does urgent care do mri

You’re at the urgent care center with a nagging pain or a recent injury, and you can’t help but wonder if they can just take a quick look inside. It’s a common question that pops into many patients’ minds, especially when they’re hoping for a definitive answer without a long wait. So, let’s clear up the confusion right away and answer the question: does urgent care do mri?

The Short Answer: Why Urgent Care Typically Doesn’t Have MRI Machines

In the vast majority of cases, the answer is no. Urgent care centers are designed to handle immediate, but non-life-threatening, conditions like sprains, minor fractures, infections, and flu symptoms. An MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) machine is an incredibly expensive piece of equipment that requires specialized staff to operate. Most urgent care facilities simply don’t have the space, budget, or trained radiologists on-site to perform this type of advanced imaging.

What to Expect During Your Urgent Care Visit

So, what happens if a doctor at an urgent care believes you need an MRI? They will conduct a thorough physical examination first. For many injuries, they might use an X-ray machine, which is commonly available at urgent care centers, to check for broken bones. If your symptoms suggest a deeper issue—like a torn ligament, a serious joint problem, or a neurological concern—the provider will likely determine that an MRI is the next best step. They will then provide a referral to a specialized facility, such as a hospital radiology department or an outpatient imaging center.

Your Next Steps for Getting an MRI

Receiving a referral is the key to moving forward. The urgent care staff will often help you with this process, giving you a specific order for the MRI and sometimes even suggesting nearby locations. Your next call will be to your primary care physician or the imaging center to schedule the appointment. It’s important to contact your health insurance company as well to understand your coverage, as MRIs can be costly. In a true emergency where an MRI is immediately necessary, such as a suspected stroke or severe head trauma, you should always go directly to a hospital emergency room.

While you won’t typically walk out of an urgent care with an MRI scan in hand, they play a vital role in your healthcare journey. They can assess your immediate needs, rule out simpler issues, and set you on the right path to getting the detailed imaging you require for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.