Online Options for UTI Treatment

A UTI, which stands for Urinary Tract Infection, is a common bacterial infection that affects the urinary system. It happens when harmful bacteria, usually from the digestive tract, enters the urethra and travels up into the bladder, and sometimes even up into the kidneys. UTIs are more common in women than in men.

• A change in urination pattern
• A change in urine consistency, color, or odor
• A frequent urge to urinate
• Painful urination
• Discomfort in the lower abdomen
• Back pain or headaches
• Confusion (for mature patients)
• In some cases, a UTI does not show symptoms.

Family Nurse Practitioner Patrick Ayarzagoitia is a CHRISTUS On Demand Care provider who sees patients with UTIs. He said the sooner you can get treatment for a UTI, the better.

"It's very important to start treating an infection as soon as possible," Patrick said.

UTIs can spread to other organs, including the bladder, kidney, or prostate, without treatment. These infections can quickly become severe and dangerous. If you start to notice symptoms of a UTI, it's best to get treatment as soon as possible.

One common concern when dealing with a UTI is the need for urine sample testing. Sometimes, laboratory tests are unnecessary to diagnose and treat a UTI effectively.

On Demand Care providers are skilled at identifying the signs and symptoms of a UTI through a virtual visit.

Although a lab test is sometimes necessary, you can often get accurate treatment without it, providing a more straightforward and convenient diagnosis process.

Symptoms, medical history, history of UTIs, and other health conditions help providers determine if a urine sample test is required to diagnose a UTI properly.

"People who have chronic urinary symptoms, people who have had symptoms such as flank pain and fever, are patients we'd want to get a urine sample for," Patrick said

In cases where labs are needed, your On Demand Care provider can refer you to a lab test at a location near you.

If a urine sample is needed, you can go directly to the referred location to take your lab test.

Robin Stewart is a family nurse practitioner who also provides care through CHRISTUS On Demand Care. She said that although testing may be recommended in some instances, On Demand Care makes it easy.

"All you have to do is go in and let them know you've been seen by On Demand Care, and they will look up your name and date of birth and see our test orders," Robin said.

Once undergoing the test, you don't have to wait for results. Test results are automatically uploaded to your file.

Your On Demand Care provider will contact you directly with your results and to move forward with your treatment plan.

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While On Demand Care is a powerful tool for addressing UTIs, there may be cases where an in-person visit to a health care provider is necessary.

Your On Demand provider will evaluate your condition during your appointment. They will make the appropriate referral to an in-person appointment if they believe an in-person examination or further testing is required.

Patrick said there are two types of UTIs: a simple UTI and a complicated UTI.

A simple UTI is easy to treat, with mild symptoms and no underlying factors that may contribute to the severity of the infection. These UTIs can usually be treated with antibiotics with no further complications.

On Demand Care providers have the tools and knowledge to properly evaluate your conditions based on these factors and advise the best treatment plan.

On Demand Care providers act as a valuable bridge, ensuring that patients who initially seek care online efficiently transition to the appropriate in-person health care setting when needed.

The ability to refer you to an in-person doctor's visit contributes to a seamless and effective experience.

Your health and well-being are of the utmost importance, and CHRISTUS On Demand Care providers are here to ensure you get the care you need, whenever and wherever you need it.