ACUTE & SICK VISITS
When you're sick, getting care shouldn't be complicated.
VECTOR offers timely evaluation of appropriate common illnesses, minor injuries, and other short-term concerns. An acute or sick visit is $125, with testing priced separately and quoted before we run it.
Same-day or next-day appointments are usually available. We open at 7:00 AM on weekdays — early enough to be seen before work rather than taking a day off. We are about 20 minutes from Hardin Valley and west Knoxville, and about 25 from Farragut, so that early slot still leaves you time to get to work.
Visits are available to adults and, at launch, patients ages 12–17 for appropriate minor illnesses. A parent or legal guardian generally schedules and consents for a minor, subject to applicable law. We do not see children under 12. Younger children should be seen by a pediatrician or an urgent care. Concierge membership is not required.
Care when something comes up
Evaluation for a new illness, with time to explain what’s going on.
Your provider reviews your symptoms, relevant history, medications, and clinical findings, then discusses appropriate treatment and whether testing, follow-up, referral, or a different level of care is needed.
When an acute visit may be appropriate
Care for common short-term concerns.
• Cold, flu, COVID, cough, congestion, sinus symptoms, sore throat, strep throat, ear pain, or fever
• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or urinary symptoms
• Rash, minor skin concerns, insect bites, or minor burns
• Minor sprains and other minor injuries
• Seasonal allergies, conjunctivitis (pink eye), bronchitis, or headache
• Other new concerns appropriate for outpatient evaluation
Availability depends on symptoms, severity, age, medical history, provider availability, clinical appropriateness, and office capabilities.
We do not perform suturing or wound closure. A cut that needs stitches should be seen at an urgent care or emergency department.
What your visit may include
Start with understanding what's going on.
EVALUATION
Focused review of symptoms, history, medications, allergies, and relevant risks.
EXAMINATION
An examination based on the concern and visit type.
TESTING
Point-of-care or laboratory testing when appropriate and available.
PLAN
Medication, supportive care, follow-up, referral, or higher-level care when indicated.
Antibiotics when they're appropriate
The right treatment—not simply a prescription.
Antibiotics treat certain bacterial infections; they do not treat viral illness and are not appropriate for every respiratory or sinus symptom. If an antibiotic is not indicated, we will explain why and discuss other care.
Telehealth for selected concerns
Some visits can happen from home.
Telehealth may be available when an examination, testing, or procedure is not necessary. Some symptoms require in-person, urgent, or emergency evaluation.
When you need a different level of care
Acute visits do not replace emergency care.
VECTOR is not an urgent care center and does not provide emergency services. Chest pain, difficulty breathing, signs of stroke, severe bleeding, loss of consciousness, severe allergic reactions, major trauma, or other potentially life-threatening symptoms require immediate emergency care.
THE PROCESS
What to Expect
01
SCHEDULE
Choose an acute visit for an appropriate new short-term concern.
02
EVALUATE
Review symptoms and history and complete the appropriate examination.
03
PLAN
Discuss treatment, testing, supportive care, or referral.
04
FOLLOW UP
Reassess or refer when recovery is not proceeding as expected.
YOUR QUESTIONS
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be a VECTOR patient or concierge member to schedule a sick visit?
No. Acute and sick visits are available without joining VECTOR's concierge medicine membership.
What kinds of illnesses can VECTOR evaluate?
VECTOR can evaluate many common outpatient illnesses and short-term medical concerns. Whether a visit is appropriate depends on your symptoms, severity, medical history, and the resources needed for evaluation and treatment.
Can VECTOR prescribe medication during an acute visit?
Yes, when medication is clinically appropriate based on your evaluation. A visit does not guarantee that a particular medication, including an antibiotic, will be prescribed.
Can I get testing during my visit?
Testing may be performed or ordered when clinically appropriate. The specific testing available depends on the concern and current office capabilities.
Can VECTOR see minors?
At launch, limited acute and sick visits may be available for patients ages 12–17 with appropriate minor illnesses. A parent or legal guardian generally schedules and consents, subject to applicable law.
Does VECTOR offer telehealth for sick visits?
Telehealth may be available for selected concerns when an in-person examination, testing, or procedure is not necessary. Some symptoms require in-person or higher-level evaluation.
Can I come to VECTOR instead of urgent care?
For some appropriate outpatient concerns, an acute visit at VECTOR may be an option. VECTOR is not an urgent care center, however, and some conditions require resources or evaluation available at urgent care, an emergency department, or another healthcare setting.
What if my symptoms are severe?
Potentially serious or life-threatening symptoms should not wait for an office appointment. Seek immediate emergency medical care.
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