Did you know many urgent care centers now offer more than just quick help for coughs, cuts, or sprains? Some even have imaging services like X-rays and ultrasounds. But a lot of patients still wonder, does urgent care do ultrasounds when they suddenly feel pain or discomfort. It’s a common concern—especially when you’re not sure if the ER is necessary, but you also can’t wait days for a doctor’s appointment.
At Tuclinica Hispana Familiar, we understand the urgency. That’s why our clinic provides on-site ultrasound services for conditions like abdominal pain, soft tissue swelling, and pregnancy-related concerns. Our trained doctors and technicians make sure you’re seen quickly, diagnosed clearly, and cared for with compassion.
This blog will help you understand what urgent care can and cannot do when it comes to ultrasounds. We’ll explain what conditions can be checked at urgent care, when you might need a referral, and how to make the right decision if you or a loved one is in pain. Scroll down to learn when urgent care is the right place for your ultrasound needs.
What Is an Ultrasound?
An ultrasound is a simple and safe test that helps doctors see inside your body. It uses sound waves—not radiation—to create pictures of your organs, tissues, or a baby during pregnancy. The sound waves bounce off the body, and a special machine turns those echoes into images on a screen.
People often ask, can urgent care do ultrasound tests like this? The answer depends on the clinic. Some centers, like urgent care Miami Beach, offer quick access to this service, while others may send patients to outside imaging centers.
Ultrasounds help with many common health issues. One of the most well-known uses is for pregnancy checks. If someone needs fast answers about early symptoms like cramping or spotting, they might wonder, does urgent care do ultrasounds for pregnancy. In some clinics, the answer is yes—especially if they offer urgent care for pregnancy concerns.
Doctors also use ultrasounds to find the cause of abdominal pain. It can help spot problems with the gallbladder or kidneys, like stones or infections. Ultrasound is also useful when someone has swelling or a lump. It helps check if it’s fluid, a cyst, or something more serious.
What Services Do Urgent Care Centers Offer?
Urgent care centers are a great option when you need medical help fast, but it’s not serious enough for the ER. These clinics handle many everyday health issues. People often visit for minor injuries like sprains, small cuts, or burns. They also help with common illnesses, such as the flu, fever, sore throat, or stomach problems.
Many urgent care centers also provide basic tests, like X-rays, blood work, and lab tests for infections. This helps doctors make quick and accurate decisions. Some even offer treatment for conditions like asthma, dehydration, or allergic reactions.
But what about ultrasounds? You might ask, can urgent care do an ultrasound, or do urgent cares have ultrasounds? The answer is—it depends. Some urgent care clinics have imaging machines like ultrasound or X-ray units, while others don’t. If you’re searching for urgent care Near You, for example, you might find centers that do offer these services right on-site.
So if you’re wondering, can urgent cares do ultrasounds, it’s a good idea to call ahead. Some clinics, like ours, are ready with both the staff and tools to help you without delay.
Does Urgent Care Do Ultrasounds?
Yes, urgent care centers can do ultrasounds, but not all of them offer this service. Some clinics are fully equipped with in-house ultrasound machines. These centers can give fast answers for problems like abdominal pain, swelling, or even early pregnancy concerns. Patients often ask, can urgent care do ultrasounds for pregnancy—and if the clinic has the equipment, the answer is yes.
However, some urgent care locations don’t have the tools on-site. In that case, they may refer you to a nearby imaging center or hospital. This means a bit more waiting, but you’ll still get the care you need.
For example, if you’re in South Florida and looking for urgent care Miami Beach, you might find clinics that offer imaging in-house. Still, it’s always smart to check first.
So if you’re wondering, can urgent care do ultrasound tests, or can I get an ultrasound at urgent care, the answer depends on the location. Some centers are ready for it, while others work with nearby partners to get your scan done quickly.
When Urgent Care Might Use Ultrasound
Ultrasound is a helpful tool that urgent care centers use to quickly check certain health problems. One common reason is abdominal pain. If you come in with stomach discomfort, doctors can use an ultrasound to look for issues like gallstones, kidney problems, or other causes that might need fast treatment.
Another reason urgent care might use ultrasound is for pregnancy symptoms. If you’re worried about early signs like spotting or cramping, an ultrasound can show how the pregnancy is developing. Many people ask, does urgent care do ultrasounds for pregnancy, and some centers do offer this service to give quick answers.
Ultrasounds also help when there is pain or swelling in soft tissues, like muscles or lumps under the skin. The test helps doctors see if the swelling is due to fluid, an infection, or another problem.
Lastly, urgent care might use ultrasound to check for possible blood clots. These can be dangerous if not found early, so the test helps catch them before they cause more serious issues.
If you’re wondering can urgent care do an ultrasound for these reasons, many clinics can—especially those equipped for quick diagnosis and care.
When You May Be Referred Elsewhere
Sometimes, urgent care centers cannot provide all the tests or treatments you need. For complex cases, such as serious injuries or complicated health issues, you might be sent to a hospital or specialist. This happens when the problem requires advanced care or more detailed imaging than urgent care can offer.
If you need a specialist, like an OB-GYN for pregnancy or a radiologist for detailed ultrasound exams, urgent care will refer you. For example, if your ultrasound shows something that needs expert review, your doctor will guide you to the right place.
Also, if your symptoms happen after-hours or during emergencies, urgent care may not be open or equipped to help. In those cases, they will advise you to go to an emergency room or a specialized medical center.
So, while many urgent care centers can do ultrasounds and basic care, sometimes the best choice is to visit a hospital or specialist for more detailed help. Knowing when to ask, can urgent care do ultrasounds or when to go elsewhere, can save you time and get you the right care faster.
Pros and Cons of Getting an Ultrasound at Urgent Care
When you need an ultrasound quickly, urgent care centers can be a convenient choice. But like any option, there are both good and not-so-good sides to consider. Let’s look at the pros first.
Pros
One big advantage of getting an ultrasound at urgent care is fast service. You don’t usually need an appointment, so you can get checked quickly when you have sudden symptoms.
Urgent care centers often have a shorter wait than the ER. This means you can get your ultrasound and results faster without spending hours in a crowded emergency room.
Another benefit is usually lower cost. Ultrasounds at urgent care tend to be less expensive than those done at hospitals or specialized imaging centers. This makes it a good option if you need quick answers but want to save money.
These benefits make urgent care a helpful choice for many people who need an ultrasound without a long wait or high bills.
Cons
First, not all centers offer it. Many urgent care clinics do not have ultrasound machines, so you might have to visit another place for your scan.
Second, urgent care centers usually have limited scanning options. Their machines may only handle basic ultrasounds, so they might not be able to check all body parts or complex issues in detail.
Lastly, even if you get an ultrasound at urgent care, you may still need follow-up elsewhere. If the results are unclear or show something serious, your doctor will refer you to a specialist or hospital for more testing.
Understanding these drawbacks helps you decide when urgent care is right for your ultrasound and when you might need a different medical center.
How Much Does an Ultrasound Cost at Urgent Care?
If you’re wondering about the cost, an ultrasound at urgent care usually costs between $100 to $400. The exact price depends on the clinic’s location and the reason for the ultrasound. For example, a simple check for pregnancy symptoms might be less expensive than a detailed scan for abdominal pain.
Your insurance coverage can also affect the cost. Some insurance plans cover ultrasounds fully or partially when done at urgent care, while others might require you to pay more out of pocket.
If you’re asking, can urgent care do an ultrasound and what it will cost, it’s a good idea to call the clinic ahead. They can give you a clear estimate based on your situation. This way, you can avoid surprises and plan your visit better.
Conclusion
Some urgent care centers do offer ultrasounds, especially for common issues like abdominal pain, minor injuries, or early pregnancy checks. These clinics can be a convenient option when you need quick answers without the long waits and higher costs often found in emergency rooms. However, not all urgent care centers have ultrasound machines, so it’s important to call your local urgent care before you visit to see if they provide this service.
If your symptoms are mild or new, an urgent care ultrasound can help you get fast results and begin treatment sooner. But remember, if you have severe pain, heavy bleeding, or other serious symptoms, it’s safer to go directly to the emergency room. Urgent care is designed for less critical situations, while the ER can handle emergencies that need immediate and advanced care.
In summary, knowing when to choose urgent care for an ultrasound and when to seek emergency help can make a big difference in your health. Always check with your local clinic, and don’t hesitate to get the right care when you need it most.
FAQs
Does urgent care do ultrasounds for pregnancy?
Yes, some urgent care centers provide ultrasounds for early pregnancy checks. If your urgent care doesn’t offer this, they will usually refer you to a specialist or imaging center.
How much does an ultrasound cost at urgent care?
Ultrasound prices at urgent care typically range from $100 to $400. The cost depends on the location, type of ultrasound, and your insurance coverage.
Can I get an abdominal ultrasound at urgent care?
Many urgent care centers can perform ultrasounds for abdominal pain to check for problems like gallstones or kidney issues. But not all clinics have this service, so check first.
What happens if urgent care can’t do my ultrasound?
If your urgent care doesn’t have an ultrasound machine or your case is complex, they will refer you to a hospital or specialist for further testing.
How quickly can urgent care do an ultrasound?
If the clinic has ultrasound equipment, you can usually get scanned the same day without an appointment, making it a fast option for quick diagnosis.