Plano ER Tag

Top Reasons to go to the ER Even During COVID-19 Pandemic

For many people, the coronavirus pandemic has caused concerns about receiving safe medical treatment. However, visiting the ER in times of need is quite appropriate and safe. At Medco ER & Urgent Care, we made extra efforts to adhere to the safety guidelines recommended by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) during the height of COVID-19. We have also taken extraordinary measures to make sure our patients have safe medical care and efficient access to top quality care in a timely fashion.

“We pride ourselves on our excellent, safe medical care, even during unusual times of pandemic,” said Medco ER & Urgent Care’s Regional Medical Director, Dr. Tariq Vora. “If you have an urgent medical condition, don’t hesitate to come in and be seen by one of our board-certified physicians. You can be confident anytime in the care you receive here.”

What conditions are considered an emergency?

Any type of serious symptoms such as shortness of breath, numbness, abdominal pain, chest pain, loss of consciousness, and/or atypical headache are some common reasons to seek immediate medical attention at the nearest emergency room.

Medical problems we commonly treat at Medco ER include:

• Chest pain
• Abdominal pain
• Broken bone
• Sprains and strains
• Lacerations, scrapes or cuts
• Upper respiratory infection
• Respiratory distress
• Back pain
• Migraines
• Infections
• Foreign object in body
• Circulation concerns
• Pregnancy complications
• Burns or wound care
• Contusions
• Diabetes complications
• Renal failure
• Blood in urine or stool
• Concussion
• High blood pressure
• Mental and behavioral health concerns
• Flu or virus
• Pneumonia
• Allergic reactions
• Uncontrolled diarrhea and vomiting
• Animal bites

Additionally, anyone suffering with symptoms of COVID-19 should seek safe medical care. Symptoms vary but can include: fever, chills, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, muscle aches, neck ache or stiffness, headache, loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.

COVID-19 symptoms considered an emergency by the CDC include:

• Trouble breathing
• Persistent pain or pressure in chest
• New confusion
• Inability to wake or stay awake
• Bluish lips or face

“We are always here for you,” said Dr. Vora. “If you are unsure about a medical emergency or even something minor, we can perform a preliminary examination and determine the next steps in terms of diagnostics and treatment. With advanced imaging equipment and lab tests, we’re prepared to safely treat both medical emergencies and minor conditions with expert care.”

Negative Pressure Room

Using some of the latest technology, we have an exam room that is designed with negative pressure environmental controls. This helps contain any viruses, bacteria or airborne contaminants and keeps them from spreading throughout the facility.

Other safety protocols

In our continued, aggressive response to COVID-19, we have safety protocols in place to make sure our patients are protected against viruses and germs as best as possible. Here are some of our safety measures:

• N95 masks and room sanitization in the facility
• Personal protective equipment (PPE) for the entire staff
• Aggressive screening measures right at the entrance
• Regular staff screening with daily bodily temperature recording
• Clean waiting areas for patients & visitors
• Social distancing
• Designated areas for patients presenting for COVID-19 screening
• Rigorous cleaning and disinfection protocols

Come Right Away to Medco ER & Urgent Care

If you or people you love are experiencing symptoms of an urgent medical condition, don’t hesitate to come in for fast and expert help at Medco ER & Urgent Care. We’re open 24-hours a day to make sure you can get the medical care you need with little or no waiting time.

• Plano location:

3960 Legacy Drive, Plano TX 75023 (on the corner of Legacy and Coit Road)

            Call us @ 469-392-4000

Stress Busters That Really Work

What do headaches, stomach upset, insomnia, fatigue, overeating, anger, depression and loss of sex drive have in common? These are some of the symptoms pointing to the possibility of stress. Most would agree that this past year has been particularly stressful. The COVID-19 pandemic, financial strain, civil unrest, election issues, isolation and separation from family and friends—there are plenty of reasons why you may be experiencing stress. And, of course, the holiday season presents its own sets of challenges as well. At Medco ER & Urgent Care, we are available to help when this type of pressure is causing you to experience physical and mental problems.

“If you live a fairly stress-free life, then you’re in the minority,” said Medco ER & Urgent Care’s Regional Medical Director, Dr. Tariq Vora. “We see a lot of patients who have conditions related to an overwhelming amount of stress in their lives. Anything you can do to lessen your stress level is going to benefit your body in the long run.”

What Stress Does To Your Body

When left unchecked, high levels of stress can raise your cortisol levels to an unhealthy level, burn out adrenals, cause high blood pressure and increase the risk of stroke and heart attack.

“Stress is a great motivator in moderation, but too much stress can put undue strain on the body and cause all kinds of problems,” said Dr. Vora. “While it is impossible to eliminate stress completely from our lives, we can start to intentionally practice stress busters to try to help us cope.”

Stress Buster Tips

The #1 tip for relieving stress is exercise. You don’t have to do a full gym regimen to get some helpful exercise. Try going for a walk after a holiday gathering, spend quality time with family & friends, play ball with your kids or chase your pet around the yard. Stretching and flexibility therapies like yoga, tai chi, Pilates or qigong are also solid choices. If you already lead an active life, bump up the conditioning with even more challenging gym options.

Some other tips for relieving stress include:

• Hobbies – sewing, jewelry-making, comic collecting, video games, scrapbooking, book club, reading, cooking
• Art – freestyle drawing, painting, crafts, mandala coloring
• Play – with kids and pets
• Music – listen to favorite tunes, explore new genres, try movement with music
• Nature – birdwatching, hiking, fishing, swimming, picnic, photography, gardening, kayaking
• Friends – meet up for coffee, have a Facebook private group chat, talk
• Bicycle, scooter or skating
• Jokes – collect jokes, cartoons or memes you think are funny and share with others
• Meditation and prayer

When Stress Becomes an Emergency

Even with an arsenal of stress busting tips at hand, it is possible to become overwhelmed by the effects of the pressure. You may wonder if it is ok to come to the ER with stress-related problems. It is important to know that many urgent medical conditions might masquerade as stress but require prompt care. Anxiety is one of the most common reasons for which people visit the emergency room.

Warning signs that require immediate ER attention:

• Chest pains
• Dizziness
• Sweating
• Jaw pain
• Back pain
• Shortness of breath
• Pain radiating down one arm

“Please do come to the ER any time you are feeling emotionally out of control or if you are experiencing physical symptoms that may be due to stress,” said Dr. Vora. “If you are feeling like harming yourself or others, or if you are in pain, we are always here to help. Our physicians and staff are very caring and understanding.”

Fast Help at Medco ER & Urgent Care

When you are feeling the effects of stress, or you aren’t sure what’s making you feel bad, the board-certified physicians at Medco ER & Urgent Care are ready to help. Open all day and night, every day of the year, Medco ER offers fast access to get the answers to your important medical questions.

• Plano: 3960 Legacy Drive on the corner of Legacy and Coit Road.

            Call us @ 469-392-4000

When Abdominal Pain is an Emergency

If you’ve ever suffered sudden, acute pain in the abdomen, a chronic ache in the gut, or a long, drawn out ache in the stomach, you probably wondered when would be the right time to go to the ER. In most cases, the board-certified emergency medicine physicians at Medco ER & Urgent Care recommend coming in for a fast evaluation if you have any doubts about your abdominal pain.

“Abdominal pain is one of the most common complaints that we see often in the Emergency Room setting,” said Medco ER & Urgent Care’s Regional Medical Director, Dr. Tariq Vora. “It could potentially be caused by any of a number of serious medical conditions. Patients require medical evaluation to determine the root cause of pain.”

Causes of Abdominal Pain

Abdominal pain can be acute (coming on suddenly) or chronic (persistent over time). It can come and go, or it can be steady and even pulsating. Everyone suffers from abdominal pain at some point in their lives. Understanding some of the causes can help you know if it’s time to head to the ER. Some of the serious causes of abdominal pain include:

• Appendicitis
• Gallbladder
• Spleen rupture
• Kidney stone or infection
• Bladder inflammation or urinary tract infection
• Heart attack
• Aortic aneurism
• Diabetic ketoacidosis
• Diverticulitis or intestinal blockage
• Stomach flu
• Ectopic pregnancy
• Endometriosis
• Ovarian cyst
• Hernia
• Celiac disease
• Ulcer
• Sickle cell anemia
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Hepatitis
• Cancer
• Lymphoma

“As you can see, there are a wide array of reasons why a person may be suffering from abdominal pain,” said Dr. Vora. “It’s important to know how long the pain has been going on, if it comes and goes or is steady, if any activity or food seems to trigger it, or if there are any accompanying symptoms.”

Emergency Signs Accompanying Abdominal Pain

Abdominal pain can be an indicator of a life-threatening condition. If your pain is sudden or severe, come to the ER right away. If the pain is in the mid-to-lower right side, come to the ER for evaluation.

Come to the ER immediately if your abdominal pain comes with:

• Fever
• Bloody stool
• Chest pain
• Difficulty breathing
• Tender area that hurts to touch
• Bloated, extended abdomen
• Nausea and vomiting
• Weight loss
• Yellowing skin
• Pink urine or difficulty urinating

“There’s a reason for your abdominal pain and it shouldn’t be ignored. Any time you are suffering from pain or chronic ache, you should be seen by a qualified physician. We have a range of helpful diagnostic tools, such as lab tests, CT scan, ultrasound and X-ray right here for easy access,” said Dr. Vora. “If you are experiencing abdominal pain, come right in and let us help you.”

Treatments for Abdominal Pain

Since there are so many different causes of abdominal pain, the treatment may also vary and possibly include prescription for pain medications and/or antibiotics, regulating diet, initiating immediate surgical intervention or implementing a long-term maintenance plan for chronic conditions.

Fast Help at Medco ER & Urgent Care

When you are experiencing abdominal pain and are suspicious that something’s not right, the emergency physicians at Medco ER & Urgent Care are ready 24/7 to take care of you. Don’t delay coming in for an immediate evaluation. We offer No Wait access to top emergency care physicians and our trained team will go to work fast to help you start to feel better again.

• Plano: 3960 Legacy Drive on the corner of Legacy and Coit Road.

            Call us @ 469-392-4000.

When To Go To the ER for Back Pain

Crippling back pain can come out of nowhere, sidelining you from all your favorite activities, or it can be a chronic condition that lasts for weeks or even years. When back pain is at its worst, you may wonder if you should head to the ER for help. While it could have been caused by an injury or a muscle spasm and just needs time to heal, there could be something much more serious at the root of your back pain. At Medco ER & Urgent Care, we recommend coming in for a medical evaluation.

“Back pain is a common medical concern and we can evaluate & treat it promptly with a detailed physical exam and various modalities that include x-ray & CT scan, if warranted,” said Medco ER & Urgent Care’s Regional Medical Director, Dr. Tariq Vora. “We can offer several treatment options and therapies that can help the patient feel better quickly. We are also able to refer patients to a pain management or spine specialist for serious and chronic conditions.”

Causes of Back Pain

Over 80% of the population can experience back pain during their lifetime and 25% report having back pain within the last three months¹. A common condition, back pain can be caused by any of a number of things such as:

• Inflammation
• Muscle strain or sprain
• Injury – ligaments, vertebrae, muscles, joints or discs
• Herniated disc
• Spinal fracture
• Infection
• Tumor
• Bulging disc
• Arthritis

“Sometimes the cause of your back pain could be completely unrelated to the spine, such as with kidney stones, appendicitis or ulcerative colitis,” said Dr. Vora. “It’s impossible to know for sure without a thorough medical exam and a CT scan.”

Treatments for Back Pain

Early treatments for benign back pain include simple things that can be performed at home. Try to rest, reduce activities, rotate ice and heat pack applications, and take over-the-counter anti-inflammatory such as ibuprofen or Aleve^®. These things may provide some relief and give a chance for strained muscles or ligaments to heal.

If pain continues or becomes unbearable, other treatment options are available including:

• Physical therapy
• Surgery
• Steroids
• Neurostimulation therapy
• Prescribed and managed pain medication

Additional therapies may help to relieve your back pain such as chiropractic care, acupuncture, massage, or myofascial release therapy. Muscle strengthening exercises are excellent for relieving pain and yoga-style exercise can also help with ongoing pain control.

When to Come to the ER for Back Pain

There are serious medical emergencies that can first present as back pain. Come immediately to the emergency room if your back pain is accompanied by pain in the shoulder or jaw or numbness in the arm or legs. If you have trouble standing, have lost sensation in the groin or have muscle weakness in your legs, seek immediate medical attention. If bowel or bladder control is lost, that is another emergency indicator. Back pain that is accompanied by a fever, nausea or vomiting also required urgent evaluation.

If your back pain is worse when you lay down, there may be something more serious going on. If you have cancer, HIV/AIDS or are taking immunosuppressant drugs or prolonged steroids, back pain should not be ignored. We can also evaluate patients with back pain caused by motor vehicle accident.

“We’ve got the diagnostic tools to determine the true cause of your back pain,” said Dr. Vora. “Don’t hesitate to come in and let us work to help you start to feel better.”

Fast Help at Medco ER & Urgent Care

When you experience debilitating back pain, the emergency physicians at Medco ER & Urgent Care are standing by to help. Come right in any time, day or night, and we will show you to a private room where you will see your board-certified, emergency medicine physician in a few moments. Our imaging equipment is in-house and ready to use to aid in your diagnosis, if needed. Our goal is to help you soon feel better while on your way to recovery.

• Plano: 3960 Legacy Drive on the corner of Legacy and Coit Road.

            Call us @ 469-392-4000.

¹ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/back-pain/multimedia/back-pain-infographic/ifg-20441500

What Your Doctor Knows About Lacerations

Whether you’re fishing on your day off, enjoying a hobby, building something new, playing outside or even just preparing a meal, cuts, scrapes or lacerations can happen unexpectedly. The board-certified physicians at Medco ER & Urgent Care are experienced in treating wounds of all kinds and are standing by to help.

“When you experience a deep cut or laceration, or a scraped area of skin, the sooner you can get here, the better we are able to fight off infection that could be settling in the wound,” said Medco ER & Urgent Care’s Regional Medical Director, Dr. Tariq Vora. “We can treat it quickly and relatively painlessly. We use topical anesthetics to help reduce the sensation during treatment and we can make sure all the dirt and foreign bodies are removed properly before creating a proper seal.”

Do I need stitches?

When a laceration occurs, most people wonder whether or not they really need stitches. Sometimes it is very obvious that medical attention is needed, but other times it is not as clear. As a rule of thumb, if you can see layers of fat, muscle, tendons or bone in the wound, you will probably need stitches by a medical professional.

“Having one of our physicians treat your laceration can accomplish three things,” said Dr. Vora. “One: it will reduce the possibility of infection by properly sterilizing and sealing the wound. Two: it will stop severe bleeding. Three: it will speed healing by keeping the wound closed and stabilized. Treating a deep laceration at home is not advisable because of the risk of infection and inefficient healing. A wound may heal unevenly and leave a rough area that has reduced or deadened sensation.”

What about afterwards?

After you’ve received stitches, we can remove them in 5-14 days, depending on the location and size of the wound.

What about road rash, scratches or bites?

If your wound was caused by a skidding motion that peeled or scraped away a patch of skin, it is important to make sure all the dirt is removed from the area. “Scrapes or abrasions caused by falling off a bike or skidding across pavement are notoriously hard to clean at home,” said Dr. Vora. “Plus, they are extremely painful because they involve a large area of pain receptors. We can reduce the pain with topicals and can make sure all the dirt and gravel is removed to speed healing.”

If you had trouble with an animal and have scratches or bites, it is important to receive medical attention even if the wounds don’t appear to be too deep. Animal-related wounds are notorious for becoming infected, and a tetanus shot may be needed. Be prepared to identify the animal so your doctor can discover if there is a risk of rabies and so the animal can be contained, if necessary.

Do I need a Tetanus shot?

It is extremely important that you are up to date on your Tetanus booster anytime you experience a laceration or open wound. Tetanus is caused by bacteria and is almost always fatal if contracted through the skin. A Tetanus booster is usually good for 5-10 years.

If you don’t remember your last Tetanus shot, it’s crucial to get one in case of an open injury. At Medco ER, we can provide you a Tetanus booster in order to avoid a potentially deadly infection.

What to do on the way to the ER

Apply a clean cloth to the laceration and keep pressure on it to slow the bleeding. A gentle pinching pressure to pull the sides together could stem the bleeding on the way to Medco ER. Have someone else drive you so you can keep the wound elevated above the heart. If the wound is severe and blood loss is prominent, call 911 immediately or have someone take you to the nearest ER.

Get help fast at Medco ER & Urgent Care

At Medco ER, we have the imaging equipment, IVs, labs and supplies needed to treat any lacerations or wounds that you or your loved ones may experience. We are open 24/7 to provide you with some of the best medical care available to speed you on your way to healing.

• Plano: 3960 Legacy Drive on the corner of Legacy and Coit Road.

            Call us @ 469-392-4000.

What’s the Difference Between Heat Exhaustion and Heatstroke?

As the heat index ramps up, you may find yourself rapidly overheating with your body unable to keep up with cooling and maintaining your core temperature. If you’re exercising, moving or working in the heat, it’s important to know the signs and symptoms of heatstroke and heat exhaustion and recognize if you’re in danger. When your body overheats, it might not be long before you need fast medical care. At Medco ER & Urgent Care, our board-certified physicians are capable to handling this condition very efficiently.

“Heat exhaustion—which can lead to the more serious heatstroke—is a preventable condition,” said Medco ER & Urgent Care’s Regional Medical Director, Dr. Tariq Vora. “That’s why it’s important to keep a close check on yourself during the high heat index days.”

Heat Exhaustion

The first stage in overheating of the human body is heat cramps, followed by heat exhaustion. This condition occurs when your body is no longer able to maintain a steady core temperature through the natural cooling process of sweating and heatevaporation. Heat cramps include muscle aches, thirst, fatigue and heavy sweating. It can be alleviated by drinking an electrolyte-balanced sports drink, or water, and resting.

Heat exhaustion follows untreated heat cramps and is a more serious condition, but is still preventable and also treatable.

            Symptoms of Heat Exhaustion

• Cool, moist skin, possible goose bumps
• Heavy sweating
• Exhaustion
• Muscle cramps
• Headache
• Fainting
• Nausea
• Weak, rapid pulse or dizziness when standing

            Treatment for Heat Exhaustion

As with heat cramps, you will want to find a cool place to recover. Drink a sports drink or water and rest as your core temperature goes down. Do not drink alcohol. Try to cool your body with water, if possible. If your symptoms don’t improve, seek medical attention immediately.

Heatstroke

If left untreated, heat exhaustion can quickly degrade into the most serious heat-related illness called heatstroke. Heatstroke occurs when the core temperature of the body reaches 104°. Heatstroke is a medical emergency that can cause damage to the brain, organs and muscles. Left untreated, heatstroke can lead to permanent organ damage or death

            Symptoms of Heatstroke

• Change in sweating, possibly with skin becoming hot and dry
• Confusion, agitation, slurred speech
• Seizures or coma
• Nausea and vomiting
• Severe headache
• Red, flushed face and arms
• Rapid breathing
• Rapid, shallow heartbeat

            Treatment for Heatstroke

Heatstroke can be treated at the ER with cooling procedures to safely bring the core body temperature down. An IV will administer the needed fluids to assist in lowering the body temperature. If you are assisting someone with a heat-related injury, have them drink water or a sports drink (not alcohol), get them to a cooler place and wet them down or place ice in a towel and apply it to head, neck, armpits and groin. Call 9-1-1 and transport them to the ER as soon as possible.

When to come to the ER with a heat injury

“Don’t hesitate to come in when you get overheated,” said Dr. Vora. “The sooner we can see you, the faster you will recover. If someone you know has symptoms of a heat injury and have become irrational or lost consciousness, call 9-1-1 immediately.”

Get help fast at Medco ER & Urgent Care

At Medco ER, we are equipped with advanced lab and treatment modalities to treat any heat-related ailment. We can check your electrolyte levels—such as sodium and potassium—and immediately treat you with Intravenous (IV) fluids while keeping you comfortable in a cool and safe environment.

We are open 24/7 to provide you with some of the best medical care available. Our Little-to-No Wait service ensures you will be shown to your own room and can be seen by a board-certified emergency medicine physician within minutes. Before long, you may be on the way to recovering from the overexposure to heat.

• Plano: 3960 Legacy Drive on the corner of Legacy and Coit Road.

            Call us @ 469-392-4000.