If you live in Lakewood Ranch or Bradenton, you’ve noticed them: urgent care centers popping up on every corner like fast-food joints. They promise speed and convenience, but for many of our neighbors, the reality is a long wait in a crowded lobby, a stack of repetitive paperwork, and—worst of all—substandard care that doesn’t actually solve the problem.
At East County Internal Medicine, we see it all the time: a patient spends hours and a high copay at a local urgent care, only to end up in our office a few days later because the “quick fix” didn’t work. Here is why your PCP is actually the faster, smarter choice for your health.
The “Instant” Service You Didn’t Know Existed
Many patients are surprised to learn that Shaan Kunwar, D.O. offers nearly instant service through telehealth. If you’re feeling under the weather and need a consultation or an antibiotic, you don’t necessarily need to drive down State Road 70 or University Parkway.
With a simple telehealth visit, you can speak with Dr. Kunwar from your own couch. Because you are an established patient, we can often consult and send a prescription to your local pharmacy in a fraction of the time it takes to even get checked in at a walk-in clinic.
No More Redundant Paperwork
Every time you walk into an urgent care, you are a stranger. That means 15 minutes of “clipboard duty”—filling out your history, your allergies, and your insurance info over and over again. At East County Internal Medicine, we already know you. Your records, your medication history, and your preferences are at our fingertips. This doesn’t just save time; it ensures your safety by preventing dangerous drug interactions that a busy, high-volume urgent care provider might overlook.
The Problem with Substandard “Transactional” Care
Urgent cares are built for volume, not relationships. They often provide “band-aid” medicine—treating a single symptom without looking at the bigger picture of your health. We frequently see patients who were given the wrong dosage or an ineffective antibiotic at a clinic, only to have their symptoms return. When you see Dr. Kunwar, you’re seeing a board-certified Internist who understands your long-term health goals. We don’t just want to get you out the door; we want to get you well.
Skip the “Double Pay” and the Waiting Room
Don’t pay an expensive urgent care co-pay only to realize you still need to see your primary doctor to get the right treatment. By making East County Internal Medicine your first call, you ensure the job is done right the first time. The next time you’re feeling ill, don’t settle for the “convenience” of a neon sign.
Experience the efficiency and expertise of a doctor who actually knows your name.
Need to be seen? Skip the line and contact us today to schedule a telehealth or in-office appointment at our Gatewood Drive location in Lakewood Ranch.
“An informed patient is a healthier patient.”
Shaan Kunwar DO
941-727-7771