You’re playing weekend basketball, twist your ankle hard, and now you’re wondering-is this just a sprain or something more serious? Do you need X-rays, and can an urgent care actually help you right now? Good news: Many urgent care centers in Houston can do X-rays on the spot, saving you time and hassle.
At Insight Urgent Care, we understand how important quick, accurate imaging can be when you’re dealing with an injury or unexpected medical issue.
X-Rays at Urgent Care: What You Need to Know
We’ve all been there-an injury we didn’t see coming, a twist that’s so painful we can’t imagine it not being the worst thing that’s ever happened to us, or an ache that sends our minds racing into worst-case-scenario territory, because we all know that an “unexpected” injury often means something’s gone terribly wrong.
And when it comes to getting rapid diagnostic imaging, those urgent care clinics can feel like real lifesavers, especially here in Houston, TX.
What Kind of X-Rays Can Urgent Care Centers Actually Do?
Most immediate care offices are set up to manage a large selection of X-ray requisites. We’re talking about diagnostics for potential broken bones, imaging needed for sports injuries, skeletal concerns, and basic thoracic exams.
Let’s unpack that: whereas an immediate care office might not have the high-tech extras of a full-service hospital, they can pretty much handle all but 20% of standard X-ray requisites.
Common imaging abilities are as follows:
- Chest X-rays
- Extremity X-rays (arms, legs, hands, feet)
- Basic spinal imaging
- Joint area scans
Urgent care centers, when compared to emergency rooms, often give patients speedier service and reduced wait times at more affordable prices. They’re ideal for the kinds of non-serious medical situations that just can’t wait. You know, the situation that’s not a situation—until it is.
You May Be Interested In: How Do Urgent Care Centers In Houston Handle Sports Injuries?
How Fast Can I Get X-Rays at an Urgent Care?
You may be questioning the procedure. Don’t worry; your most immediate care station can typically complete X-rays within 30-60 minutes of your being there. Here’s how it goes:
- Initial evaluation and registration
- Short virtual visit with a doctor
- Take a couple of X-rays
- Get a very fast read on the results.
A better tip: Make sure to have your identification card, your insurance card, and your pertinent medical history accessible. Also, if you have the choice, wear loose, comfortable clothing to speed the whole process along. You can find more information about our services at Insight Urgent Care.
When Should I Choose Urgent Care vs. Emergency Room for X-Rays?
Not every injury necessitates a visit to the emergency room. Here are some straightforward recommendations:
It’s best to use Urgent Care when treating the following:
- Fractures that are not serious
- Weakened areas of the body that have been stretched or torn
- Injuries that occur while playing sports or doing other physical activities
- Concerns about bones that are not complicated.
The Emergency Room is a Requirement for:
- Serious injuries
- Many broken bones
- Possible damage to the spine
- Wounds that bleed a lot
Never put safety on the back burner. If there’s any doubt, it makes more sense to play it safe and get advice from a medical professional. You can easily find our location on Google Maps.
Understanding Your X-Ray Results at Urgent Care
After your X-ray is finished, a healthcare professional will analyze the pictures. The majority of urgent care facilities provide:
- Prompt informal conclusions
- Documentation that has been formally processed
- Guidance in the form of actionable next steps that the patient should consider
You will usually get:
- An account of what was found
- Suggested treatments
- A reference to a specialist if needed
Never begin or cease any course of treatment without first consulting a healthcare professional.
Final Thoughts
Can be a quick, can be an efficient way to get answers about possible injuries or medical concerns. Remember, these centers are the convenient middle ground between an injury-related primary care visit and a trip to the emergency room.
If you’re curious about particulars, like cost or coverage, your best bet is to call the urgent care clinic you want to use and ask. They can give you the latest information.
Remain safe, and if you require medical assistance, don’t hold back from pursuing it!
