Skip the ER and the 3-hour wait. Get same-day urgent care via telehealth for infections, UTIs, ear infections, rashes, STI testing, and more. Board-certified providers in Maryland, Virginia, and Florida. Most patients seen in under 30 minutes.
The average ER visit for a non-emergency condition costs $1,500–$2,500 and takes 4–6 hours. A telehealth urgent care visit at Icon Medicine costs a fraction of that and takes under 30 minutes from your phone or computer — no waiting room, no exposure to other sick patients.
Telehealth urgent care is appropriate for the majority of non-emergency acute illnesses. A study in JAMA Network Open found that 70% of urgent care conditions can be safely and effectively diagnosed and treated via telehealth. Our board-certified providers can diagnose, prescribe antibiotics, order labs, and provide follow-up care for the conditions below.
For Maryland patients who need a physical exam (rapid strep test, ear canal visualization), in-person visits are available at our Hyattsville office. We'll let you know during booking if your condition may require an in-person visit.
Skip the ER — same-day urgent care via telehealth
No ER wait · No ER bill · Board-certified providers · Licensed MD, VA & FL
From UTIs to flu, we treat a wide range of acute conditions safely and effectively via telehealth. Diagnosis, treatment plan, and prescription — all in one visit.
COVID-19, influenza A/B, RSV, sinusitis, bronchitis, and upper respiratory infections. Antiviral prescriptions (Tamiflu/oseltamivir) available within 48 hours of flu symptom onset. Antibiotic therapy for bacterial sinusitis.
UTI diagnosis based on symptoms and urinalysis (lab order sent to Quest/LabCorp near you). Prescriptions include nitrofurantoin (Macrobid), trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim), or fosfomycin depending on allergy history and local resistance patterns.
Outer ear infections (otitis externa) diagnosed via telehealth with antibiotic ear drop prescriptions. Conjunctivitis (pink eye) differentiated — viral vs. bacterial — with antibiotic eye drops for bacterial infection. Suspected middle ear infections may require in-person confirmation.
Skin infections (cellulitis), impetigo, ringworm/fungal infections, allergic rashes, and eczema flares. Prescriptions include topical and oral antibiotics (clindamycin, doxycycline), antifungals, and topical corticosteroids as appropriate.
Lab orders for gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis, and HIV testing sent to Quest/LabCorp. Prescriptions per CDC guidelines for confirmed infections. Confidential — results discussed only with you. PrEP referrals available for HIV prevention.
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, mild allergic reactions (non-anaphylaxis), minor sprains and muscle injuries, headaches, and medication refill needs. If your condition isn't listed, call us — we likely can help.
Click any condition to see symptoms, when to book vs. go to the ER, how we treat it via telehealth, and what prescriptions may be written.
UTIs are one of the most common infections, affecting 50–60% of women in their lifetime. They occur when bacteria (usually E. coli) enter the urethra and travel to the bladder. Most uncomplicated UTIs in otherwise healthy adults are excellent candidates for telehealth treatment — diagnosis based on symptoms + urinalysis, with antibiotic prescribed the same visit.
Book with us: Classic UTI symptoms (burning, urgency, frequency) with mild-moderate discomfort. No fever or fever < 101°F.
Sinusitis occurs when the sinuses (air-filled cavities in your skull) become inflamed and infected. Most sinus infections are viral (10–14 days), but bacterial sinusitis develops in about 2% of cases and typically requires antibiotics when symptoms persist beyond 10 days or are severe from the start.
Book with us: Symptoms > 10 days without improvement, severe symptoms, or symptoms initially improving then worsening ("double sickening").
There are two main types: outer ear infections (otitis externa, "swimmer's ear") which are very amenable to telehealth, and middle ear infections (otitis media) which are more common in children and may require physical ear visualization. Adults with outer ear pain and discharge can almost always be treated via telehealth; inner ear concerns may warrant in-person follow-up.
Book with us: Outer ear pain, drainage, classic swimmer's ear. Adults with mild-moderate ear pain.
In-person (MD office): Middle ear infection symptoms — we may ask you to come in for ear canal visualization with otoscope.
Streptococcal pharyngitis (strep throat) is caused by Group A Streptococcus bacteria. While a rapid antigen test (rapid strep) is the gold standard, clinical diagnosis via telehealth using the Centor/McIsaac criteria is well-validated — when 3 of 4 criteria are met, empiric antibiotic treatment is appropriate. Maryland patients can visit in person for a rapid strep test if preferred.
Book with us: Sore throat + fever, no cough, difficulty swallowing. Treat empirically based on clinical criteria.
Strep requires full 10-day course to prevent rheumatic fever.
Conjunctivitis (pink eye) is inflammation of the clear tissue covering the white of the eye. Viral conjunctivitis (most common) typically resolves on its own in 1–2 weeks. Bacterial conjunctivitis produces significant discharge and responds to antibiotic eye drops. Allergic conjunctivitis is itchy and bilateral. Telehealth is well-suited for distinguishing and treating all three types through visual assessment.
Book with us: Classic pink eye symptoms — discharge, redness, minimal pain. All three types.
Many skin conditions can be diagnosed via telehealth through high-quality video imaging. Our providers can distinguish between bacterial infections (cellulitis, impetigo), fungal infections (ringworm, athlete's foot, jock itch), allergic reactions, eczema flares, and contact dermatitis based on clinical presentation and history.
Book with us: Most localized skin rashes, suspected fungal infection, mild-moderate eczema, contact dermatitis, early shingles, skin infection with no spreading.
The common cold (rhinovirus, coronavirus, others) and influenza A/B are viral illnesses that account for the majority of urgent care visits. While most colds resolve with supportive care, influenza has an effective antiviral treatment (oseltamivir/Tamiflu) that must be started within 48 hours of symptom onset to be effective — making same-day telehealth critical.
Book with us: Classic cold or flu symptoms, mild-moderate severity, fever ≤ 103°F, able to maintain hydration.
Key rule: Book within 48 hours of flu symptom onset to qualify for Tamiflu.
Seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis affects 30% of adults. Symptoms can be debilitating during peak pollen seasons. Telehealth is ideal for allergy evaluation — your provider can build a comprehensive management plan and prescribe prescription-strength treatments that work better than OTC options.
Book with us: Seasonal or perennial allergy symptoms, hives without throat/breathing involvement, mild allergic reactions.
STI testing via telehealth is confidential, fast, and discreet. We order lab tests directly to Quest Diagnostics or LabCorp — you go in at your convenience, no appointment needed. Results go directly to your provider and are discussed only with you, never shared without your consent. Many STIs have no symptoms, making regular testing important for sexually active adults.
Completely confidential. Results discussed only with you.
COVID-19 remains a common reason for urgent care visits. While most healthy adults experience mild-to-moderate illness, high-risk individuals (immunocompromised, 65+, significant comorbidities) qualify for Paxlovid (nirmatrelvir/ritonavir) antiviral treatment, which must be started within 5 days of symptom onset to be effective.
Book with us: Positive home COVID test, mild-moderate symptoms, need for Paxlovid assessment, documentation for work/school.
Paxlovid must be started within 5 days of symptom onset. Book same day.
Sources: NCHS Emergency Department Summary (2023); AHRQ National Health Statistics Reports. Individual wait times vary.
Understanding when to use telehealth urgent care vs. the ER can save you time, money, and unnecessary stress. Here's a clear guide.
| ✓ Use Telehealth Urgent Care | ⚠ Go to the ER |
|---|---|
| UTI symptoms (burning, urgency, frequency) | Chest pain or pressure |
| Ear pain, congestion, sinus pressure | Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath |
| Cough, runny nose, mild fever | Stroke symptoms (FAST: face drooping, arm weakness, speech difficulty, time to call 911) |
| Pink eye or eye discharge | Uncontrolled bleeding or deep wounds |
| Skin rash, mild infection | Suspected broken bones (X-ray required) |
| STI testing and treatment | Anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction with throat swelling) |
| Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea (mild-moderate) | Altered mental status or unconsciousness |
| Minor sprain or muscle strain | Severe abdominal pain |
| Flu or COVID-19 symptoms (mild-moderate) | Head injury with loss of consciousness |
| Prescription refill for non-controlled medication | Suicidal ideation with intent or plan — call 988 |
When in doubt, call us at (240) 966-4266 and we'll help you determine the right level of care.
Urgent care shouldn't be a production. Here's how it works at Icon Medicine.
Choose "Urgent Care" when booking, pick the first available slot (usually within the hour), and complete a brief intake form about your symptoms. You can also call (240) 966-4266 to be scheduled immediately. Appointments are available 7 days a week including weekends.
Join your video visit from any device. Your provider reviews your symptoms, asks follow-up questions, performs a visual examination, and makes a clinical diagnosis. All visits use our HIPAA-compliant, encrypted telehealth platform — your privacy is fully protected.
Your provider explains your diagnosis in plain language, discusses treatment options, and addresses your questions. Lab orders are sent electronically to Quest Diagnostics or LabCorp near you. For conditions that require culture confirmation (e.g., UTI), treatment may begin empirically while awaiting results.
Prescriptions are sent electronically to your preferred pharmacy. Most pharmacies have medications ready within 1–2 hours. We can prescribe antibiotics, antivirals (Tamiflu within 48h of flu onset), antihistamines, nausea medications, topical treatments, and more. We do NOT prescribe controlled substances (opioids, benzodiazepines) via urgent care visits.
If your condition requires follow-up (e.g., checking that an infection cleared, reviewing lab results), we schedule that automatically. Lab results are reviewed by your provider within 1–3 business days with a follow-up message. If your condition needs specialist care or in-person evaluation, we provide referrals directly.
Most patients are seen the same day — often within 1–2 hours of booking. For patients in urgent situations (severe UTI pain, high fever), we prioritize same-hour slots when available. Call us directly if you need to be seen immediately and online booking is showing longer waits.
Urinalysis and urine culture (for UTIs), STI panels (gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis, HIV), strep/flu/COVID rapid tests (via patient-purchased kits or in-person visit), CBC/CMP for concerning systemic symptoms, and wound cultures. Results typically available in 1–3 business days from Quest or LabCorp.
Telehealth cannot replace a hands-on physical exam. Conditions requiring visualization of the ear canal, throat culture (rapid strep), wound assessment, or physical manipulation need an in-person visit. Maryland patients can come in person. We will always tell you if we believe your condition warrants in-person or ER care.
Urgent care should feel like a relief — not another hassle. We built our urgent care service around what patients actually need.
The average ER visit takes 4–6 hours for non-emergencies. We have you seen and treated in under 30 minutes. No sitting in waiting rooms, no exposure to sicker patients.
Every urgent care visit is with a board-certified provider — not a PA or nurse alone. You get the same clinical expertise as a physician office visit, at a fraction of the cost.
We can prescribe antibiotics, antivirals, topicals, and more — sent directly to your pharmacy. Prescriptions are ready in 1–2 hours at most pharmacies. No need to visit a clinic.
We accept most major insurance plans. Telehealth urgent care is billed like any office visit — covered at your normal specialist or urgent care copay. Self-pay options start at $99/visit.
Appointments available 7 days a week. When you're sick, you need help today — not in 3 days. We keep urgent care slots open specifically for same-day needs.
In Maryland, Virginia, or Florida? We've got you covered wherever you are. Travelers, remote workers, and patients who prefer to stay home — telehealth works from anywhere in these 3 states.
Check any that apply. If 2 or more describe your situation, you're a great candidate for telehealth urgent care today.
If 2 or more apply, book a same-day urgent care visit now. If you're unsure whether your condition is appropriate for telehealth, call us at (240) 966-4266 and we'll advise you.
From the Blog
Same-Day Doctor Appointments in Hyattsville, MD: Virtual & In-Person Options — What to expect when you need a same-day visit, and how telehealth makes it faster and easier than ever.
This guide helps you make the fastest decision when symptoms appear. When in doubt: call us at (240) 966-4266 and we'll triage you in seconds.
If you're unsure, call us at (240) 966-4266 and we'll help you determine the right level of care within seconds.
Telehealth urgent care is covered by most major insurance plans at standard office visit copay rates. No surprise ER bills — just straightforward, transparent pricing.
per visit (self-pay) · or billed to insurance
Real experiences from Icon Medicine urgent care patients.
I had a UTI on a Saturday afternoon — my primary care office was closed, and I did not want to spend my whole evening in urgent care. Booked with Icon Medicine, was seen within an hour, and had my antibiotics at the pharmacy two hours later. Felt better by Sunday morning.
Lisa T.
Maryland patient · UTI Treatment
Started with flu symptoms Tuesday morning. I'd heard Tamiflu works best within 48 hours, so I booked immediately instead of waiting to see if it got better. Got my prescription within 30 minutes of the visit. Definitely shortened my illness.
Kevin R.
Virginia patient · Flu / Antiviral Treatment
I had a terrible sinus infection and was traveling in Florida for work. I couldn't find a doctor taking new patients, and the nearest urgent care had a 3-hour wait. Icon Medicine saw me in 45 minutes and called in antibiotics to the CVS down the street. Absolute lifesaver.
Maria S.
Florida patient · Sinus Infection Treatment
* Patient names changed for privacy. Testimonials represent typical patient experiences; individual results may vary.
Same-day telehealth appointments available now. Board-certified providers. Prescriptions ready at your pharmacy in hours. No waiting rooms, no ER bills.
7411 Riggs Rd, Suite 300B, Hyattsville, MD 20783 | Fax: (301) 235-1771