Sterling Heights Acute Care
Get timely medical attention for sudden illnesses, new symptoms, and other non-emergency health concerns. Sterling Medical Center provides accessible acute care for patients in Sterling Heights and the surrounding Macomb County communities, from our office on E. 14 Mile Rd.
Prompt Medical Care for Sudden Health Concerns
When a health concern comes on suddenly, getting timely medical attention can make all the difference. Sterling Medical Center provides acute care for patients of different ages who need evaluation and treatment for sudden illnesses, symptoms, and other non-emergency medical concerns.
Our healthcare team focuses on understanding what’s happening, addressing your immediate needs, and helping you determine the appropriate next step. With convenient in-person care and telemedicine options for appropriate visits, getting medical attention can be more straightforward.
Medical concerns don’t always fit into one category. Depending on your symptoms, health needs, and circumstances, a different type of visit may be appropriate.
Understanding Acute Care
Acute care focuses on medical concerns that develop suddenly, or that need attention within a relatively short period of time — sudden illnesses, new symptoms, minor injuries, and other concerns that may need evaluation rather than waiting for a routine follow-up.
It is intended for non-emergency concerns. Sterling Medical Center provides acute care for patients of different ages, though the services available can vary based on age and medical need. If you are not sure which type of visit fits your situation, contact our office to discuss it.
Severe symptoms such as significant difficulty breathing, severe chest pain, major trauma, or loss of consciousness require immediate emergency attention. When in doubt about a serious or potentially life-threatening situation, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
Healthcare That Works With Your Schedule
Sudden health concerns can disrupt your plans, work, and everyday responsibilities. We understand that getting medical care needs to be practical as well as appropriate.
Sterling Medical Center offers convenient ways to access care through our local locations and telemedicine options for healthcare needs that can be appropriately addressed virtually.
Whether you prefer an in-person visit or may be a candidate for telemedicine, our goal is to make the process easier while keeping your care centered on your individual needs.
Sterling Heights patients are seen at our E. 14 Mile Rd office here in the city, and we also see patients at our Dearborn location. Some concerns may be appropriate for a telemedicine visit.
If an acute concern turns out to need public-health services rather than a clinic visit — immunizations, communicable-disease reporting, or WIC — Sterling Heights is served by the Macomb County Health Department, which operates service centers in Mount Clemens, St. Clair Shores and Warren.
What to Expect
During Acute Care
When you’re already dealing with a health concern, the last thing you need is a confusing process. Our team works to keep your acute care visit focused and straightforward.
You’ll have an opportunity to explain what’s happening, discuss your symptoms, and provide relevant information about your health. Your provider will then evaluate your concern and determine whether treatment, additional evaluation, follow-up, or another type of care may be appropriate.
Share Your Concern
Tell us what you're experiencing and when your symptoms began.
Discuss Your Health
Your provider may ask about medications, allergies, and existing conditions.
Receive an Evaluation
Your provider will assess your symptoms and determine the appropriate care.
Understand Your Next Step
You'll receive recommendations for treatment, follow-up, or additional care.
Focused Care for New and Changing Health Concerns
Acute care is for a health concern that is new, or one that has changed — something that has come up since your last visit and may need looking at before your next one. Sterling Medical Center provides that evaluation for non-emergency concerns.
It is not a replacement for your routine, ongoing care, and it is not a substitute for emergency services. It sits between them — a way to have a new or changing concern evaluated while it is still current, so you are not left deciding on your own whether it needs attention.
Health Concerns That May Need Timely Evaluation
Acute care focuses on medical concerns that develop suddenly or require attention within a relatively short period of time. These are some of the situations where a timely evaluation may be appropriate; they are not a diagnosis and do not replace a provider’s assessment.
Acute Care
Situations where a timely evaluation may be appropriate.
Symptoms That Develop Suddenly
A new illness or symptom that was not there before.
Symptoms That Persist
A symptom that continues rather than settling, such as a persistent cough.
Sooner Than a Routine Visit
May need evaluation rather than waiting for a routine follow-up.
A Concern Affecting Your Day
A concern disrupting your plans, work, or everyday responsibilities.
Not Sure Which Visit You Need
Concerns do not always fit one category; the right visit depends on your symptoms.
A Non-Emergency Concern
A sudden medical concern that is not a life-threatening emergency.
We're Here When You Need Us.
Walk-ins are welcome, or book your appointment online.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions about acute care, appointments, insurance, or what type of visit you need? Here are some of the questions patients ask most often.
Acute care focuses on sudden illnesses, new symptoms, minor injuries, and other medical concerns that may require timely attention.
The terms can overlap, especially when referring to non-emergency concerns that need prompt attention. The most appropriate service depends on your symptoms and individual healthcare needs.
Acute care may include evaluation of common illnesses, infections, respiratory symptoms, minor injuries, fever, urinary symptoms, and other non-emergency concerns.
Urgent or acute care may be appropriate for a sudden concern that needs timely attention, while primary care is generally better suited to routine visits, preventive healthcare, physicals, and ongoing care.
Our practice provides care for patients of different ages, but the services available can vary based on age and medical need. Contact our office to discuss your situation.
Appointment and walk-in availability can vary by service and location. Contact our office to ask about current options.