The Urgent Care Association reports that about 89.4% of the U.S. population lives within a 20-minute drive of an urgent care center. This widespread accessibility makes urgent care a convenient choice when you need quick medical attention.
Urgent care centers act as a middle ground between your primary physician and the emergency room. They provide a range of services, including treatment for minor injuries like fractures and sprains. But does urgent care do X-rays?
Imaging is crucial for diagnosing a wide range of medical conditions, from broken bones to lung infections. Having such services available at urgent care centers means you can receive quick and accurate assessments without long wait times.
Uncover how urgent care centers offer fast and efficient X-ray services, helping you get the answers and treatment you need.
Does Urgent Care Do X-Rays?
Yes, most urgent care centers provide X-ray services. This makes it easier for you to receive a quick diagnosis and treatment without the hassle. These facilities are designed to handle a variety of non-life-threatening conditions that require imaging, including the following:
- Sprains and fractures
- Pneumonia and lung infections
- Abdominal pain
- Foreign object detection
Many urgent care centers now use digital X-ray technology, which provides faster results and clearer images. This allows doctors to assess your condition quickly and recommend the appropriate treatment. If you need an imaging service, call ahead to confirm whether your nearest urgent care center offers x-ray services.
How Urgent Care X-Rays Work
Getting an X-ray at an urgent care center is quick, easy, and hassle-free. Most centers accept walk-ins, while some also offer appointments for added convenience. Here is what to expect when you visit for an X-ray:
Initial Consultation
After checking in, a healthcare provider will assess your symptoms and medical history to determine if an X-ray is necessary. They may ask about your pain level, recent injuries, or other symptoms to ensure that imaging is the right step.
X-Ray Procedure
A trained X-ray technician will guide you through the process. You may need to remove any jewelry or wear a protective covering.
The technician will then position you properly to capture clear images of the affected area. Imaging is quick and painless. It usually takes just a few minutes.
Image Review
Your X-ray images will either be reviewed on-site by a doctor or sent to a radiologist for further analysis. With digital X-rays, processing is faster, meaning you can get results within minutes. This enables the provider to discuss findings and recommend the next steps right away.
Insurance and Costs of X-Rays at Urgent Care
The cost of an X-ray at urgent care typically depends on the type and complexity of the imaging. For instance, a simple chest X-ray may cost less than a more detailed joint or abdominal X-ray. Plus, the services may vary based on your location.
If you live in an area with higher healthcare costs, expect to pay more. Facilities that use advanced imaging technology may also charge higher fees. If you have health insurance, your copay, deductible, and provider network will determine your out-of-pocket expenses.
But if you are paying out-of-pocket, consider asking about programs that can help reduce costs. This includes self-pay discounts.
Checking with the urgent care center beforehand ensures that you understand the pricing and available financial options.
Benefits of Getting X-Rays at Urgent Care
Urgent care centers provide convenient alternatives to emergency rooms and primary care visits for X-ray imaging. Here are some of the key benefits:
Quick and Convenient Services
Unlike emergency rooms, which often have long wait times, urgent care centers prioritize efficiency. Many accept walk-ins, meaning you can get an X-ray the same day without an appointment.
Lower Costs Compared
Hospital ERs can be expensive, especially for non-life-threatening conditions. Urgent care centers typically offer more affordable X-rays, whether you have insurance or are paying out-of-pocket. This makes them more affordable than emergency rooms.
On-Site Urgent Care Diagnostics and Treatment
Urgent care centers have medical providers available to review X-rays immediately. It means you can receive a diagnosis and treatment plan in one visit.
This streamlined approach allows you to get the care you need without multiple appointments. Plus, many urgent care centers offer on-site pharmacies, allowing you to start treatment right away.
No Need for a Referral
Most urgent care centers offer walk-in clinic X-rays without a referral. This makes it a more accessible and convenient option. Whether you’ve suffered a minor injury or need an X-ray to rule out an infection, you can walk in and get checked right away.
Can Urgent Care X-Rays Be Used for Specialist Referrals?
The short answer is yes. If your X-rays reveal an issue that requires specialized care, urgent care centers can share your results with specialists. Most centers use electronic health records (EHRs) to securely send images to other medical providers.
If you need a specialist referral, urgent care can speed up the process by providing imaging results upfront. Your doctor will be able to make a quicker, more informed decision about your treatment.
When to Choose the Emergency Room Instead
While urgent care services are convenient, severe or life-threatening conditions may require an ER visit. These include:
- Severe fractures
- Head trauma or suspected spinal injuries
- Difficulty breathing or severe chest pain
- Uncontrolled bleeding
If you’re unsure whether to visit urgent care or the ER, urgent care providers can assess your condition and refer you to the hospital if necessary.
Get Fast, Reliable X-Rays at Urgent Care Today
Does urgent care do X-rays? Yes! Urgent care centers are a convenient choice if you need a quick and efficient X-ray. With walk-in availability, fast results, and affordable pricing, you can get the imaging you need without the long wait.
Need urgent care in Augusta, GA? MedNow Urgent Care, led by board-certified emergency physician Dr. Mark Newton, has been providing fast, professional, and affordable medical care since its founding. With walk-in services available seven days a week, state-of-the-art digital X-ray equipment, and an on-site lab and pharmacy, we make getting the care you need easy and efficient.
Get in touch for prompt medical attention.
