A cut probably needs stitches if it’s deeper than about 1/4 inch, gapes open, is longer than about 1/2 inch, has jagged edges, is on the face, a joint or the hand, or keeps bleeding after 10 minutes of firm pressure. Get it closed within about 6 to 8 hours for the best healing. Urgent care can clean and stitch most cuts. Go to the ER for bleeding that won’t stop, deep wounds with exposed fat, muscle or bone, or numbness or weakness past the cut.
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Virginia requires a comprehensive physical exam for children entering public kindergarten or elementary school for the first time, completed within 12 months before school entry. It’s documented on the School Entrance Health Form (MCH 213G), which has three parts: health history (completed by the parent), immunization certification, and the physical exam report. A licensed physician, nurse practitioner or physician assistant can complete it, including at a walk-in clinic like PACS.
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Most Virginia CDL drivers who operate in non-excepted interstate or intrastate commerce need a DOT medical examiner’s certificate (medical card) from an examiner listed on FMCSA’s National Registry. Since May 5, 2025, Virginia DMV no longer accepts medical certificates submitted by drivers. Certified examiners send results electronically through the National Registry. PACS offers walk-in DOT physicals with same-day certificates. The self-pay visit price is $129.
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Yes, most Virginia Medicaid members can use urgent care for same-day illnesses and injuries. Virginia Medicaid is called Cardinal Care, and most members get benefits through one of five managed care health plans: Aetna Better Health of Virginia, Anthem HealthKeepers Plus, Humana Healthy Horizons in Virginia, Sentara Health Plans and UnitedHealthcare. PACS Urgent Care participates with Medicaid and several of these plans. Call (571) 656-8838 to confirm your plan before your visit.
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Flu season in Virginia usually runs from October through May, peaking between December and February. If you have sudden fever, chills, body aches, cough and fatigue, get tested early: antiviral medicine works best when started within 48 hours of symptoms, especially for people at higher risk. PACS Urgent Care in Alexandria offers walk-in rapid flu and COVID-19 tests 7 days a week. Go to the ER for trouble breathing, chest pain, confusion or severe dehydration.
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Before school starts in Virginia, check whether your child needs a school entry physical, a sports physical, updated vaccine records, and medication forms for school. PACS Urgent Care in Alexandria offers walk-in school and sports physicals 7 days a week, with forms completed on the spot. Self-pay prices are $95 for a school physical and $55 for a sports or camp physical.
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Heat exhaustion causes heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea and cool, clammy skin. Move to a cool place, drink water and rest. If you don’t feel better within an hour, or you can’t keep fluids down, go to urgent care for evaluation and IV fluids. Heat stroke is an emergency: call 911 for a body temperature of 103°F or higher, confusion, fainting, or hot skin with little sweating.
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Northern Virginia has a long allergy season: tree pollen peaks in spring (roughly March to May), grass pollen in late spring and early summer, and ragweed in late summer and fall (roughly August to October). Most seasonal allergies can be managed with over-the-counter medicines. See urgent care if symptoms aren’t controlled, you develop sinus pain or fever, or allergies trigger wheezing or asthma. Call 911 for swelling of the face or throat or trouble breathing.
Read moreTo make your visit as smooth and convenient as possible, we offer online check-in—an easy way to reserve your place in line, similar to joining a waitlist. You’ll receive real-time updates on your estimated wait time, giving you added flexibility and convenience while planning your visit.
Although we do our best to remain on schedule, occasional delays may occur, especially during unexpected increases in walk-in patients. We appreciate your understanding, as these delays allow us to provide every patient with the attentive, quality care they deserve—including you.
Thank you for your patience, your trust, and for choosing our team for your care. We look forward to serving you soon.
