People often head to the local urgent care when they have the flu or an earache. They might also visit this center when they suspect they have sprained an ankle or wrist and need an X-ray to confirm. However, a person might want to know what other diagnostic tools the urgent care center has.
For example, a person might ask, “do urgent care clinics do ct scans?” While this is a valid question, they may also want to gather additional information. For example, if an urgent care center has a CT scanner, that doesn’t mean a person should go there after a car accident or a fall from a significant height. Those who suspect they are having a heart attack or stroke should head to the hospital.
Although the urgent care center may have a CT scan, it doesn’t have other equipment needed to treat life-threatening emergencies. Urgent care centers can address many conditions, but serious medical issues require a fully staffed hospital with a team of professionals on hand for the best possible outcome.
Why Visit an Urgent Care?
Once people learn they may need to visit an emergency room, they often decide to go there first. However, there are benefits to visiting an urgent care center that should not be overlooked. There is no need to make an appointment to see an urgent care center at either location. Nevertheless, in a hospital, patients who arrive by ambulance are typically treated first. A person might find they sit for hours at an ED waiting to be seen. The wait time is usually much shorter at an urgent care center. They also charge patients significantly less than hospital EDs do.
When to Visit an Urgent Care Center for a CT Scan
A person who suspects they might have a head injury could visit an urgent care center for a CT scan. This machine can detect bleeding, fractures, and other injuries. It may also be used to determine the source of internal bleeding or abdominal pain. A CT scan may be used when X-rays cannot provide a clear picture of a fracture or the fracture is complex.
What to Expect During the Scan
Patients who visit an urgent care center for a CT scan will check in for the appointment and provide basic information, such as their name and insurance card. They will meet with a doctor or nurse to learn more about the purpose of the visit. Clothing and jewelry may need to be removed before the scan.
The individual lies on a table. This table will pass through a donut-shaped machine, and the person must remain completely still for the results to be clear and accurate. There is no pain involved with this procedure, and the staff will speak to the patient and update them on what is happening during the scan. Once the scan is complete, the doctor or nurse may review the preliminary results or send them to a specialist for review. The patient will then be ready to check out.
Which Urgent Care Centers Have CT Scanners?
People cannot assume all urgent care centers have CT scanners, as they do X-rays. Many urgent care centers prefer to refer people out for these tests. There is no need to worry. Regardless of where the test is completed, the process will be the same.
The Cost of a CT Scan at an Urgent Care Center
When a person needs a CT scan, their first thought may not be about the cost of this test, which is entirely understandable. However, knowing how much a person might pay for the test before it is done is always helpful. Several factors affect the price, including the specific type of scan needed, the facility where the scan is performed, and the patient’s insurance coverage. Nevertheless, most people find that having a CT scan at an urgent care center costs significantly less than having the same test at a hospital.
Individuals may pay as little as $250 for a CT scan at an urgent care facility, but the price might be $1,000 or more, based on other factors. For example, the body part that will be scanned influences the price, as does the complexity of the scan. Actual costs do vary, so everyone should discuss costs with the urgent care center or other medical facility to avoid unpleasant surprises.
Insurance coverage also affects how much a person will pay for their CT scan. Urgent care centers typically accept insurance. The amount a person will pay if they have insurance depends on their plan’s co-pay, deductible, and coinsurance. The best way to find out how much the test will cost is to contact the insurance carrier. They will be able to provide more accurate information about the patient’s cost once the test’s cost is known. For individuals without insurance, many urgent care centers offer self-pay discounts or payment plans. Ask about these options when scheduling the test.
Next Steps
Patients often wonder what will happen after their CT scan. It depends on what is found during this test. If the person has fractured a bone, they will receive a splint or brace and be asked to contact an orthopedist for an appointment, typically within one to three days. Those who are diagnosed with pneumonia will be provided antibiotics and other medications to help them breathe and will be told to schedule a follow-up appointment with their regular doctor. If a suspicious mass is found during the test, an appointment will need to be scheduled with an oncologist or other specialist to determine the type of mass and how to proceed.
Urgent care centers are designed to treat a wide range of conditions. When a person does not feel well or has unexplained pain, an urgent care center can be of help. Many centers today have CT scanners, allowing patients to be seen for a wide range of issues. However, it is always best to contact a center to learn whether they have this scanner, as nobody wants to arrive at a facility only to discover they cannot be helped. Knowing in advance what a center can and cannot treat will make life easier for an individual who does not feel well.