View the image taken (Figure 1) and consider what your diagnosis would be.
Read More
23-year-old male presented after blow to left wrist
The patient, a 23-year-old male, presented after a blow to his left wrist. View the image taken (Figure 1) and consider what your diagnosis would be.
Read More
Dealing With Employee Termination: Smart Strategies for Optimizing Your Team
Urgent message: Letting employees go is never easy. This article offers tips for protecting your business and yourself if termination is necessary. Among the key recommendations are compiling documentation and seeking legal advice. ALAN A. AYERS, MBA, MAcc Practice Velocity Letting an employee go, whether due to job performance or economic necessity, is never a pleasant situation. Although an urgent care center strives to provide high-quality patient care, it’s also a business. This means that …
Read More