Acute Medical Care in Alpharetta & Cumming, GA
When illness or injury strikes unexpectedly, you need prompt, expert care — without the long waits of an urgent care center or emergency room. At Metro Medical Associates, our board-certified primary care physicians provide diagnosis and treatment for common illnesses, minor injuries, and respiratory infections. We also offer COVID-19, PCR, flu, and RSV testing for patients. Call (770) 777-0750 - Cumming Office or (770) 777-0750 - Alpharetta Office to schedule your same-day appointment.
Book OnlineWhat Is Acute Medical Care?
Acute medical care focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of sudden illnesses, infections, and minor injuries that require timely medical attention. Unlike emergency room care, which is designed for life-threatening conditions, acute primary care addresses common health concerns such as respiratory infections, fever, flu symptoms, and minor injuries.
At Metro Medical Associates, our physicians provide comprehensive evaluations, diagnostic testing, and individualized treatment plans for patients in Alpharetta and Cumming, GA.
Common Conditions We Treat
Our primary care physicians diagnose and treat a wide range of acute medical conditions, including:
- Upper respiratory infections (common cold, bronchitis, sinusitis)
- Influenza (flu), COVID-19, and RSV infections
- Strep throat and tonsillitis
- Ear infections (otitis media and otitis externa)
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs) and bladder infections
- Pink eye (conjunctivitis)
- Skin rashes, minor skin infections, and allergic reactions
- Fever, chills, cough, and sore throat
- Nausea, vomiting, and gastrointestinal illnesses
- Minor cuts, lacerations, and wound care
- Minor musculoskeletal injuries such as sprains and strains
COVID, PCR, Flu & RSV Testing in Alpharetta & Cumming, GA
Metro Medical Associates offers COVID-19, PCR, flu, and RSV testing for patients in Alpharetta and Cumming, GA. If you’re experiencing respiratory symptoms or suspect an infection, our medical team can evaluate your condition and recommend appropriate diagnostic testing and treatment.
Respiratory Testing Services We Offer
- COVID-19 Testing: Testing to help identify COVID-19 infections in patients experiencing symptoms or possible exposure.
- PCR Testing: Molecular diagnostic testing to help detect certain infections, including COVID-19 when clinically appropriate.
- Flu Testing: Influenza testing to help determine whether flu is causing symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, and body aches.
- RSV Testing: Testing for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), a common respiratory infection that can affect patients of different ages.
When Should You Get Tested?
If you’re experiencing symptoms such as fever, persistent cough, sore throat, nasal congestion, fatigue, or body aches, respiratory testing may help identify the cause of your illness.
Our physicians can assess your symptoms, recommend appropriate testing, and discuss available treatment options based on your results.
Why Choose Primary Care for Acute Illness?
Seeing your primary care physician for acute illnesses offers several advantages over urgent care centers or emergency rooms. Your Metro Medical Associates physician already knows your medical history, current medications, and underlying conditions — allowing for more personalized, contextually informed care. We can also order lab work and on-site diagnostic imaging when needed, and seamlessly follow up your acute visit with chronic disease management for conditions like hypertension or diabetes.
For patients who cannot come in person, we also offer telehealth and video visits for many types of acute illness. Call (770) 777-0750 - Cumming Office or (770) 777-0750 - Alpharetta Office today to schedule your appointment at our Alpharetta or Cumming office.
Frequently Asked Questions — Acute Medical Care
What is considered an acute medical condition?
An acute medical condition is one that comes on suddenly and requires prompt evaluation and treatment. Examples include the flu, strep throat, urinary tract infections, ear infections, minor injuries, skin rashes, and fever. These are different from chronic conditions (like hypertension or diabetes), which develop gradually and require ongoing management.
Can I be seen same-day for an acute illness at Metro Medical Associates?
Yes. We strive to offer same-day appointments for patients experiencing acute illnesses or injuries whenever possible. We recommend calling (770) 777-0750 - Cumming Office or (770) 777-0750 - Alpharetta Office early in the day to check availability at our Alpharetta or Cumming office. Walk-ins are also welcome, though scheduling in advance helps minimize your wait time.
Should I go to the ER or come to Metro Medical Associates for my acute symptoms?
For life-threatening emergencies — such as chest pain, difficulty breathing, signs of stroke, severe bleeding, or loss of consciousness — please call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room immediately. For non-emergency acute conditions such as flu, strep, UTIs, minor injuries, rashes, and similar illnesses, Metro Medical Associates is a faster, more convenient, and more affordable option than the ER.
Can you treat acute illnesses via telehealth?
Yes. Many acute conditions — including respiratory infections, UTIs, and minor skin issues — can be assessed and treated via our telehealth and video visit platform. This option is especially convenient if you are feeling too unwell to come into the office. Call (770) 777-0750 - Cumming Office or (770) 777-0750 - Alpharetta Office to determine whether your condition is appropriate for a virtual visit.
Does Metro Medical Associates perform on-site testing for acute illnesses?
Yes. We offer on-site rapid testing for conditions such as influenza and strep throat, as well as in-house lab work and diagnostic imaging (X-rays and ultrasounds) for injuries and other acute concerns. Having these services available on-site means faster results and treatment decisions.
What should I do if I develop an acute illness after hours?
If your condition is not life-threatening but requires attention before your next available appointment, our telehealth services may offer a convenient option for after-hours consultation. For urgent care needs that cannot wait, an urgent care center is your next best option. If symptoms are severe or life-threatening, go to the emergency room or call 911.
Will my insurance cover an acute care visit at Metro Medical Associates?
Yes. Acute sick visits are covered by most major insurance plans. The specific cost (co-pay, deductible) will depend on your plan’s terms. To confirm your coverage details, call (770) 777-0750 - Cumming Office or (770) 777-0750 - Alpharetta Office or visit our Insurance page for a full list of accepted plans.