Acute care focuses on treating non-life-threatening conditions that require prompt medical attention, such as minor infections, sprains, or fractures. Emergency care is generally reserved for life-threatening situations that demand immediate and specialized treatment, such as severe chest pain, head injuries, difficulty breathing, or major trauma.
Occumed Primary Care
Acute & Immediate Care
Whiting Acute and Immediate Care
Timely Expertise and Compassionate Care
Whiting Acute and Immediate Care
Care You Need, When You Need It
When illness or injury strikes suddenly, you want care that will help you start feeling better fast. The last thing you want is to wait days for an appointment or sit for hours in a crowded emergency room. Acute and immediate care fills that important gap: It gives you prompt, professional attention for health concerns that are not life-threatening but still need to be addressed today, from respiratory disorders to strains and sprains.
At OccuMed Primary Care, we believe every patient should receive attentive, personalized care exactly when they need it. We take a whole-person approach to your health, listening carefully, taking your concerns seriously, and keeping you comfortable and informed every step of the way. Your health is our priority, and we are here to make your visit as stress-free as possible.
Who We Serve
When you have an acute illness or injury that needs to be addressed, we’ll meet you where you’re at. Our team is able to help:
- Patients who are too sick to wait. You woke up feeling awful or have been getting worse for days, and you can’t keep pushing through work, school, or family life until your regular appointment.
- Patients who have sudden pain with no clear cause. A sharp ache in your neck, back, joints, or head came out of nowhere, and you want to know what’s causing it.
- Patients worried that a minor injury is worse than it looks. That fall, twist, or cut seemed manageable at first, but lingering pain, swelling, or bruising has you second-guessing.
- Parents of children who are sick who can’t shake the worry. Your little one is uncomfortable and less like themself, and waiting for days doesn’t feel right.
- Patients who need confidential STI testing. A possible exposure or unfamiliar symptom has you concerned, and you need private, judgment-free testing and honest answers.
Care for these and other issues doesn’t have to wait. Our team at OccuMed Primary Care is here to get your health back on track again quickly.
Our Acute and Immediate Care Services
We provide efficient testing and treatment for many common illnesses, all in one convenient location. Our services include:
- Flu testing for seasonal influenza, made simple for you and your family.
- Strep throat testing performed by a certified physician.
- COVID-19 testing to help keep you and those around you safe.
- STI screening and treatment offered in a safe, confidential setting.
Our team also treats a wide range of conditions that cause pain or discomfort, including:
- Acute neck pain
- Back pain
- Strains and sprains
- Urinary tract infections
- Upper respiratory tract infections
- Headaches
- Arthritis
- Sore throat
- Nausea and vomiting
- Minor cuts, bruises, and scrapes
We understand that getting medical care for any reason can be stressful, so we aim to relieve your anxiety through support and communication. All testing is completed at our wellness center, where you can discuss your results with a knowledgeable physician.
When to Choose Immediate Care vs. the ER
Immediate care is a great option when you have a health concern that needs prompt attention, the same that would warrant a check-up, but isn’t a true emergency. This could include a mild fever, cough, minor sprain, or small cut. Always call 911 or head to the emergency room for life-threatening situations like serious chest or stomach pains, severe head injuries, significant burns, difficulty breathing, choking, or seizures. When in doubt, give us a call, and our team can help guide you.
Why Choose OccuMed Primary Care for Acute & Immediate Care?
When your health concerns need prompt attention, you want to visit a reliable, trustworthy provider. Our team at OccuMed Primary Care strives to meet those needs with:
- Same-day appointment availability for when you need care right away.
- Access to labs and diagnostics for faster answers and quicker treatment.
- Compassionate, unhurried care from a team that truly listens.
- Telehealth visits available when you can’t make it in to our clinic.
- Broad insurance acceptance to help keep your costs low.
Get the Care You Need Today
You don’t have to push through discomfort or wait days to see if you start to feel better. Our caring team is ready to help you and your family find relief and get back to the life you love.
Schedule your visit online or contact our office today for an appointment. We often accommodate same-day appointments and are always happy to answer your questions.
FAQs About Our Acute & Immediate Care in Indiana
What happens during an acute care visit?
Our physician will carefully assess your symptoms, taking the time to understand your concerns and medical history. He can then perform any necessary tests to further pinpoint the cause of your condition and provide a treatment plan to help your recovery.
Can children receive acute care at OccuMed Primary Care?
Yes, our physician is equipped to provide comprehensive acute care services for children and adults. Whether it’s addressing sudden illnesses, minor injuries, or other similar health concerns, we ensure timely and effective care for patients of all ages.
Why should I choose acute care over waiting for a primary care appointment?
Acute care provides timely treatment for conditions that are not life-threatening, yet still can’t wait for a regular appointment. Taking advantage of acute care through OccuMed Primary Care provides you with prompt relief and prevents minor issues from escalating into more serious health concerns.
What happens if my condition requires more advanced care than acute care can provide?
If your condition requires specialized treatment, we can provide you with a referral to a trusted specialist. We may also recommend emergency care if necessary. Our goal is to help you receive the most appropriate care for your needs.
Insurances we Accept
Subject to change/is not an exhaustive list.
Why Choose OccuMed
Primary Care?
Personalized Care
We care about what matters most to you.
You, your family, your goals, and your preferences are always at the center of your care. We work with you to build a unique treatment plan that meets your needs and the goals you want to accomplish.
Rethinking Healthcare
We offer compassionate, whole-person care.
We integrate health with the unique circumstances within your life to better understand you as a person. Our team is here to listen, learn, and communicate with you throughout your treatment to ensure your care always meets your needs.
Health Expertise
We have a team of experts focused on you.
Depending on your unique needs, your care team may involve a variety of services that we have available onsite.
What Our Patients
Are Saying
Dr. Shyam Patel is the best primary care physician I’ve had. He’s gotten my diabetes and blood pressure under control, and he keeps my preventative care in mind by sending me for screening tests. He keeps me feeling young. I love his staff, as they are caring and always strive to help however they can. Best of all, it’s very easy to get in touch with the office for anything you need. There is usually a short wait and plenty of parking. Best primary care office and a hidden gem.
I've been seeing Dr Shyam Patel since 2025. Best decision I've made, he's a thorough doctor who has a great staff. He's honest and friendly - i would recommend anyone to him.
Dr. Patel has been my primary care physician for over 3 years and has been marvelous. His staff is top notch and super friendly and always willing to help with anything.
He’s a great primary care doctor. He speaks Spanish fluently, the staff is great, minimal wait, and always on time. Takes care of my entire family. We wouldn’t go anywhere else. Best doctor in Whiting, Hammond, and East Chicago.
Best doctor ever! Takes the time and listens. Highly recommend.
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