does urgent care do xrays

You’ve taken a tumble on the soccer field, or maybe you have a persistent, deep cough that has you worried. In these moments, you need answers quickly, but a trip to the emergency room feels like overkill. A common question that pops into many people’s minds is, does urgent care do xrays? The good news is that the vast majority of urgent care centers are equipped to handle this exact need.

Modern urgent care facilities are designed to be a convenient middle ground between your primary care doctor and the hospital ER. They are staffed with skilled professionals and outfitted with on-site diagnostic tools, including x-ray machines. This allows them to diagnose and treat a wide range of non-life-threatening injuries and illnesses efficiently, saving you time and money.

So, Does Urgent Care Do X-Rays for Your Situation?

While most centers have x-ray capabilities, it’s helpful to know what they typically use them for. Urgent care x-rays are perfect for evaluating injuries to the arms, legs, hands, feet, and ankles. Think of possible fractures, sprains, or breaks from a fall or impact. They can also be used to check for certain conditions like pneumonia by taking images of your chest. If your injury involves a major joint like the hip or back, or if it’s a severe head injury, the staff will likely direct you to an emergency room for more advanced imaging like a CT scan.

What to Expect During Your Visit

The process at an urgent care center is usually straightforward. After you check in, a provider will assess your injury. If they believe an x-ray is necessary, a certified technician will take you to the imaging room. The actual process is quick and painless. You’ll be asked to hold still for a moment while the image is captured. One of the biggest advantages is that the results are read on-site, often by the same medical provider you saw initially. This means you can get a diagnosis and a treatment plan—like a splint, wrap, or prescription—all in one visit.

When an ER Visit is the Better Choice

It’s important to recognize when an urgent care center might not be the right fit. For any life-threatening or severe condition, such as chest pain, difficulty breathing, severe abdominal pain, major trauma, or compound fractures where the bone is visible, you should always go directly to the nearest emergency room or call 911. The ER is equipped for more critical situations and has access to a wider range of specialists and imaging equipment around the clock.

For common bumps, twists, and persistent coughs, your local urgent care is an excellent resource for getting the x-rays and care you need without the long wait. It’s always a good idea to call ahead if you’re unsure, but in most cases, you can walk right in and get the answers you’re looking for.