When dealing with a possible fracture, sprain, or unexplained pain, you might wonder: Can urgent care do X-rays? The answer is a resounding yes—and not only that, but getting X-rays at urgent care may be the most brilliant move for many patients. Here’s why.
Do Urgent Care Centers Offer X-ray Services?
Most modern urgent care centers offer on-site X-ray imaging for various injuries and conditions. Whether you slipped and hurt your ankle, think you might have a broken finger or have unexplained chest or abdominal pain, urgent care clinics are well-equipped to provide fast, effective imaging diagnostics.
Conditions Often Diagnosed with X-rays at Urgent Care Include:
- Suspected fractures and broken bones
- Dislocated joints
- Sprains and soft tissue injuries
- Chest pain (to rule out pneumonia)
- Lower back pain
- Abdominal pain or trauma
Why Choose Urgent Care for X-rays?
While you can technically get an X-ray at a hospital or imaging center, there are several unique advantages to choosing Central Illinois Urgent Care instead:
1. Speed and Convenience
Urgent care centers are designed to offer walk-in access with shorter wait times. Unlike emergency rooms or specialist clinics, you can often get in and out within an hour. This is especially important when you need fast answers—like whether you’ve fractured a bone.
2. Cost-Effective Care
X-rays at urgent care typically cost a fraction of what you’d pay at an ER. With or without insurance, urgent care centers are often more transparent and affordable for routine diagnostics like imaging.
3. All-in-One Evaluation
Urgent care providers are trained to diagnose and treat various conditions. If your X-ray reveals a fracture or sprain, they can treat you on the spot—splinting, bracing, or referring you to an orthopedic specialist if needed. There is no need to make multiple appointments or wait days for results.
4. Less Stress, More Accessibility
Compared to an emergency room’s high-stress, high-cost environment, urgent care offers a calmer, more accessible alternative. And with many clinics open evenings and weekends, you can get care on your schedule.
What to Expect When Getting an X-ray at Central Illinois Urgent Care
Here’s a quick breakdown of what happens:
- Initial exam – The provider will assess your symptoms and determine if an X-ray is necessary.
- On-site imaging – A certified radiologic technologist will often take the X-ray in the clinic.
- Real-time results – In many cases, providers can review the images immediately and discuss findings with you.
- Next steps – Based on results, they may provide treatment, recommend rest, or refer you for follow-up care.
When to Skip Urgent Care and Go to the ER
There are times when urgent care isn’t the right place—for example, if you’ve had significant trauma, are experiencing shortness of breath, or show signs of a heart attack or stroke, head directly to the emergency room.
The Bottom Line
Yes, urgent care can do X-rays—and for many non-life-threatening injuries and conditions, it’s the fastest, most affordable, and most convenient option available. Whether it’s a weekend sports injury or a nagging pain that won’t quit, don’t wait. Our urgent care clinics can provide expert care and imaging without the hassle.
Do you need an X-ray today? Find one of our six trusted urgent care clinics near you and get the answers—and relief—you need.