Acute Care for Illness & Injuries in La Jolla, CA

Acute Care for Illness & Injuries in La Jolla, CA — Fast, Compassionate Medical Treatment When You Need It Most

When unexpected illness or injury strikes, quick access to a trusted medical provider makes all the difference. At our La Jolla practice, Dr. Ryan Dominguez, MD delivers prompt, thorough acute care for everyday medical issues, minor injuries, sudden symptoms, infections, and urgent concerns that require same-day or near-immediate attention.

With nearly two decades of experience in family medicine, preventive health, and urgent care supervision, Dr. Dominguez provides fast, accurate diagnoses and effective treatment — helping patients recover quickly and safely.

What Is Acute Care?

Acute care refers to medical treatment for sudden illnesses or injuries that require prompt evaluation but are not life-threatening emergencies. It bridges the gap between primary care and urgent care, offering patients the convenience of immediate support from a provider who already knows their health history.

Acute care is ideal when you need timely attention — without the long wait of urgent care clinics or emergency rooms.

Common Conditions Treated in Our Office

Dr. Dominguez treats a wide range of acute medical concerns, including:

Illnesses:

  • Cold and flu symptoms

  • Sinus infections

  • Sore throat & strep throat

  • Ear infections

  • Bronchitis

  • Respiratory infections

  • Pink eye

  • Gastrointestinal illness

  • Food poisoning

  • Urinary tract infections (UTIs)

  • Fever

  • Allergic reactions (mild to moderate)

Injuries:

  • Minor cuts or lacerations

  • Muscle strains

  • Sprains & joint injuries

  • Back pain flare-ups

  • Minor burns

  • Bruises

  • Sports injuries

  • Tendon or ligament pain

Having an experienced physician available for these issues ensures you receive safe, effective, personalized care.

Why Choose In-Office Acute Care Instead of Urgent Care?

Many patients prefer in-office acute care with Dr. Dominguez because it offers:

1. Faster, more personalized treatment

No long waiting rooms, no rushed visits — just attentive care from a provider who knows your medical history.

2. More accurate diagnosis

Because Dr. Dominguez understands your health background, medications, and chronic conditions, he can make better-informed decisions about treatment.

3. Continuity of care

Your acute visit supports your long-term health plan, ensuring your overall wellness is considered.

4. Avoiding unnecessary ER or urgent care costs

Most non-emergency issues are handled safely and effectively in our office.

5. Holistic treatment

Dr. Dominguez integrates lifestyle, metabolic, hormonal, and emotional factors into acute care when relevant — uncommon in urgent care settings.

Diagnostic Services Available

Depending on your symptoms, your acute visit may include:

  • Rapid strep testing

  • Flu testing

  • Urinalysis

  • Bloodwork

  • Respiratory evaluation

  • Mobility assessment

  • Pregnancy testing

  • Blood sugar checks

  • Imaging referrals (X-ray, ultrasound, CT) when needed

Results are used to create targeted, effective treatment plans.

Acute Care Treatment Options

Treatment varies based on the diagnosis and may include:

  • Prescription medications

  • In-office procedures

  • Wound care

  • Pain management

  • Antibiotics (only when medically necessary)

  • Anti-inflammatory therapies

  • Lifestyle instructions

  • Home-care guidance

  • Follow-up visits, if needed

Dr. Dominguez takes a conservative, evidence-based approach: treating conditions thoroughly while avoiding unnecessary medications or procedures.

Follow-Up Care for Acute Conditions

Certain issues — like lingering cough, ongoing injury pain, or recurring infections — may require follow-up visits.
Dr. Dominguez provides long-term oversight to ensure full recovery and prevent complications.

When Should You Go to the ER Instead?

While our office can treat most non-emergency concerns, you should go to the ER for:

  • Chest pain

  • Difficulty breathing

  • Severe allergic reactions

  • Major injuries or fractures

  • Loss of consciousness

  • Uncontrolled bleeding

  • Severe abdominal pain

  • Stroke symptoms

If you’re unsure, call us — we can help guide you.

Schedule Same-Day Acute Care in La Jolla

If you’re feeling sick, injured, or concerned about new symptoms, we’re here to help.
👉 Request an acute care appointment today.
Our team will accommodate urgent needs whenever possible.

Patient testimonials

Don’t just take our word for it

"Dr. Dominguez and his staff are fantastic. I have been a patient of his for years and he always goes above and beyond to make sure that I am treated in the best possible way. He responds quickly to any question or concern that I have and he also makes every visit enjoyable. I highly recommend Dr. Dominguez and his staff!!! Thank you Dr. Dominguez for all that you do!"
5-Star Google ReviewBrian H.
"Dr Dominguez is highly competent, engaged and kind a combination that is rare. He took ownership of my medical issues immediately.I highly recommend his competency. Nurse Barb and Nurse Practitioner Martha also exhibited high levels of competency and kindnesses. I was very impressed with both of them. Dr. Dominguez, Barb and Martha far exceeded my expectations."
5-Star Yelp ReviewNorinne S.
"I wish there were more than 5 stars to rate the awesome quality of care that Dr. Dominguez and his staff provides. My husband and I have been patients of his for over 20 years and not a day goes by that we aren't incredibly grateful to have him as our primary care physician. He takes time to listen and get to know the whole person and as such, he has been able to diagnose symptoms and illnesses that helped us more quickly get the care we needed or get referred to a specialist when required. He cares more than any doctor I've ever met and goes way above and beyond."
5-Star Google ReviewMira S.
"I love this doctor. I had been on hormone therapy previously and my doctor had left and this doctor knew exactly what to do and is taking care of me. the office staff is a little unorganized but they do good work and i am pleased."
5-Star Yelp ReviewRita S.
"Dr. Dominguez - a little old-school bedside manner with a little new school practice and methodology. My favorite MD in decades."
5-Star Google ReviewJoseph S.
"Dr Dominguez is a wonderful doctor and has help to get my high cholesterol under control. He is very personable and attentive during my annual check-ups and quick to respond to any text message question I have. I would highly recommend him to my family and friends."
5-Star Google ReviewDavid C.
"I really can't say enough about the service Dr. Dominguez has provided me over the last 13 years but I will try to summarize: kind, expertly knowledgeable, care deeply about patient care, punctual, a consummate professional! I would recommend his services to anyone."
5-Star Google ReviewRichard S.
"Dr Dominguez has been my primary for years now and I'd say he is nothing short of amazing. Can't say enough great things about him and his practice. From the front desk staff to his PAs, everyone is so friendly and awesome. Dominguez is very knowledgeable and friendly, always happy to help. Can not recommend him and his practice enough. Thanks for everything doc!"
5-Star Yelp ReviewMark C.