How Do You Know When to See a Primary Care Physician?

At Town Center Family Practice, your health and well-being are our top priorities. Knowing when to visit your primary care provider is essential for maintaining good health and catching potential issues early. Our experienced team is here to help you with a wide range of concerns, including:
 
• Persistent symptoms: If you’re experiencing ongoing symptoms such as fever, fatigue, or pain that do not improve after a few days, it’s time to schedule an appointment with Town Center Family Practice.
 
• Unexplained changes: Notice unexplained weight loss, ongoing digestive issues (like changes in bowel habits), or difficulty swallowing? Our providers can help determine the cause and recommend the right treatment.
 
• Cardiac or respiratory symptoms: Shortness of breath, chest pain, or palpitations can indicate underlying conditions that require prompt evaluation by our medical team.
 
• Other concerning signs: Persistent headaches, dizziness, swelling in your legs or ankles, or new or changing skin lesions should be evaluated in our office.
 
• Mental health concerns: Ongoing feelings of sadness, anxiety, or changes in mood or behavior are important reasons to seek support. Our practice offers compassionate care for your mental and physical health.
 
• Chronic condition management: If you have a chronic medical condition such as diabetes, hypertension, or asthma, regular check-ups are essential to monitor your health and adjust treatments as needed.
 
If you’re ever uncertain about your symptoms or if they worsen, don’t hesitate to reach out. It’s always better to err on the side of caution—schedule an appointment with your trusted team at Town Center Family Practice. We’re here to support you at every stage of your health journey.

When to Visit Town Center Family Practice vs. Urgent Care
At Town Center Family Practice, we know that deciding whether your symptoms require a visit to your primary care provider or an urgent care clinic can sometimes be confusing. Understanding the differences between these options can help you make the best decision for your health and ensure you get the care you need.
 
When to Choose Town Center Family Practice
Primary care, like the services we provide at Town Center Family Practice, is the best choice for most non-urgent health concerns, preventive care, ongoing medical management, and routine check-ups. If you are experiencing symptoms such as a mild sore throat, a low-grade fever, a persistent cough (without difficulty breathing), a minor rash, or if you need medication refills or help managing chronic conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure, please schedule an appointment with us. Our providers can also help with minor injuries like mild sprains or strains, and we’re here to coordinate referrals to specialists if necessary.
 
When to Consider Urgent Care
Urgent care is designed for medical concerns that require prompt attention but aren’t life-threatening. If you have a moderate fever (especially with flu-like symptoms that aren’t improving), ear infections, minor cuts that may need stitches, simple fractures, more severe sprains, mild asthma attacks, or urinary tract infections, urgent care may be the right choice—especially if you cannot get a timely appointment with us.
 
Emergencies Require Immediate Attention
If you have severe symptoms—such as chest pain, difficulty breathing, severe abdominal pain, sudden weakness or numbness, confusion, heavy bleeding, or signs of a stroke—please call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately.
 
We’re Here to Guide You
When you’re unsure where to go, Town Center Family Practice is here to help. You can call our office, and our experienced team will guide you on the best next step based on your symptoms. Acting quickly and choosing the appropriate level of care ensures you receive the treatment you need, while helping keep emergency services available for the most critical cases.

At Town Center Family Practice, we recommend scheduling an annual checkup with your primary care provider—even if you’re feeling well. Regular visits are essential for maintaining your overall health, updating your vaccinations, and discussing any health concerns you may have. If you’re managing chronic conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol, our team may suggest more frequent appointments to help you stay on top of your health.

You should also contact Town Center Family Practice to schedule a visit if you notice any new or unusual symptoms, such as persistent fatigue, unexplained weight changes, chest pain, shortness of breath, or changes in your bowel or bladder habits. We’re here to help if you need medication refills, mental health support, or preventive screenings based on your age, family history, or risk factors.
 
If it’s been more than a year since your last appointment, or if you’re due for screenings like mammograms, colonoscopies, or blood tests, now is a great time to book your next visit. Regular checkups allow us to catch potential health issues early and keep you on the path to wellness.

At Town Center Family Practice, we know that persistent coughs and colds can be more than just an inconvenience. It’s important to recognize when it’s time to see your primary care provider for a professional evaluation. If your cough or cold lasts longer than three weeks, we recommend scheduling an appointment with one of our experienced providers. Ongoing symptoms may be a sign of an underlying issue, such as allergies, asthma, bronchitis, or even pneumonia, all of which require proper diagnosis and treatment.
 
You should also reach out to Town Center Family Practice if you notice your symptoms getting worse, develop a high fever, experience shortness of breath, chest pain, or start coughing up blood. Individuals with chronic conditions like asthma, COPD, or weakened immune systems should be especially vigilant. Additionally, if your symptoms are interfering with your sleep or daily activities, or if you’re experiencing unexplained weight loss, our team is here to help.

Understanding when to see a primary care physician is essential for maintaining long-term health. At Town Center Family Practice, Dr. Luis Morales-Torres, MD, and his team recommend not waiting for an emergency to seek care. It’s important to schedule a visit if you’re experiencing persistent symptoms like chronic fatigue, unexplained pain, or respiratory problems. For those managing ongoing conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, or asthma, regular check-ups are crucial for effective Chronic Care Management.

Dr. Luis also stresses the importance of preventive care, including annual physicals, EKGs, and immunizations to identify potential issues early. Whether you’re seeking a same-day visit for an acute illness or a geriatric physical for healthy aging, our practice offers comprehensive care for all life stages. From pediatric assessments to women’s wellness exams, Dr. Luis provides expert guidance to help you stay healthy and independent.
 
When you visit Town Center Family Practice, your provider will carefully assess your symptoms, perform any necessary tests, and create a personalized treatment plan to help you feel better, faster. Early evaluation and care can help catch more serious conditions and ensure you are on the right track to recovery. Book an appointment online or contact us for more information. We are conveniently located at 1642 N. Volusia Ave, Orange City, FL 32763. We serve patients from Orange City FL, DeLand FL, Deltona FL, DeBary FL, Lake Monroe FL, Sanford FL, and surrounding areas.