When you’re not feeling well, the last thing you want to deal with is a complicated appointment process, long wait times, or uncertainty about what kind of care you’ll receive. At Art of Medicine Direct, we understand how stressful it can be to need medical attention and not know what to expect—especially if you’ve never visited a direct primary care (DPC) clinic before.
Our goal is to make each sick visit straightforward, comfortable, and focused entirely on your health. Here’s what you can expect when you schedule a sick visit with us.
No Insurance Required—Just Care When You Need It
A major difference between traditional clinics and a direct primary care practice like ours is the absence of insurance middlemen. This doesn’t mean you’re getting less—it means your care is more personalized, more accessible, and more transparent. You won’t have to worry about co-pays, surprise bills, or what’s “covered.” Your membership with us includes visits, communication, and many in-house services.
For a sick visit, that means you don’t have to jump through hoops to get seen. Whether it’s a sudden fever, sore throat, upset stomach, or something more specific like a urinary tract infection or ear pain, you can call, text, or message us directly to schedule a same-day or next-day appointment. Most of the time, we can see you the same day you reach out.
Booking the Visit
Scheduling a sick visit is simple. There’s no call center or automated maze. Just reach out to us directly—by phone, email, or secure patient portal. Our team will get you scheduled promptly and provide any instructions you need before coming in.
Because we limit the number of patients in our practice, you’ll rarely wait more than a few minutes once you arrive. Our space is calm, quiet, and designed to feel welcoming—very different from the typical crowded waiting room.
What Happens During the Visit
Time to Talk
At the start of your visit, your doctor will sit down with you to understand exactly what you’re experiencing. We don’t rush these conversations. You’ll have time to explain how you’re feeling, how long symptoms have been present, and any other concerns you may have.
Whether it’s your first visit or you’re an established patient, this is a chance to get to the root of the problem—not just treat symptoms. We take your full health history into account, ask questions, and really listen.
Focused Physical Exam
Based on what you share, your doctor will do a focused physical exam to help diagnose the issue. For example:
- For sore throats, we may check your tonsils, lymph nodes, and do a rapid strep test.
- For stomach pain, we’ll examine the abdomen and ask about eating patterns, digestion, and other symptoms.
- For respiratory complaints, we may check your lungs, oxygen levels, and run tests like a flu swab or COVID test if appropriate.
All of this is done with your comfort in mind. We explain what we’re doing and why, and there’s time for questions during and after the exam.
Immediate Testing, If Needed
One of the benefits of a DPC clinic is that we can handle many common tests right here in our office—without needing to send you elsewhere.
Some of the in-office tests we often use during sick visits include:
- Strep testing
- Flu testing
- Urinalysis (for UTIs)
- Pregnancy tests
- Blood glucose checks
- COVID-19 rapid testing
- Mononucleosis testing
Results are available quickly, often during the same visit. That means we can start treatment sooner if it’s needed.
Personalized Treatment Plan
Once we understand what’s going on, we’ll discuss your treatment options. This may include:
- Prescriptions, which we can often fill for you in-house at wholesale prices
- Supportive care like hydration guidance, nutrition suggestions, or over-the-counter remedies
- Follow-up plans and check-ins
- When necessary, a referral to a specialist (but we’ll help coordinate that too)
What’s different at our clinic is that treatment isn’t one-size-fits-all. We take your preferences into account and make sure you understand the plan.
Continued Access After the Visit
Your care doesn’t end when you walk out the door. One of the key benefits of being a member of Art of Medicine Direct is ongoing communication. If your symptoms change, you’re not getting better, or you have questions about your medications, you can reach out to your doctor directly.
There’s no need to rebook an appointment or go through another triage process. We’re here for you until you’re back to feeling well.
Common Reasons Patients Schedule Sick Visits
Our patients reach out for a wide range of concerns, including:
- Cold and flu symptoms
- Sore throats or ear infections
- Urinary tract infections
- Sinus infections
- Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
- Minor injuries like sprains or strains
- Skin rashes or reactions
- Asthma or COPD flare-ups
- Allergies or seasonal issues
- Fatigue, fever, or other unexplained symptoms
Because we know our patients well, we can often detect when something more serious might be going on and act quickly to address it.
When a Sick Visit Turns Into Something More
Sometimes a visit for a cough uncovers signs of asthma. Or what seemed like a minor illness reveals a larger issue with blood sugar or blood pressure. That’s where our approach makes a real difference.
Instead of being limited to a 10-minute urgent care visit, our doctors can take the time to dig deeper. We might recommend additional testing, longer-term monitoring, or bring you back for a follow-up to ensure you’re really getting better.
And because we’re not bound by insurance-driven codes and limitations, we can take a more thoughtful approach without rushing you through the system.
What You Won’t Experience
When you visit us for a sick appointment, you can expect:
- No waiting for hours
- No rushed conversations
- No billing surprises
- No confusing paperwork
You’ll have your doctor’s full attention, and we’ll focus entirely on what you need to feel better.
A Better Way to Manage Your Health
Being sick is hard enough. Getting care shouldn’t be. At Art of Medicine Direct, our mission is to offer a smarter, more supportive alternative to the traditional healthcare model—one where your needs come first and access to your doctor is never out of reach.
If you’re not already a member and want to learn more about how our model works, we’re happy to answer questions. And if you’re a current member and you’re not feeling well, don’t wait. Reach out—we’re ready to help.
