urgent care doctor

Benefits of Getting a DOT Medical Card

According to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS), there are more than 13.3 million people who work in transportation and transportation-related industries, accounting for roughly 9.1 percent of employees in the United States.

If you want to pursue a career in the transport sector as a driver of a commercial vehicle, your first step is to secure a DOT medical card to be able to get a commercial driver’s license (CDL). Below, we’ve provided some more information about the importance of a DOT medical card and what the process of getting it involves.

Why a DOT Medical Card Is Necessary

A Department of Transportation (DOT) medical card, which is actually less of a card and more of a document, is what every person desiring to land and maintain safety-sensitive job needs. The DOT defines safety-sensitive jobs as those in which the employee’s performance can impact their own safety and that of the public.

A DOT medical card is essentially proof that you’re in optimal physical condition to operate a commercial motor vehicle, specifically:

  • A truck carrying 10,000 pounds or more gross weight
  • A truck carrying hazardous materials (hazmat)
  • A vehicle carrying 15 or more passengers

What the DOT Exam Involves

To obtain a DOT medical card, you must undergo a physical exam, as mandated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Once you’re issued a DOT medical card, you need to renew it every two years. Medical examiners are required to keep a copy of the physical examination results for three years, so individuals can get copies of those results as needed.

A DOT exam includes various assessments, such as the following:

  • Vision check
  • Hearing test
  • Skin check
  • Blood pressure check
  • Physical exam (general appearance, abdomen, musculoskeletal system, lungs, neurological function, etc.)
  • Urinalysis

If you fail in any of these evaluations, talk to your medical examiner if there’s anything you can do to correct the problem. If the problem is not something you can fix, ask if you can apply for a waiver or an exemption.

DOT Physical Exam in King, North Carolina

At Cardinal Urgent Care, we desire to be your one-stop destination for your healthcare needs. Our professional team, headed by Dr. Samir Patel, offers an extensive range of ancillary services, including DOT physicals and occupational medicine services, because we believe health care should be convenient, comprehensive, and efficient.

While our patients can walk in anytime during our business hours for most of their needs, we encourage those coming to get a DOT medical card to schedule an appointment ahead of time to ensure streamlined care.

To book an appointment, you may call us at (336) 983-9111 or fill out this form. We look forward to serving you!

Why Do I Need to Get a CDL Physical?

A CDL physical exam, more appropriately known as a DOT physical, is part and parcel of seeking and maintaining employment in the transportation industry. It is essentially your ticket to obtaining and keeping a commercial driver’s license (CDL).

Here, you’ll learn why drivers of commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) are required to undergo CDL physicals every two years.

Why Does Someone Need a CDL Physical Examination?

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), the lead federal government agency assigned to regulate and provide safety oversight of CMVs, mandates that each state administer comprehensive physical examinations to every person applying for or maintaining a CDL.

A potential or current employee’s medical status must be evaluated, certified, and added to the commercial driver’s license system (CDLS). The purpose of this is to ensure they have the overall capacity to safely operate a commercial vehicle and withstand the physical rigors involved in the job.

People who need a CDL license are those who operate the following types of vehicles:

  • Single or combination vehicles weighing more than 10,000 pounds
  • Those carrying hazardous waste materials in amounts that require placarding
  • Those designed to transport more than 16 people (including the driver)

What the CDL Physical Involves

The following are the things that you should bring or provide during your DOT physical appointment:

  • Hearing aid (if applicable)
  • Eyeglasses or contact lenses (if applicable)
  • A list of your current prescription and over-the-counter medications as well as the name and contact information of your prescribing physician
  • Your health insurance information
  • A medical opinion release letter from your primary care physician or specialist if you are under treatment for a medical condition, such as sleep apnea or any other sleep disorder, or you’ve recently had an injury or surgical procedure.

The CDL physical exam is much like your routine wellness exam with your primary care physician. Your height, weight, vital signs, BMI, and reflexes will be checked. The doctor will also examine your ears, nose and throat, muscles, joints, and skin. He will listen to your heart and lungs as well. Additionally, the doctor will go over your medical history and medications. He will take a urine sample, order routine blood work, and take an EKG to assess your heart function and rhythm.

If the doctor does discover a problem that may disqualify you from getting a medical certification for the CDL, he will discuss ways to improve your chances of future eligibility or to apply for an exemption for your condition.

CDL Physical in King, NC

If you’re in search of a healthcare facility that offers highly efficient and reliable CDL physicals within the King area in North Carolina, visit us here at Cardinal Urgent Care. Our team – led by Dr. Samir Patel, a board-certified emergency medicine physician – has helped numerous people complete the licensing process and get on the road safely.

Arrange your CDL exam appointment today. Call ahead at (336) 983-9111. We are open seven days a week for your convenience.

When to Visit a Walk-In Clinic

A walk-in clinic, also called an urgent care center, is a facility that provides medical care on a first-come, first-served basis – without the need for an appointment. Walk-in clinics are your place to go when you need quick medical care for nonemergency illnesses and injuries.

They are a fast and affordable alternative to expensive emergency room visits, which are unnecessary for treating minor health conditions. Plus, an emergency room staff has a triage system whereby the most serious health problems are seen first, so less-serious or non-life-threatening issues may take a while, with those patients sitting in the waiting room for possibly a long time.

Let’s talk about when it is in your best interest to opt for a walk-in clinic, and where you can go in King, North Carolina, for top-level urgent care.

When You Have a Sudden Illness or Injury

Whether you have a very bad cold, the flu, a bad cut, or a slight burn (such as when cooking), a walk-in clinic is an ideal place to get urgent medical care without a long wait.

Non-life-threatening health conditions that warrant urgent care include the following:

  • Strains (such as a strained muscle)
  • Sprains (such as a sprained ankle)
  • Joint injury
  • Animal bite
  • Insect stings
  • Skin infection
  • Rash
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Stomach pain or stomachache/abdominal pain
  • Sore throat
  • Constant cough
  • Ear infection or earache
  • Respiratory infection
  • Headaches
  • Work injuries
  • Sports injuries
  • Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
  • Diabetes problems
  • Asthma attack or trouble breathing
  • Minor allergic reactions

When You Need to Get Tested

Visit a walk-in clinic if you suddenly realize that you may have been exposed to a contagious illness such as COVID-19. You can also get tested to find out the potential causes of chest pains or heart palpitations by visiting a walk-in clinic for EKG testing.

A walk-in clinic usually offers scans and tests such as X-rays, pregnancy testing, blood testing, and confidential STD (sexually transmitted disease) testing.

When You Need to Be Vaccinated

Whether you are traveling to a high-risk area or need to receive a scheduled shot, walk-in clinics are for you. A walk-in clinic offers vaccinations for a variety of diseases, including measles, mumps, hepatitis, rubella, and chicken pox, to name a few.

When You Need a Physical Exam for Work or School

If your workplace or sports team requires a physical evaluation, have it done at a walk-in clinic.

Getting a physical exam from a primary care physician requires an appointment and can take longer than a week. However, at a walk-in clinic, you can get your school physical, sports physical, pre-employment drug test, or DOT physical done efficiently and conveniently.

Convenient Walk-In Clinic in King, NC

If you need quick care for an injury, illness, infection, cut, or burn, or if you need a DOT physical or other type of exam necessary for school or your profession, visit us at Cardinal Urgent Care in King, North Carolina. If you have any questions or would like to let us know that you are on your way, call us at (336) 983-9111. You can walk in anytime during our open hours, and you can even even request an appointment via our online form now. We look forward to serving you!

Urgent Care VS. Emergency Room

If you or a family member are sick or injured, which health care facility should you choose: an urgent care center in King, NC, or the closest hospital ER? Let’s look at the differences between these facilities, so you can make the right choice in your time of need.

Urgent Care Centers

Your child has a persistent low-grade fever and a sore throat. Your pediatrician’s office is closed, but you don’t want this to wait until the morning. In such a situation, an urgent care center is the most appropriate medical office to visit.

Urgent care centers are open for extended hours and on the weekends. Most are open on major holidays, as well. Urgent care centers are an extension to primary care, as they offer the same services as primary care offices, but with extended availability. They even have services that go beyond primary care. When it comes to any health problem that isn’t life-threatening, an urgent care center is the place to go.

Here’s what your walk-in urgent care center in King, NC, offers to patients of all ages:

  • Prompt care for medical issues that are pressing but not life-threatening
  • Evening and weekend hours
  • Quick check-ins and short wait times
  • Assessment and care by a fully qualified provider
  • On-site testing (blood work, strep testing, urinalysis, X-rays, and more)
  • Diagnosis and treatment plan (to include prescription medications, suturing, breathing treatments, bandaging, and more)
  • Vaccines, including the COVID-19 vaccine
  • Occupational medicine services, including workers’ comp and drug testing
  • Routine physicals for school, sports, and more

The conditions treated at urgent care centers include:

  • Pink eye
  • Ear infections
  • Headaches
  • Sore throats
  • Upper and lower respiratory tract infections
  • Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and other GI conditions
  • Skin rashes
  • Insect bites
  • Cuts, bruising, and burns
  • Fractures, strains, and sprains
  • UTIs

Going To a Hospital ER

A hospital emergency room provides both urgent and emergency medical care. Because it is located in a full-service hospital or medical center, the ER promptly handles life-threatening medical needs, such as heart attack and stroke, and the most pressing of injuries, such as amputations and crush injuries.

Besides board-certified physicians, registered nurses, nurse practitioners and physician assistants, hospital ERs provide ready access to a wide range of specialists, such as cardiologists, neurologists, and orthopedic surgeons. Plus, the highest level of imaging and diagnostic lab services are housed within the hospital campus.

Hospital ERs, however, are well-known for long wait times if your medical need is not life-threatening. The sickest patients are seen and treated first, and so, you may be required to wait for an extended period to get medical attention. Unless you have a life-threatening emergency, you will not be a priority in an ER.

Additionally, ER costs can be astonishingly high, even with the best medical insurance. So, if your pediatrician is unavailable and you decide to take your child to the hospital, expect a high cost.

Conditions that hospital emergency rooms typically treat are:

  • Car accident injuries
  • Heart attack
  • Stroke
  • Severe burns and lacerations
  • Head injuries
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Drug interactions and overdoses
  • Severe asthma attacks and allergic reactions

When the severest of health problems strike, call 911 or get to the closest hospital emergency room. However, if your injury or health problem is not life-threatening, visit an urgent care instead, where you can get quality care at the drop of a dime.

Cardinal Urgent Care In King, North Carolina

Cardinal Urgent Care’s state-of-the-art facility is ready to serve your health care needs seven days a week. Our board-certified physician is Dr. Samir Patel, who is board-certified in emergency medicine. We are open Monday through Friday, 8 am to 8 pm, as well as Saturday and Sunday, 9 am to 5 pm.

No appointment needed – just walk in. For more information on our services, please call our friendly team at (336) 983-9111.

What Is a DOT Physical?

A DOT physical, which is a head-to-toe physical assessment mandated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), is essentially your ticket to securing and maintaining a commercial driver’s license (CDL). It is geared toward ensuring you have no medical conditions or physical limitations that can interfere with your ability to operate a commercial vehicle safely.

If you’re seeking employment in the transport industry and you’ve been told you need a DOT physical, keep reading to learn more about it, particularly what it involves, what you should bring with you to your appointment, and your safest course of action in the event that you fail it.

What Does the DOT Physical Involve?

A DOT physical can include the following assessment categories:

  • Medical history
  • Hearing
  • Vision
  • Vitals signs (heart rate, breathing, respirations)
  • Body weight and body mass index (BMI)
  • Head to toe exam
  • Urinalysis

A DOT physical is similar to an annual physical exam given by primary care physicians but focuses specifically on the ability to safely drive a commercial motor vehicle. More testing may be necessary based on medical history.

What Must I Bring to My DOT Physical?

When preparing for your DOT physical appointment, make sure to include the following in your checklist:

  • Any routine medications you take (e.g., prescription, over-the-counter medicines, etc.)
  • Corrective lenses (contacts and/or eyeglasses) and hearing aids
  • Medical records: those from your primary care physician and any specialty providers, such as orthopedic doctor, cardiologist, etc.
  • Doctor’s names and addresses
  • Your photo ID
  • Most recent lab results (if you have diabetes)
  • Urine sample
  • A letter from your sleep medicine specialist (if you have sleep apnea)
  • Current medical insurance information

What to Do When You Fail Your DOT Physical

If you fail an assessment in your DOT physical, keep in mind that it does not necessarily mean that it is already the end of the line for you—there might just be something off that can still be corrected.

Your best bet is to talk to your examiner to find out why you failed the physical and ask if they have any suggestions as to what particular steps you can take to pass. If the reason for your being deemed ineligible for a CDL is not within your control, find out if you can apply for an exemption.

The FMCSA will review your case by assessing your medical records, employment history, driving experience, and other information you have provided to determine your capacity to safely operate a commercial vehicle. They usually release their decision within 180 days after they receive your application. Keep in mind that exemptions are only granted to interstate drivers: the FMCSA is not authorized to grant intrastate requirement exemptions.

DOT Physicals in King, North Carolina

If you’re looking for a reputable healthcare facility that offers DOT physicals within the King area in North Carolina, visit us here at Cardinal Urgent Care. DOT physicals belong to a vast array of ancillary services that we offer for the people in our community as part of our commitment of providing them with comprehensive healthcare services.

To schedule an appointment for a DOT physical, contact our staff at (336) 985-9111, and we will gladly guide you on how to go about the process. You may also use this form to send an appointment request. We look forward to serving you!

FAQs About COVID-19 Testing

While there are some people who believe that the we’re now close to the end of the COVID-19 pandemic, some scientists assert the virus is here to stay, and it could just take on a similar ebb and flow to the flu.

Regardless of which school of thought you adopt, one thing that cannot be refuted is that COVID-19 testing remains crucial for preventing and mitigating the spread of the disease that has already upended the lives of billions of people the world over.

Learn more about COVID-19 testing through the answers to a few of the most frequently asked questions about it, as listed below:

Q: When Do I Need A COVID-19 Test?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that people get tested for COVID-19 if any of the following circumstances applies to them:

  • Have symptoms of the virus (e.g., fever, chills, sore throat, cough, difficulty breathing, etc.)
  • Have had known or suspected close contact with someone who’s been diagnosed with COVID-19- Even if the person is fully vaccinated, they should be tested 5 to 7 days after their exposure.
  • Not fully vaccinated and had known or suspected exposure to someone who’s confirmed to have COVID-19- If the test is negative, they should test again 5 to 7 days later or immediately if symptoms develop.
  • Starting an academic year or returning to work
  • Need to travel
  • Have been required to do so by a public health official or healthcare professional

Q: What Type of Covid Test Should I Have?

There are two types of COVID-19 viral tests available that are designed to check for current infection:

  • PCR test- This involves taking a sample which can either be a nasal swab or saliva. It is reliable for people with and without symptoms as it is highly sensitive to detecting even very small amounts of the virus. Test results are usually available within 1 to 3 days, and no follow-up test is usually required.
  • Rapid test (Antigen test)– Rapid tests usually involve also taking a nasal swab sample. They provide quick results (within 15 to 30 minutes) and are useful screening tests, but they are generally less sensitive compared to PCR tests and may be less reliable for people without symptoms. Follow-up tests may therefore be necessary.

Q: What If I Don’t Have Symptoms, Do I Still Need to Get Tested?

COVID-19 symptoms may take 2 to 14 days to appear after a person’s exposure to the virus. If you suspect you may have been exposed to the virus, you should take the correct precautionary measures right away.

One recent study estimated that 35 percent of all COVID-19 infections are asymptomatic, meaning the virus could be potentially transmitted to others unknowingly. Regular antigen testing is a quick and effective way to help identify asymptomatic cases of COVID-19.

Q: Where Should I Go for a Covid-19 Test?

You can get a COVID-19 test from an urgent care facility near you. However, you have to call the provider beforehand, so they can tell you how to safely go about the process—without the potential risk of disease transmission.

COVID-19 Testing in King, NC

At Cardinal Urgent Care, we are your one-step destination for your healthcare needs. In addition to providing top-notch urgent care, we offer a vast array of ancillary services—including COVID-19 testing, occupational health services, and diagnostic services—as part of our goal of delivering comprehensive health care for the men, women, and children in our community.

If you would like to find out more about COVID-19 testing or our other healthcare services, call us today at (336) 983-9111. Got an urgent medical situation? Simply walk in! We offer convenient extended opening hours, so you can get the care you need, when you need it.

Common Conditions that Indicate a Need for Urgent Care

While many of us turn to our primary care physicians when we feel unwell, it isn’t always possible to see them exactly when we need to. And, although anyone can go to the emergency room (ER) for medical treatment, they are usually bound to experience long wait times for minor medical problems, because patients with serious or life-threatening conditions are always a priority. Medical costs can also be much higher at an ER.

These situations often leave a person with one question: “Where should I go then?” Did you know that you have one more option for minor medical situations? Seeking urgent care is your best choice for when your PCP isn’t available and you want to avoid the long wait times and astronomical medical bills associated with an ER visit.

Here, you’ll learn about the reasons why seeking urgent care is a great option as well as the conditions that warrant a visit to an urgent care clinic.

Why Go to an Urgent Care Clinic

An urgent care clinic is a type of medical facility that accommodates patients of all ages with conditions and injuries that are not serious enough to be considered life-threatening, but still require high-priority care.

Urgent care facilities have extended opening hours, are open all year round, and also accept walk-in visits, meaning you don’t need to have an appointment. They also offer a wide range of ancillary services on site, such as routine physical exams, COVID-19 testing, diagnostic tests, and occupational health services, so you can have everything taken care of in one location.

What’s more, urgent care facilities are manned by a team of healthcare professionals who are extensively trained in emergency medicine, which means the quality of healthcare services you can expect is on par with—or even a lot better than—what you get when you go to the emergency room.

When to Go to an Urgent Care

The medical staff at urgent care clinics are highly equipped and qualified to treat a vast variety of minor illnesses.

If you experience symptoms of any of the following conditions, your best bet is to head out to an urgent care clinic near you:

  • Abscess or a suspected skin infection
  • Allergies
  • Asthma
  • Dehydration
  • Dizziness
  • Ear infection
  • Eye redness, itchiness, and/or discharge (conjunctivitis)
  • Migraines and headaches
  • Nausea, vomiting, and/or diarrhea
  • Nosebleeds
  • Painful urination or suspected urinary tract infection
  • Sexually transmitted disease (STD)
  • Sinusitis
  • Stomach pain/stomach flu
  • Upper respiratory infections (e.g., colds and the flu)

Urgent care facilities can also treat a variety of minor injuries including the following:

  • Animal bites
  • Dislocations
  • Minor burns
  • Minor cuts and lacerations
  • Minor fractures
  • Sprains and strains

When an urgent care physician deems advanced care is necessary for your medical problem, they will provide you with a referral to the appropriate specialist for the effective management of your condition or injury.

Top-Notch Urgent Care in King, NC

The next time you experience an allergic reaction or your child gets a scraped knee, you know what to do: visit us here at Cardinal Urgent Care in King, North Carolina. Our team— led by board-certified emergency room physician, Dr. Samir Patel—values the convenience, time, health, and overall experience of the people in the community we are privileged to serve. As such, we strive to provide comprehensive, highly efficient, compassionate care, so our patients can quickly get back to doing the things they love to do.

If you would like to find out more about the services we offer, call us today at (336) 983-9111. We look forward to serving you!

The Benefits of Going to an Urgent Care Center

If you are feeling unwell or have suffered a relatively minor injury and need medical care, you may be unsure where to go to get the appropriate treatment you need. An urgent care center can provide convenient, cost-effective, and comprehensive medical care, making it a great choice for all of your nonemergency healthcare needs.

Urgent care centers provide relatively quick medical care for illnesses and injuries that are not considered life-threatening or severely debilitating, but that still warrant priority care within 24 hours. Urgent care doctors are experienced professionals who have broad medical knowledge and a comprehensive skill set to treat a comprehensive range of health issues.

Urgent care clinics are not designed to replace your primary care physician, but they do offer an alternative option if your doctor is unavailable or not able to see you in a timely manner. These walk-in clinics have extended hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Let’s talk about why you would want to go to an urgent care center, and where you can find one right here in King, North Carolina.

Why Should I Go to an Urgent Care Clinic?

Convenient Walk-In Healthcare Service

Urgent care centers are becoming increasingly popular, with more than 9,600 clinics across the country. This means that no matter where you are, you should have access to an urgent care facility – no appointment necessary.

Cost-Effective Care

Emergency room costs vary greatly depending on the type of treatment required, and whether they accept your health insurance coverage – some emergency visits require out-of-pocket payments if the ER doesn’t take your insurance. The average cost of an urgent care visit is estimated at $140-$200, whereas an ER visit can cost from $600 to well over $3,000 for complex health issues or injuries.

Quicker Wait Times

Urgent care centers see patients on a first-come, first-served basis, whereas an emergency room treats patients based on the severity of their condition. An ER has what is called a triage system, which prioritizes life-threatening injuries or illnesses.

This means you may experience long wait times if you only have a minor medical issue, such as a sprained ankle. An urgent care visit typically takes less than 30 minutes from the time you arrive until you depart, whereas a visit to the ER takes an average of 2 hours and 15 minutes.

Convenient Opening Hours

You may not be able to get an appointment quickly with your primary care doctor. An urgent care center offers prompt, quality healthcare with no appointment necessary.

Broad Range of Services

Urgent care centers have experienced and caring medical staff who can diagnose and treat a wide range of injuries and illnesses, including:

  • Sprains
  • Strains
  • Minor dislocations
  • Minor fractures (not puncturing the skin)
  • Minor cuts and abrasions
  • Minor animal bites
  • Minor burns
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Stomach flu
  • Common cold
  • Flu (influenza)
  • Asthma
  • Ear infection
  • Eye infection and pink eye
  • Back, neck, or joint pain
  • Joint injuries
  • Allergies and mild allergic reactions (e.g., rash)
  • Sinus and respiratory infections
  • Pneumonia
  • Bronchitis
  • Viral infections
  • Bacterial infections
  • Sore throat
  • Cough
  • Fever
  • Urinary tract infection (UTI)
  • Insect bites and stings
  • Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)
  • Abscesses and skin infections
  • Dehydration
  • Dizziness
  • Migraines and headaches
  • Nosebleeds
  • Strep throat
  • Tonsillitis

When Should I Go to an ER Instead?

Emergency rooms are fully equipped to handle medical emergencies and life-threatening conditions. If you have an emergency situation, a serious injury, or a condition that requires immediate medical treatment, you should go directly to your nearest ER or dial 911 for emergency medical care.

Urgent Care Center in King, North Carolina

If you are looking for high-quality urgent care in King, the physicians at Cardinal Urgent Care are here for you. We offer a comprehensive range of healthcare services in a friendly and welcoming environment. We also have extended hours to successfully treat all your urgent care needs.

For more information about us or our urgent care services, contact us today at (336) 983-9111. We look forward to serving you!