PRIMARY & URGENT CARE

Antibiotics are among the most frequently prescribed medications in urgent care settings. These agents are designed to treat bacterial infections by either killing bacteria directly or halting their ability to grow and multiply. When used correctly, antibiotics shorten the duration of illness, reduce complications, and prevent infections from spreading to others. Depending on the site and severity of the infection, a provider may prescribe a narrow- or broad-spectrum antibiotic.

Our providers use evidence-based guidelines to determine which antibiotic, if any, is appropriate based on your symptoms, medical history, and risk factors for resistance. We also emphasize antibiotic stewardship, only prescribing these medications when absolutely necessary.

Examples of commonly prescribed antibiotic medications include:

Cefdinir – Often used for sinus or ear infections.

Clindamycin – Effective against certain resistant skin infections or dental abscesses.

Amoxicillin and Penicillin – Frequently used for strep throat or ear infections.

Azithromycin – Commonly prescribed for bronchitis and community-acquired pneumonia.

Tobramycin – Sometimes used for more serious or hospital-acquired infections.

Cephalexin – A first-line option for uncomplicated skin infections.

Minocycline and Tetracycline – Often used for acne or tick-borne illnesses.

Erythromycin – Useful in penicillin-allergic patients.

Ampicillin – Used for some gastrointestinal or genitourinary infections.

Levofloxacin and Ciprofloxacin – Reserved for more resistant urinary or respiratory infections.

While antibiotics target bacterial infections, antiviral medications are used to manage illnesses caused by viruses. These drugs don’t "kill" viruses in the way antibiotics attack bacteria; rather, they work by limiting viral replication, which reduces symptom duration and helps prevent complications.

In urgent care, antivirals are commonly prescribed for conditions like influenza, shingles, cold sores, chickenpox, and genital herpes. Prompt initiation of therapy, ideally within the first 48 hours of symptom onset, is key to improving outcomes and lessening severity.

Examples of common antiviral medications include:

Famciclovir – Often used for shingles and recurrent genital herpes.

Oseltamivir – Known for reducing flu symptoms and shortening illness when started early.

Valacyclovir – Prescribed for cold sores, shingles, and herpes outbreaks.

Acyclovir – Used in both topical and oral forms for herpes simplex virus and varicella.

These medications may not cure the virus entirely, especially in chronic infections like herpes, but they significantly reduce symptom intensity, duration, and recurrence when taken as directed.

When patients visit urgent care, it’s often because symptoms can’t wait days for a primary care appointment but don’t necessarily warrant a trip to the emergency room. While our clinic offers timely and effective treatment for a range of non-life-threatening conditions, it’s essential to understand both the scope of what we can treat and when immediate emergency care is needed.

If you’re experiencing chest pain, signs of a heart attack, symptoms of a stroke, severe bleedinig, difficulty breathing, severe abdominal pain, or broken bones please call 911 or go to your nearest emergency department. These are considered medical emergencies and fall outside the scope of virtual or non-emergent care. Your safety remains our highest priority.

While urgent care is a convenient solution for many non-life-threatening medical issues, it has limitations. We urge you to seek immediate emergency attention if you're experiencing:

1) Symptoms of a heart attack (e.g., chest pressure, jaw pain, radiating discomfort to the arm)

2) Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath not related to a mild illness

3) Broken bones with visible deformity, open wounds, or inability to move the limb

4) Severe bleeding that doesn't stop with pressure

5) Symptoms of a stroke such as slurred speech, facial drooping, or sudden loss of coordination

These situations require advanced diagnostics and possible life-saving interventions that go beyond the scope of urgent care.

In today’s fast-paced world, accessing timely medical care shouldn’t require rearranging your entire schedule. If you’ve been searching for a way to manage common health concerns without leaving home, booking an online appointment with a doctor or board-certified family nurse practitioner may be the most efficient solution. Whether you're managing a chronic condition or need a quick consultation for a new issue, virtual visits can often provide the care you need, when you need it.

At The Virtual NP clinic we offer same-day online doctor prescription and prescription refill appointments with board-certified nurse practitioners who are trained to deliver quality care via secure telehealth. Licensed nurse practitioners, working in collaboration with supervising physicians, conduct these virtual visits using evidence-based protocols to prioritize patient safety and quality of care.

If your condition warrants it, your provider may issue a same-day prescription or prescription refill for most non-controlled substances.

Appointments are designed to be simple and efficient. Most online prescription and prescription refill appointments take approximately 15 minutes, and if a prescription is medically appropriate, your provider can send it directly to the pharmacy of your choice, whether it’s a national chain or a local neighborhood drugstore.

We make it easy to get started. Our platform allows you to book an online appointment with a board-certified family nurse practitioner in just a few clicks, often with same-day availability. It's healthcare on your terms, without the long wait times or crowded clinic lobbies.

Yes, if it is deemed clinically appropriate based on your condition, your provider can issue a doctor’s note for work, school, or other necessary documentation. During your virtual appointment, your board-certified nurse practitioner will assess your symptoms, medical needs, and any limitations discussed. If your situation warrants a short-term work absence, medical leave or verification, a signed note can be provided, typically on the same day as your visit. Please note that we do not complete any FMLA forms or jury duty release forms.

Doctor’s notes are issued at the provider’s discretion and are based on the nature of the illness or concern discussed during your consultation. Please be ready to share details about your work or school requirements so that your provider can tailor the note accordingly. Emotional support animal (ESA) letters are also available when clinically appropriate.

Our telehealth service is designed to meet a wide range of non-emergency medical needs through safe, convenient, and timely care. If you're wondering what kind of medications can I get prescribed online, the answer depends on your health condition, your medical history, and the clinical judgment of your provider.

We are able to prescribe a broad range of medications for common conditions such as:

• Bacterial infections (e.g., sinusitis, urinary tract infections, skin infections)

• Asthma and other mild respiratory conditions

• Type 2 diabetes

• Hypertension (high blood pressure)

• High cholesterol

• Acid reflux and gastrointestinal issues

• Women's health concerns, including birth control and yeast infections

• Minor dermatologic conditions like acne or eczema

We also support patients managing mild anxiety or depression that do not require ongoing psychiatric care. If your symptoms are stable and not associated with severe mental health crises or complex medication management, you may be eligible for an online mental health medication visit. These visits are handled with care and discretion by our board-certified nurse practitioners who can discuss safe, non-controlled treatment options appropriate for your situation.

Please note that we do not prescribe controlled substances or medications with a high risk for dependency or misuse. This includes stimulants (e.g., Adderall), benzodiazepines (e.g., Xanax), opioid pain medications, and certain sleep aids. These medications typically require in-person evaluations, close monitoring, and specialized care.