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It’s Saturday afternoon and your two-month-old spikes a fever. You start to feel a terrible pain in your side, but your primary care physician can’t see you the same day. Most times, injuries and illnesses are completely unexpected. Finding urgent medical care becomes imperative, but the wait times at the emergency room are discouraging. A good thing to remember is that urgent care can handle a vast majority of cases and is a great step between the doctor’s office and the emergency room. Whether it’s the flu or a broken bone, knowing where to turn when you or your child needs help is information everyone should have. At First Lithonia Medical Center we offer virtual care, walk-ins, same day appointments, and after hour appointments. Need to schedule your appointment after hours? Click here to text us. So what exactly is the difference between urgent care and emergency departments?Urgent care: Urgent care clinics provide on-demand healthcare for all non-life-threatening and non-chronic medical conditions, such as cold/flu, allergy treatment, sprains and fractures, minor vehicle accidents, and many more medical conditions. Walk-in medical centers also offer a variety of other healthcare services such as school and DOT physicals, lab tests, STD testing, COVID-19 testing, immunizations, and X-Rays. When you need immediate medical treatment for non-life-threatening conditions or having trouble getting an appointment, just “walk-in” and receive care.Emergency Department: If you are experiencing a life-threatening medical emergency, head straight to the nearest hospital ER room or standalone center. These centers are open 24/7, doctors and specialists are always available, and they have the advanced equipment necessary for life-saving measures. NOTE: The cost of care to visit an ER for non-life-threatening conditions will be significantly higher than urgent care. First Lithonia Medical Center is your go-to medical center for quick and convenient healthcare in the Dekalb County, Fulton County, and Rockdale County area. To schedule an appointment, visit our website: call or text us at 770 323 6458.

By: Nikiya Ifill It’s that time of year again where you have to get that yearly check up. If you’re a first timer and ask yourself, what is a physical exam? Well, I have your answers. The annual well-check goes by many names — well-check, check-up, preventive care visit, and annual physical. The well check visit focuses on preventative care instead of a sick visit, here’s what to expect from an annual check-up. Besides the usual height, weight and vital signs, you will be able to get most important things done during your visit such as, referrals for your yearly mammogram (for women), colonoscopy and this may include blood tests, which are customized to evidence-based screening guidelines for your age group and sex. This list is not all-inclusive, of course. Depending on your health, your doctor may order additional tests and a complete blood work analysis to be done at the annual exam. This is done to check on things such as cholesterol, blood sugar, kidney/liver function, etc. These are compared to the numbers from the previous year and accepted standards. Remember that an annual well-check is all about you, so it will be tailored to you. I know you may be wondering, well, all of this sounds good, how much will it cost? I’m here to tell you your annual well check up is no cost to you, it is 100% covered by your insurance. Now keep in mind it is covered 100% but if you do have any other concerns relating to being sick, then your visit becomes a sick visit which you’ll probably have a co-pay depending on whatever type of insurance you have. Be sure to call your insurance company or your doctors office if you do have any concerns regarding your co-pay so you know ahead of time. First Lithonia Medical Center is your go-to medical center for the best preventative healthcare in the Dekalb County, Fulton County, and Rockdale County areas. To schedule an appointment, book on our website or call / text us at 770 323 6458.