Infection is the result of a virus or bacteria entering the body. The exchange of bodily secretions, inhalation, consumption, or even an animal or insect bite can bring an infection into your body. The human body is designed to attack threatening intruders, so the virus or bacteria will trigger a response from your immune system.
If your immune system is weak, the infection may spread faster than expected. With a strong immune system, your body can successfully eliminate many infections without medical attention. That may give you some hope if you believe you have an infection but don’t have a doctor. But there’s a lot more to consider. You should never postpone medical attention because you don’t have insurance or don’t currently have a primary care physician (PCP).
How can you get the medical attention you need? We have some suggestions that will guide you in the right direction regardless of where you live.
Determine Whether You Need Medical Care
You should seek medical attention whenever you have an infection. That said, what ails you won’t always require prescription medications or even a visit to your physician. There are some at-home diagnostics that you can perform yourself before deciding if you need to see a doctor.
For example, you may take advantage of at-home STI testing kits if you suspect you have a sexually transmitted infection. There are also at-home testing options for urinary tract infections and COVID-19.
Depending on what you’re testing for, you may need medication to treat it. For example, bacterial infections may require antibiotics. Viral infections don’t respond to antibiotics but may require other prescription medications. Never take someone else’s unused antibiotics, because it could cause serious side effects without clearing up the infection. It could also contribute to the development of antibacterial-resistant infections.
Common Signs of Infection
If you notice any of the following signs of infection, keep reading to determine the best ways to seek medical care:
- Fever, which may include sweating and/or chills
- Mouth changes like sore throat and/ or mouth sores
- Difficulty breathing
- Genital irritation, which could include vaginal discharge, foul smell, sores, or skin irritation
- Skin changes like redness, itching, swelling, and/or discharge
- Digestive changes such as vomiting, upset stomach, diarrhea, abdominal swelling
- Any new or excessive pain
How to Get the Medical Care Without a PCP
You may not have a primary care physician, but there are many ways you can receive the medical attention you need. Even if you aren’t sure that an infection is serious, it’s best to seek care immediately. That will help you prevent an illness from worsening into a life-threatening medical condition.
Community Health Clinics
Health clinics are community facilities that are often established and maintained by the state or local government. They offer affordable or sometimes free care to people without health insurance or the ability to pay for standard healthcare.
The best way to find a clinic is to find your local or state government online. Most have websites that will list options for affordable healthcare and even dental care. You can also call a local hospital to ask about free or low-cost clinics.
Planned Parenthood
Planned Parenthood will diagnose and treat some infections, including STIs. Many clinics offer free testing for sexually transmitted diseases. You may need to pay for antibiotics or other prescription medication out of pocket. Most offer same-day or next-day appointments for testing.
Telehealth
Telehealth refers to virtual doctor’s visits conducted securely through the internet. They may seem like a great idea because you won’t feel as embarrassed from a distance, but that’s not the full picture. Most will send you to a medical facility in your local area for discreet testing. You should never feel embarrassed with a doctor because they are trained to treat infections without judgment.
Walk-In Clinics
CVS Minute Clinic is a great example of a walk-in clinic that can quickly diagnose and treat an STI, skin infection, and many other types of infections. They operate similar to an urgent care facility but charge less for most services. They’re also great for same-day appointments and are conveniently located in the same building as a pharmacy..
A Doctor’s Office
If you aren’t an existing patient, that doesn’t mean a local doctor won’t see you. If you don’t have health insurance, call a few practices to inquire about their self-pay rates for diagnosing and treating an infection. Also ask how quickly they can work you into the schedule. Some may offer fast appointments even for new patients.
You can also search for doctors that offer a sliding scale based on income by visiting the Health Resources and Services Administration website. Search by ZIP code to find offices in your local area.
Urgent Care
When all else fails, urgent care clinics can often see you the same day for fast diagnosis and treatment. They do charge, and the copayment is often high even if you do have insurance. Many cities have multiple urgent care chains, so you can call around to compare prices. Urgent care is often cheaper than hospital emergency rooms if you’re paying out of pocket.
Emergency Room
Emergency rooms can offer initial treatment for an infection even if you don’t have insurance. They may request payment at the time of service but will treat you even if you cannot pay immediately. The downside is that they don’t offer follow-up appointments or ongoing care if the initial treatment doesn’t work. This is also the most expensive way to seek care for an infection.
Hold Your Head High and Seek Care Today
If your infection is sensitive in nature, don’t allow fear or embarrassment to stop you from seeking care immediately. The longer you wait, the more serious and uncomfortable an infection can become. While some may go away on their own, it’s always best to seek care rather than hoping or assuming you will get better on your own. Thanks to these options, you won’t have to go far to feel better soon.