Late Monday morning I noticed a tender bump on my jaw. By dinner I had chills and general aches. Tuesday brought facial swelling--left cheek to right jaw--and another bump on my left jaw. My wife pushed me to seek care, so I visited the CVS Minute Clinic.
I told the NP I had no cold or flu symptoms. She tested for strep and COVID--both negative--and said it was likely viral. She was kind and spent about 30 minutes with me, but gave no clear diagnosis and said I'd probably feel better by Wednesday.
When I got home, my wife wasn't satisfied. I consulted ChatGPT, which suggested cellulitis and recommended urgent care or the ER. I went to Banner Urgent Care, where the NP quickly diagnosed facial cellulitis, prescribed antibiotics, and emphasized the need to start treatment immediately. She warned me that if I wasn't better overnight, I needed to go to the ER.
By Wednesday morning, symptoms had worsened. At the Northwest ER, doctors confirmed cellulitis and were concerned about its proximity to my eyes and brain. They administered IV antibiotics and admitted me overnight. I continued treatment through Thursday and was released Friday with strong oral antibiotics.
Saturday morning, I was improving. Looking back, I feel the NP at CVS missed what seemed obvious to others--including an AI. If I hadn't had a proactive wife, I might've delayed care and faced a more serious situation. The Minute Clinic visit was, in hindsight, between worthless and harmful. Even if unsure, the NP could have at least referred me to the ER.
I contacted CVS to request a refund and was told a manager would follow up. Instead, I got an email saying I'd been charged more.
So, one star for Minute Clinic--only because I can't give zero. read more