Urgent Care Locations in Pentagon City, VA

When you come to us with these symptoms, our healthcare providers will start by asking about your symptoms and medical history. They may also perform a physical examination and order diagnostic tests, such as a rapid influenza diagnostic test (RIDT), to confirm whether you have a cold or flu and rule out more severe conditions.

Once a diagnosis is made, our healthcare providers will recommend an appropriate treatment plan. If you have the flu and it’s within the first 48 hours of symptom onset, antiviral medications may be prescribed.

For colds, our team will assist in managing your symptoms until your body fights off the virus. This can include guidance on proper rest, hydration, over-the-counter cold remedies, and symptom management medications.

Beyond treatment, our healthcare providers can also offer advice on home care and how to prevent the spread of the cold or flu to others. They can also provide steps to take to avoid getting sick in the future, and if necessary, refer you to an appropriate specialist, such as a pulmonologist for severe respiratory symptoms.

However, while we can provide timely and effective treatment for cold and flu symptoms, we are not a substitute for regular care from a
primary care provider or for emergency care for severe or life-threatening conditions. For symptoms like persistent or severe symptoms, difficulty breathing, high fever, or if you have pre-existing medical conditions like asthma or heart disease, we’ll take necessary precautions and guide you to the right healthcare facility.

If you’re feeling under the weather with cold or flu symptoms, Nova Patient Care can be a valuable resource for getting the care you need. We provide accessible and convenient healthcare, ensure proper diagnosis, provide treatment, and can prevent complications.

Severe headaches or migraines can be incredibly debilitating, often causing significant discomfort and disruption to daily life. Nova Patient Care, as a premier urgent care center, is equipped to handle these non-life-threatening medical conditions, offering timely medical assistance.

Nova Patient Care may be appropriate for severe headaches or migraines that are:

● Sudden and intense
● Accompanied by nausea, vomiting, or fever
● Associated with neurological symptoms such as weakness, numbness, or vision problems
● Causing persistent and severe pain that interferes with daily activities

Our healthcare professionals can evaluate the severity of your headache or migraine, provide appropriate medication, and if necessary, refer you to a specialist for further treatment. However, if your headache or migraine is accompanied by symptoms like a high fever, stiff neck, confusion, seizures, double vision, weakness, numbness, or difficulty speaking, you should go to an emergency room immediately as these symptoms could indicate a more serious condition such as a stroke or meningitis.

For less severe headaches or migraines, other treatment options can be considered before resorting to an urgent care visit. These may include:

● Over-the-counter pain relievers (e.g., ibuprofen, acetaminophen)
● Resting in a dark, quiet room
● Applying a cool compress
● Avoiding caffeine and alcohol
● Trying relaxation techniques (e.g., meditation, deep breathing)

Urgent care is generally not necessary for headaches that are:

● Chronic or persistent
● Gradually worsening
● Not accompanied by alarming symptoms such as fever, nausea, or vomiting
● Effectively managed with over-the-counter medications

While you can visit Nova Patient Care for a severe headache or migraine, the specifics of your condition may dictate whether it’s the best place for treatment. It’s always a good idea to consult with a healthcare provider to discuss your symptoms and the best course of action. If your headache is sudden, intense, or unresponsive to home remedies, it’s advisable to seek prompt medical attention. However, for less severe headaches, it’s recommended to try self-care measures or consult with your primary care physician first.

Experiencing a burn or cut can be concerning, especially when it comes to assessing the severity of the injury and deciding the appropriate course of action. Burns and cuts are frequent occurrences that can range in severity. Nova Patient Care caters to non-life-threatening situations requiring immediate attention, such as minor fractures, sprains, strains, and burns or cuts that might necessitate stitches.
Burns: Burn severity is gauged by its size (surface area) and depth (degree).

● Degree 1 (Superficial): This causes redness, pain, and minor swelling. Home treatment is typically sufficient for such minor burns.
● Degree 2 (Partial Thickness): This damages the top and part of the second layer of skin, causing blisters and pain.
● Degree 3 (Full Thickness): This extends through all skin layers and may affect underlying tissues, causing charred or white skin.

You should consider visiting Nova Patient Care for:

● Burns that cause blisters, especially if they appear red or filled with fluid.
● Burns on sensitive areas like the face, neck, hands, or genitals.
● Deep burns or those with a charred appearance.
● Burns causing intense pain or swelling.
● Chemical or electrical burns should also receive immediate treatment from medical professionals at Nova Patient Care.

Cuts: Deeper or longer cuts may necessitate stitching to close the wound and promote healing.

You should consider visiting Nova Patient Care for:

● Cuts that are deeper than a quarter inch or have jagged edges.
● Cuts with bleeding that cannot be stopped with direct pressure applied for 10 minutes.
● Cuts on the face, hands, or joints, especially if there’s a concern for cosmetic or functional reasons.
● Cuts that impair movement or cause numbness or tingling.
● Also, if the cut is because of a dirty or rusty object, animal or human bite, you should seek medical attention at Nova Patient Care.

Your age and overall health can affect the severity of your injury. If you have any underlying medical conditions such as diabetes or heart disease, consult your doctor at Nova Patient Care for guidance.

As a patient of Nova Patient Care, we encourage you to monitor and document any changes in your health, including the severity and frequency of symptoms. This information will be crucial for our healthcare providers to determine the next steps in your treatment.

If your health declines significantly or rapidly, it’s vital to seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms that warrant immediate attention include chest pain or pressure, difficulty breathing, severe abdominal pain, headache with fever and stiff neck, and sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the body.

If the deterioration in your health is gradual, contact your Nova Patient Care physician. Our physicians have a comprehensive understanding of your overall health and can provide guidance based on your past and present medical history.

It’s crucial to strictly follow the treatment plan provided by Nova Patient Care. If you’ve been prescribed medications, ensure you’re taking them correctly. If you suspect that your declining health might be due to a reaction to the medication, contact our healthcare providers immediately. If your condition has improved but you still feel unwell, schedule a follow-up appointment with us.

While awaiting your follow-up appointment, monitor your symptoms closely and seek medical attention if you develop persistent fever or chills, increased pain or redness at the site of injury or infection, difficulty swallowing or speaking, confusion or disorientation, or nausea and vomiting that does not resolve.

Take measures at home to alleviate discomfort and prevent further complications such as resting and elevating your legs if you have swelling or pain, applying cold or warm compresses, taking over-the-counter pain relievers, drinking plenty of fluids, and eating a healthy diet.

Lastly, maintain open communication with your Nova Patient Care providers. Keep them informed about your condition and any changes that occur. Remember, your health should always be your top priority. If you feel that your condition is worsening after leaving Nova Patient Care, don’t wait to seek help. For more information, contact us to book an appointment. We are conveniently located at We are located at 1301 S Joyce St. Arlington VA 22202. We also serve patients from Seven Comers VA, Lake Barcroft, Lincolnia VA, and surrounding areas.