DRIVE-THRU URGENT CARE

Strep Throat Testing & Treatment

Rapid strep testing and treatment right from your car.

Sore throat that came on fast? Fever? Pain when you swallow? Strep moves quickly — and so do we. SmartMED Drive-Thru offers rapid strep testing and same-visit treatment right from your car. No appointment needed. Results in minutes.

What Is Strep Throat?

More Than Just a Sore Throat

Strep throat is a bacterial infection caused by Group A Streptococcus. Unlike a sore throat from a cold (which is usually viral and runs its course on its own), strep requires a confirmed test and antibiotic treatment. Left untreated, it can sometimes lead to complications including rheumatic fever and kidney problems — which is why getting tested matters.

Strep is highly contagious and spreads through respiratory droplets. It’s common in school-age kids but can absolutely affect adults too.

SYMPTOMS

How to Tell If It Might Be Strep

Strep throat has a distinctive symptom profile that sets it apart from a typical cold. Look for:

Sore throat

Fever of 101°F or higher (in some cases)

Painful swallowing

Swollen lymph nodes in the neck

White patches or streaks on the tonsils

Headache, stomach ache, or nausea (especially in children)

One important clue: Strep typically does NOT cause a cough. If you have a sore throat with a runny nose, cough, and congestion, a virus is more likely the culprit. Still not sure? Come in and we’ll test.

TESTING & TREATMENT

Fast Answers, Right From Your Car

Rapid Strep Antigen Test

Results in 15 minutes. This is the standard first-line test and catches the majority of strep cases quickly. If your rapid test is positive, we’ll prescribe antibiotics on the spot and send them to your pharmacy before you leave.

Strep PCR (Molecular Testing)

More sensitive than the rapid antigen test and useful when symptoms have presented in the past 48 hours. PCR results return within approximately one hour and are considered definitive.

If strep is confirmed, we’ll prescribe a course of antibiotics and provide guidance on how to manage symptoms while you recover. Most patients start feeling better within 24–48 hours of starting treatment. You’re typically non-contagious after 24 hours on antibiotics and once your fever has resolved.

Award-Winning Care, Year After Year

Questions about coverage or cost?

We’re happy to help you understand your options. Call or email us anytime for assistance.

(678) 744-5386

roswell@smartmeddrivethru.com

    
 
 
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   Wilson Sprinkle 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I will never go to another urgent care again! The care was unmatched and fast. The staff was unbelievably helpful and kind. Highly recommend!!!
  
 
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   Stephanie Ginn 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Could not recommend more! In and out in 10 min and felt very heard and my son was so comfortable. Kind and professional staff and very thorough!
  
 
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   Jeremey Fulk 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Quick and efficient. Took my concerns seriously.
  
 
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   Maggie Philpotts 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Truly magical to be completely cared for within TEN minutes! Very professional, excellent experience from start to finish.

Helpful Resources

From strep symptoms to flu season prep, our blog is packed with practical guides to help Atlanta families get the right care at the right time.

Cold, Flu, or Something Else? Your Go-To Atlanta Family Guide

If flu symptoms come on suddenly and feel more intense than a typical cold, don’t wait it out. Come see us at SmartMED so we can help determine what you’re dealing with and what comes next.

Why the First Two Weeks of School Are Peak Illness Season (And What to Do About It)

The first two weeks of school are consistently the highest-illness stretch of the entire year for school-age kids. Children return to classrooms and immediately begin sharing germs.

Fever, Ear Infections, and Sick Kids in Summer: When Drive-Thru Pediatric Urgent Care Makes Sense

Not every sick-kid summer moment requires an ER visit, a long wait at an urgent care, or spending an hour on the phone trying to get a same-day pediatrician appointment.

Should I Go to Urgent Care or the ER? A Symptom-by-Symptom Guide

Urgent care vs ER: Learn where to go for common illnesses, injuries, and emergencies with this symptom-by-symptom guide to getting the right care.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need an appointment to get tested for strep?

No. Just drive up. No appointment needed for urgent care at SmartMED.

Can you test my child for strep?

Yes. We treat children ages 1 and up. Our team is experienced in making kids as comfortable as possible during the visit.

What if my rapid test is negative but I still feel terrible?

We may recommend a PCR test for a more sensitive result, especially if your symptoms strongly suggest strep. We’ll walk you through the options.

How long does strep last?

With antibiotics, most people feel significantly better within 1–2 days. It’s important to finish the full course of antibiotics even if you start feeling well before it’s done.

When can I go back to work or school?

Most schools and workplaces require you to be on antibiotics for at least 24 hours and fever-free before returning. We can provide documentation if needed.