Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) Care in Hilo & Across Hawaiʻi — Medicaid (QUEST) Accepted

A urinary tract infection (UTI) is a bacterial infection of the bladder or urinary system that causes burning with urination, urgency, and frequent urination. UTIs are very common, especially in women, and they respond quickly to the right antibiotic. At Ohana Care Clinic in Hilo, we diagnose and treat UTIs promptly, often the same day.

What a UTI is

A UTI happens when bacteria enter and multiply in the urinary tract, most often the bladder. Typical symptoms include a burning feeling when urinating, a strong or frequent urge to go, cloudy or strong-smelling urine, and pelvic discomfort. When an infection moves up to the kidneys, it can cause fever, back pain, and feeling generally unwell, which is more serious and needs prompt care.

How we diagnose it

We diagnose a UTI from your symptoms together with a simple urine test, and sometimes a urine culture to identify the exact bacteria, especially for repeated or complicated infections. This helps us choose the most effective antibiotic and avoid unnecessary ones.

How we treat it

Most uncomplicated bladder infections clear quickly with a short course of antibiotics. The Infectious Diseases Society of America recommends first-line options such as nitrofurantoin, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, or fosfomycin for uncomplicated cystitis in women. We treat promptly for relief, and for people with frequent UTIs we look at prevention. Many uncomplicated UTIs can be handled by telehealth, with in-person care when symptoms suggest something more.

Culturally grounded care

We care for the whole person, in the spirit of lōkahi — balance and harmony among the connected parts of life: the body, the mind and emotions, the spirit, the ʻohana (family), and our relationship with the ʻāina (land) and community. In a Native Hawaiian understanding of health, these are not separate, and neither is our care. To mālama (care for and protect) your wellbeing and to live pono (in balance and rightness), we listen to your whole story, welcome your ʻohana into the process, and honor the values and traditions that ground you. Offering kōkua (help given freely, with aloha) in a way that respects who you are is at the heart of how we practice.

Insurance and how we see you

We accept Medicare and Medicaid, including the Hawaiʻi QUEST Integration plans (AlohaCare, the Hawaiʻi Medical Service Association (HMSA), ʻOhana Health Plan, and UnitedHealthcare Community Plan), along with most commercial insurance, and we are accepting new patients in Hilo. Primary care works best as a partnership. Your first visit is in person at our Hilo clinic. We see patients in person for physical exams, vitals, and lab work, and we use telehealth for follow-up visits, medication management, and chronic-disease check-ins whenever it is clinically appropriate.

Common questions about urinary tract infections

What are the symptoms of a UTI?

Common symptoms are burning with urination, a frequent or urgent need to urinate, cloudy or strong-smelling urine, and pelvic discomfort. Fever, back pain, and feeling very unwell can mean the infection has reached the kidneys and needs prompt care.

How is a UTI treated?

Most uncomplicated bladder infections clear with a short antibiotic course. The Infectious Diseases Society of America recommends first-line options such as nitrofurantoin, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, or fosfomycin.

Can a UTI be treated by telehealth?

Many uncomplicated UTIs can be evaluated and treated by telehealth based on symptoms and testing. We use in-person care when symptoms suggest a kidney infection or a more complicated problem.

What insurance do you accept?

We accept Medicare and Medicaid, including the Hawaii QUEST Integration plans (AlohaCare, HMSA, Ohana Health Plan, and UnitedHealthcare Community Plan), along with most commercial insurance. We are accepting new patients in Hilo.

References

Gupta, K., Hooton, T. M., Naber, K. G., Wullt, B., Colgan, R., Miller, L. G., et al. (2011). International clinical practice guidelines for the treatment of acute uncomplicated cystitis and pyelonephritis in women: A 2010 update by the IDSA and the European Society for Microbiology and Infectious Diseases. Clinical Infectious Diseases, 52(5), e103–e120. https://www.idsociety.org/practice-guideline/uncomplicated-cystitis-and-pyelonephritis-uti/

Papa Ola Lōkahi. (n.d.). Native Hawaiian health. Retrieved June 29, 2026, from https://www.papaolalokahi.org/

This page is general health education from Ohana Care Clinic, written by George Mackel, MSN, APRN, NP-C, PMHNP-BC, CARN-AP. It is not a substitute for a personal evaluation by a qualified clinician who knows your situation, and reading it does not create a provider–patient relationship. If you think you may have a medical condition, reach out to us or another licensed provider. In an emergency, call 911.

George Mackel, MSN, APRN, NP-C, PMHNP-BC, CARN-AP — President & Owner