Services
Strep Throat
Treatment
A 10-minute rapid strep test, throat culture backup when it counts, and a first-dose antibiotic on-site for a positive result. Physician-led, walk in seven days a week.
Joint Commission AccreditedThe only one in Florida
Can I walk in for a strep test today?
Yes. TrufaMED tests for streptococcal pharyngitis with a 10-minute rapid antigen test, seven days a week, and sends a throat culture backup when it is clinically warranted. No appointment needed. A typical strep visit (physician evaluation, throat swab, rapid result, and a first-dose antibiotic if positive) takes about 25 minutes.
Strep throat is a bacterial infection that responds quickly to antibiotics and carries a small but real risk of rheumatic fever when it goes untreated. At TrufaMED a board-certified physician scores your symptoms with the Centor (McIsaac) criteria, runs a rapid strep when indicated, sends a culture backup when necessary, and prescribes guideline-based antibiotics for a confirmed infection. Most patients walk out with a prescription in under 30 minutes.
When to test for strep, and when to skip it
Sore throats are overwhelmingly viral. Testing every sore throat leads to false positives, unnecessary antibiotics, and resistance. We use the modified Centor (McIsaac) score to decide who benefits from a test and who is better managed with symptomatic care.
Points that raise the odds of strep: a sudden-onset sore throat (hours, not days), a fever of 100.4°F or higher, the absence of a cough, tender lymph nodes at the front of the neck, tonsillar swelling or exudate, and age 3 to 14. A scarlatiniform (sandpaper) rash on the trunk raises suspicion further. Findings that point toward a virus (cough, runny nose, hoarseness, conjunctivitis, mouth ulcers) argue against testing at all.
How we read the score. A score of 0 to 1 means strep is unlikely, so we skip the test and treat symptoms. A score of 2 to 3 means we run the rapid antigen test and treat if it is positive. A score of 4 to 5 is a high pre-test probability, so we run the rapid test and, in high-risk patients, consider starting treatment while a culture is pending. We do not routinely test or treat asymptomatic household contacts, because carrier rates are common and treating carriers does not reduce complications.
Rapid antigen, with culture backup when it matters
The rapid antigen test returns a result in about 10 minutes and is highly specific: a positive rapid is a true positive, no culture needed. Sensitivity is the weak point, particularly in children, so we back up negatives with a culture when the pre-test probability is high.
| Test method | TurnaroundHow fast | AccuracyHow it performs |
|---|---|---|
| Rapid antigen (RADT) | About 10 minutes, in-clinic | Specificity around 95 percent; sensitivity 70 to 90 percent depending on technique and age |
| Throat culture | 24 to 48 hours | Gold standard, sensitivity 90 to 95 percent; backs up a negative rapid in children and high-risk adults |
| Molecular (PCR / NAAT) | 15 to 60 minutes, in-clinic | Sensitivity and specificity both over 95 percent; used when available to remove the culture backup step |
Adults. A negative rapid antigen in an adult with a low-to-moderate Centor score is enough to rule out strep, and we do not culture. A negative rapid in an adult with a high Centor score prompts a culture backup.
Children (3 to 14). Because the rapid test is less sensitive in children and rheumatic fever risk is concentrated in this age group, a negative rapid antigen is routinely backed up with a throat culture. If the culture turns positive 24 to 48 hours later, we notify your pharmacy and start antibiotics.
Under 3 years. Strep pharyngitis is uncommon under age 3 and rheumatic fever risk is very low, so routine testing is not recommended. We evaluate these children clinically and test only when there is a strep-positive household contact or a classic scarlet fever rash.
Penicillin still wins this fight
Group A streptococcus has never developed resistance to penicillin. Oral penicillin V or amoxicillin for 10 days remains first-line for a confirmed infection. Cephalexin covers most penicillin intolerance, and macrolides or clindamycin are reserved for a true penicillin allergy.
First-line: penicillin or amoxicillin
Adults take penicillin V 500 mg or amoxicillin 500 mg twice daily for 10 days. For children, amoxicillin 50 mg per kg once daily (up to 1,000 mg) for 10 days is better-tasting with comparable results.
Penicillin-intolerant, not allergic
Cephalexin for 10 days. Cross-reactivity with first-generation cephalosporins is low, so it is a safe choice for a history of a mild penicillin reaction (a rash without hives or anaphylaxis).
True penicillin allergy
For documented hives, angioedema, or anaphylaxis, we prescribe azithromycin (a 5-day course) or clindamycin. We check regional resistance patterns, since macrolide resistance in Group A streptococcus is a growing concern.
Single injection option
A single intramuscular dose of benzathine penicillin G is an option when finishing an oral course is unlikely, typically reserved for ongoing vomiting, adherence concerns, or a rheumatic fever history.
What does not work
Tetracyclines, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, and fluoroquinolones do not reliably clear strep from the throat. If you were started on the wrong agent elsewhere, we switch you over the same visit.
Finish the full course
Complete all 10 days even when you feel well within a day or two. Stopping early is the main driver of recurrence and transmission, and the full course is what reliably prevents complications.
Clear pricing, no surprise bills
No insurance? A self-pay physician visit starts from $195 and a rapid strep test starts from $60, with add-ons priced up front so you always know what to expect before you are seen. Strep care is also a standard urgent care visit covered by most major plans.
Starting prices; final cost depends on the services you need. Strep evaluation, testing, and treatment are covered by Aetna, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, Humana, Oscar Health, and Medicare. See more on our testing services page.
Scarlet fever, mono, and the viral sore throats
Strep has a classic rash variant and a much larger category of look-alike viral illnesses that are treated supportively. Knowing the difference is what prevents unnecessary antibiotics.
Scarlet fever
Strep pharyngitis plus a fine, red, sandpaper-textured rash that blanches, classically starting on the trunk and sparing the palms and soles, with a strawberry tongue. Same treatment as strep: 10 days of penicillin or amoxicillin.
Viral pharyngitis
The larger share of sore throats. A cough, runny nose, hoarseness, conjunctivitis, or mouth ulcers point to a virus. No antibiotic is indicated. Symptomatic care, hydration, and analgesics over a 3 to 7 day, self-limited course.
Mononucleosis
EBV-related pharyngitis in teens and young adults. It often mimics strep with exudate and fever, but back-of-the-neck lymph nodes and an enlarged spleen distinguish it. A Monospot test confirms it. We avoid amoxicillin here, since it causes a rash.
Post-nasal drip and allergy
Allergic rhinitis with post-nasal drainage produces a chronic mild sore throat without fever or exudate. The treatment is an antihistamine plus a nasal steroid, not antibiotics.
Antibiotics prevent rare but serious complications
Strep usually resolves on its own in 3 to 5 days. We treat it anyway, because antibiotics shorten symptoms by about 16 hours, close the contagious window within 24 hours, prevent the post-streptococcal complications below, and reduce spread to your household.
Acute rheumatic fever
The most consequential reason we treat. A delayed autoimmune response 2 to 3 weeks after the infection that can damage heart valves. Incidence is low today but not zero, and treating strep within 9 days of onset effectively prevents it.
Post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis
Another delayed complication, 1 to 3 weeks after strep, presenting with blood in the urine, high blood pressure, and swelling. Early treatment limits its severity and lowers the bacterial burden.
Local abscess
Peritonsillar abscess (quinsy), retropharyngeal abscess, and neck-node infection can develop from untreated strep. We examine the back of the throat, palpate the neck, and look for any sign that points to an abscess.
Reduced transmission
Strep is highly contagious through respiratory droplets and direct contact. Within 24 hours of starting antibiotics you are no longer considered contagious. Household members should be tested if they develop symptoms.
Most patients feel meaningfully better within 24 to 48 hours of the first dose. Children can return to school after 24 hours on antibiotics and once fever-free without medication. Swap toothbrushes after the first 24 hours.
When a sore throat becomes an emergency
Most sore throats are an outpatient problem. Rarely, an airway-threatening infection deep in the neck needs emergency department evaluation and possibly surgical drainage. Go to the ER or call 911 for any of the following.
Breathing or swallowing trouble
Difficulty breathing, stridor (high-pitched noisy breathing), or an inability to swallow your own saliva. In a child, drooling or refusal to swallow can signal epiglottitis.
One-sided severe pain
Severe one-sided throat pain with a muffled, hot-potato voice can signal a peritonsillar abscess. Trismus (inability to fully open the mouth) with fever is another warning sign.
Neck stiffness or swelling
Posterior neck pain or stiffness with fever can point to a retropharyngeal abscess. Rapid swelling of the neck or face needs emergency evaluation.
When you are unsure, come in
If you cannot tell whether your symptoms are urgent-care or ER level, walk in. We triage on arrival and transfer to the ER when the airway or a deep-space infection warrants it.
A physician scores, tests, and treats
Strep care seems routine, and most cases are. The difference in a boutique clinic is testing discipline, pediatric-appropriate culture backup, and the willingness to spot the rare complication before it turns emergent.
Dr. Naidoo leads the clinical team with deep experience in adult and pediatric emergency, trauma, and critical care. That training is exactly what catches the airway-threatening sore throat that needs the ER rather than the exam room.
Dr. Gedalia is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and oversees clinical protocols across all TrufaMED services, including the testing and antibiotic-selection standards that govern strep care at the clinic.
Every patient is evaluated by a board-certified physician. This physician-first standard is why TrufaMED carries Joint Commission accreditation, a distinction held by only eight urgent care centers in the United States and no other in Florida.
Strep throat, answered
The questions our physicians answer most often about rapid strep testing and treatment.
Can I walk in for a strep test today?
Yes. TrufaMED is walk-in urgent care seven days a week with rapid strep testing. A typical visit (physician evaluation, throat swab, a result in about 10 minutes, and a prescription if positive) takes around 25 minutes. You can also check in online ahead of time to reserve your spot and reduce wait time. Hours are Monday to Friday 9 AM to 9 PM, Saturday 11 AM to 11 PM, and Sunday 12 PM to 8 PM.
How accurate is the rapid strep test?
The rapid antigen test is highly specific (about 95 percent) and moderately sensitive (roughly 70 to 90 percent). A positive rapid result is a true positive, so we treat it. A negative result in a high-probability patient, especially a child, is backed up with a throat culture that takes 24 to 48 hours. If the culture returns positive, we call you and start antibiotics.
How much does a strep visit cost without insurance?
A self-pay physician visit starts from $195, and a rapid strep test starts from $60. Final cost depends on the services you need, and pricing is shared up front with no surprise billing. Strep evaluation, testing, and treatment are also standard urgent care services covered by most major insurance plans.
What antibiotic is best for strep throat?
Penicillin V or amoxicillin for 10 days is first-line for every age group. Cephalexin is the alternative for patients with a non-severe penicillin intolerance, and azithromycin or clindamycin is used for a true penicillin allergy. Group A streptococcus has never developed resistance to penicillin, which is why it remains the default treatment.
Why finish the full 10-day antibiotic course if I feel better?
Most patients feel meaningfully better within 24 to 48 hours, but the bacteria are not fully cleared until the course is complete. Stopping early is the main driver of recurrence and continued transmission, and the full course is what reliably prevents complications like rheumatic fever. Complete all 10 days even when your symptoms are gone (azithromycin is the exception at 5 days).
Why treat strep if it resolves on its own?
Strep usually clears in 3 to 5 days on its own, but we treat it for four reasons. Antibiotics shorten symptoms by about 16 hours, close the contagious window within 24 hours, effectively prevent rheumatic fever (a delayed autoimmune complication that can damage heart valves), and reduce spread to your household. Preventing rheumatic fever is the most important reason.
Most sore throats are viral. How do you decide who needs a test?
We score your symptoms using the modified Centor (McIsaac) criteria: sudden onset, fever, tonsillar swelling or exudate, tender front-of-neck lymph nodes, absence of cough, and age. A low score points to a viral cause and symptomatic care, with no test and no antibiotics. A moderate-to-high score is what prompts a rapid strep test. Testing every sore throat would only drive false positives and antibiotic resistance.
Can adults get strep throat?
Yes, though most cases are in children ages 3 to 14. Adults with a high Centor score (fever, tonsillar exudate, tender front-of-neck nodes, and no cough) are tested. A negative rapid antigen test in a low-probability adult is enough to rule out strep, so we do not routinely culture adult rapid negatives.
When can my child go back to school?
After 24 hours on antibiotics and once they are fever-free without fever-reducing medicine. Most children feel well enough to return on day 2 or 3 of treatment. Have them finish the full 10-day course even after they go back, and swap their toothbrush after the first 24 hours of antibiotics.
When does a sore throat become an emergency?
Go to the ER or call 911 for trouble breathing, noisy high-pitched breathing (stridor), drooling or inability to swallow saliva, a severe one-sided throat pain with a muffled voice, inability to fully open the mouth, or rapid neck swelling. These can signal an airway-threatening or deep-space infection. If you are unsure, come in: we triage on arrival and transfer to the ER when the airway warrants it.
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Find the right care
Walk in from Surfside and the beaches
TrufaMED is at 9445 Harding Ave in Surfside, minutes from Bal Harbour, Bay Harbor Islands, Miami Beach, Sunny Isles, and Aventura. Walk in without an appointment seven days a week.
Hours
Monday–Friday 9 AM – 9 PM
Saturday 11 AM – 11 PM
Sunday 12 PM – 8 PM
Walk in anytime during open hours, no appointment needed.
Contact
Phone (305) 537-6396
WhatsApp +1 (305) 842-9801
Email [email protected]
For a life-threatening emergency, call 911. TrufaMED is urgent care, not an emergency room.
Sore throat? Walk in today.
Rapid strep testing, culture backup, and a first-dose antibiotic on-site when indicated. No appointment needed, and most insurance accepted.
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Conveniently Located in Surfside, FL
TrufaMED Urgent Care is located at 9445 Harding Ave, Surfside, FL 33154, at the corner of Harding Avenue and 95th Street. We are just 2 minutes from Bal Harbour Shops, steps from the Surfside Community Center, and easily accessible via Collins Avenue from Miami Beach, Bal Harbour, and Sunny Isles Beach.
Guests at nearby hotels including the Four Seasons Surf Club, The St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort, and the Faena Hotel Miami Beach are just minutes away. We also serve patients from Aventura, Bay Harbor Islands, Indian Creek, and North Miami Beach.
Open 7 days a week • No appointment needed • Walk-ins welcome • (305) 537-6396