Many urgent care centers offer X-rays as an on-site diagnostic service. Urgent care centers address non-life-threatening medical issues, serving as a middle ground between a primary care physician and an Emergency Room (ER). On-site X-ray equipment is a defining feature, allowing for immediate diagnosis and treatment planning for common injuries and illnesses. This capability helps patients receive prompt answers for conditions requiring visual confirmation of internal structures without the time and expense often associated with an ER visit.
Scope of Urgent Care X-ray Services
The imaging offered at urgent care facilities typically involves standard diagnostic radiology, often referred to as plain films. Most centers utilize digital X-ray technology, which provides high-resolution images rapidly and with a lower dose of radiation compared to older film-based systems. This digital format allows providers to immediately view and adjust the image contrast for better diagnostic accuracy.
The equipment is suited for two-dimensional views of the body’s skeletal structure and certain soft tissues, such as the lungs. X-rays are performed by a certified radiologic technologist (RT) or a limited X-ray machine operator (LXMO). The treating urgent care clinician provides a preliminary interpretation of the images to guide immediate treatment. For quality assurance, most centers send the images to a board-certified radiologist for a formal, secondary review, known as an “overread,” which is typically completed within a few days.
Injuries and Illnesses Requiring Imaging
Urgent care X-rays are frequently used to evaluate musculoskeletal injuries where a fracture or dislocation is suspected. This includes common injuries like simple, closed fractures of the fingers, toes, or wrist, and ankle sprains where a broken bone must be ruled out. Differentiating a soft-tissue sprain from a bone fracture is important for determining the correct immobilization technique, such as splinting or casting.
Imaging is also used to assess for foreign objects embedded under the skin or ingested, such as small metal pieces. Beyond injuries, chest X-rays are a common diagnostic tool for respiratory conditions like pneumonia, revealing signs of consolidation or fluid in the lungs. X-rays can also help diagnose conditions related to abdominal pain, such as bowel obstructions or the visualization of certain types of kidney stones.
The Urgent Care Imaging Procedure
When a provider determines an X-ray is necessary, the patient is guided to the dedicated imaging suite, equipped with a digital X-ray unit. Patients may be asked to remove clothing or jewelry that could interfere with the image and change into a gown.
A technologist will position the body part being imaged, sometimes requiring the patient to hold their breath briefly for a clear picture. The entire image acquisition process is fast, often taking less than 15 minutes. The digital images are immediately available for the urgent care provider to review. The clinician shares the preliminary findings and outlines the initial treatment plan, such as a prescription or the application of a splint, before the patient leaves.
When Complex Imaging is Needed
Urgent care imaging services have limitations that guide when a patient should seek care elsewhere. X-ray services are restricted to non-contrast, two-dimensional plain films, suitable for a limited scope of diagnostic needs. Urgent care centers do not have advanced imaging modalities like Computed Tomography (CT) scans, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), or ultrasounds available on-site.
Patients presenting with complex or severe conditions require the comprehensive capabilities of an Emergency Room. This includes major trauma, complex fractures where the bone is displaced or protruding through the skin, or injuries suggesting internal bleeding or organ damage. If a condition requires a CT scan for a detailed cross-sectional view, such as for a suspected head injury or appendicitis, the urgent care staff will arrange a direct transfer to an ER.