Getting an X-Ray at Urgent Care
In many situations, it’s beneficial to go to Urgent Care for a medical issue if your primary care physician cannot be reached. So, can you get an X-Ray at urgent care?
The Short Answer
Yes, many urgent care facilities have on-site X-Ray technology available. X-Rays can be used to diagnose problems with bones, lungs, and other bodily organs.
Types of X-Rays Available
Not all Urgent Care centers offer the same types of X-Ray imaging. Here are some of the most common types:
- Bone X-Rays – Used to detect bone fractures or other breaks and abnormalities.
- Chest X-Rays – Used to diagnose problems with the lungs.
- Abdominal X-Rays – Used to identify issues in the digestive system.
What to Expect
When you get an X-Ray at urgent care, you’ll need to provide a referral from your primary care doctor or an order from an Urgent Care physician. Depending on the facility, you may need to fill out paperwork and provide a valid photo ID.
The procedure itself is relatively straightforward. You’ll be asked to remove any clothing, jewelry, and other items that contain metal, and the X-Ray technician will position the part of your body to be imaged in between the X-Ray machine and a special film sheet that captures the image.
The Results
The results of the X-Ray can be available within an hour or two. If any issues are found, the Urgent Care facility may refer you to a specialist or instruct you to follow up with your primary care provider.
Conclusion
If you need an X-Ray and your primary care doctor isn’t available, you can always go to Urgent Care. Many urgent care centers have X-Ray imaging capabilities, so you can diagnose the condition quickly and accurately.
