Urgent care centers serve as a convenient option for medical issues that require prompt attention but are not life-threatening emergencies. These facilities bridge the gap between a routine visit to a primary care physician and the complexity and cost of an Emergency Room visit. Many, but not all, urgent care centers are equipped to provide X-ray services on-site. The availability of this technology allows for faster diagnosis and treatment of common injuries and illnesses.
X-ray Capabilities at Urgent Care Centers
Urgent care facilities utilize Digital Radiography (DR) systems to produce high-resolution images rapidly. This technology allows results to be processed and viewed almost immediately on a computer screen, improving upon older film-based methods. These on-site units are chosen for their ability to handle common, non-complex imaging needs efficiently.
The scope of imaging focuses on skeletal and basic thoracic views. Common X-rays include examinations of the extremities (hands, wrists, ankles, and feet) to evaluate for possible fractures or dislocations. Chest X-rays are also taken to help diagnose respiratory conditions, such as pneumonia or bronchitis.
While these centers are well-equipped for basic X-ray imaging, they do not provide advanced diagnostic modalities. Patients requiring complex cross-sectional imaging, such as a Computed Tomography (CT) scan or Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), will need to be referred to a specialized imaging center or a hospital. The X-ray procedure itself is commonly performed by a trained radiologic technician or a cross-trained medical assistant.
Determining When Urgent Care X-rays Are Appropriate
An urgent care X-ray is the correct choice for injuries and conditions that are acute but not severe enough to threaten life or limb. This includes evaluating suspected simple, non-displaced fractures, especially those affecting the fingers, toes, or other limbs. It is also suitable for determining the presence of foreign bodies, such as a splinter or small object embedded under the skin.
For illnesses, a chest X-ray can confirm or rule out a diagnosis of mild to moderate pneumonia in a patient who is otherwise stable. These centers are designed to manage issues like minor sprains, strains, and simple joint injuries. The goal is to provide a quick diagnosis to guide initial treatment without the long wait times of an Emergency Room.
Patients experiencing severe trauma, such as injuries from a high-speed car accident or a fall from a significant height, must go to the Emergency Room. Red flags include a compound fracture where the bone has broken through the skin, severe head or neck injuries, or any injury resulting in loss of consciousness. Any signs of instability, like severe difficulty breathing or uncontrollable bleeding, also require the specialized resources of a hospital setting.
Understanding Costs and Follow-up Care
Choosing an urgent care center for an X-ray offers cost savings compared to an Emergency Room visit. An X-ray at an urgent care facility costs between $100 and $300, whereas the same procedure in a hospital ER can range from $500 to over $1,000. The final expense to the patient varies based on their insurance coverage and deductible status.
Once the X-ray is taken, the on-site provider performs an immediate, preliminary interpretation to guide initial treatment. The images are then sent to a remote, board-certified radiologist for a formal reading. This professional report is usually completed within 24 hours, serving as a secondary confirmation of the initial diagnosis.
Follow-up care depends on the X-ray results. If a simple fracture is identified, staff can apply a splint or temporary cast before referring the patient to an orthopedic specialist. For a negative X-ray or a minor ailment, the patient is instructed to follow up with their primary care provider. The urgent care center sends the images and reports to the patient’s primary physician to ensure continuity of care.