Ultrasounds at Urgent Care: What You Need to Know

Does Urgent Care Do Ultrasounds?

Many urgent care centers offer ultrasounds as part of their medical services. Although, some may not. For this reason, it is a good idea to call ahead or research online which urgent care clinics in your area offer ultrasounds. Solv can help you find the right urgent care for your needs by filtering results based on your location and needs. However, virtually all urgent care centers have the ability to order an outpatient ultrasound if warranted.

Types of ultrasounds offered

There are different types of ultrasounds that can be done, according to the NIH. Many of these types of ultrasounds are offered at urgent care clinics. These may include:

• Abdominal ultrasounds - Used to examine the organs in the abdomen, such as the liver, kidneys, and gallbladder
• Pelvic ultrasounds - Often used to examine the reproductive organs in women, such as the uterus and ovaries
• Musculoskeletal ultrasounds - This ultrasound is used to examine muscles, tendons, and joints
• Vascular ultrasounds - This ultrasound is used to examine blood vessels and blood flow

Urgent Care Ultrasounds vs. Ultrasounds Performed at Hospitals or Specialized Clinics

While ultrasounds performed at an urgent care center are similar to those performed at hospitals or specialized clinics, there are some differences to keep in mind.

One major difference is the level of expertise of the medical professionals performing the ultrasound. At a hospital or specialized clinic, the ultrasound may be performed by a specially trained sonographer or radiologist. At an urgent care center, the ultrasound may be performed by a physician or a medical assistant with ultrasound training, according to the American Institute of Medical Science and Education.

Another difference is the equipment used. While urgent care centers may have high-quality ultrasound machines, they may not have the same level of advanced equipment as a hospital or specialized clinic.

Reasons to Get an Ultrasound at Urgent Care

Ultrasounds are a common diagnostic tool used in urgent care centers to detect, diagnose, and monitor a variety of medical conditions. Here are some reasons why you may undergo an ultrasound during your visit to an urgent care clinic, or why you may be referred to an outpatient imaging center for a study:

Getting an Ultrasound to Diagnose a Medical Condition

Ultrasounds are used to diagnose a wide range of medical conditions, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Some of these conditions include:

• Gallstones
• Kidney stones
• Tumors or benign growths
• Inflammation
• Pregnancy (including ectopic pregnancy)

Getting an Ultrasound to Monitor Pregnancy Viability

Ultrasounds are an essential tool for monitoring the health and development of a fetus during pregnancy, according to the Mayo Clinic. In an urgent care setting, ultrasounds can detect the presence of fetal heart tones if the pregnancy is at the correct stage.

Getting an Ultrasound to Detect an Injury

Ultrasounds can also be used to detect injuries, as noted by the NIH. Some of the injuries that can be diagnosed via ultrasound are:

• Muscle and tendon tears
• Fractures
• Organ ruptures or tears with bleeding

How to Get an Ultrasound at Urgent Care

After understanding when you may need to get an ultrasound, you may consider getting one completed, or prescribed at an urgent care clinic. Here are some things you need to know about getting an ultrasound at urgent care.

Walk-in Appointments

Many urgent care centers offer walk-in convenience. This means you can simply walk into the center and request care without having to make an appointment in advance. However, it's always a good idea to call ahead to make sure the center offers ultrasounds if you believe you may need one. You can also ask about any specific preparations you need to make.

Insurance Coverage

Before getting an ultrasound at an urgent care clinic, you should check with your insurance provider to find out if the procedure is covered. Some insurance plans may cover the cost of the ultrasound, while others may require you to pay out of pocket. It's also important to note that some urgent care clinics may not accept all types of insurance, so be sure to check with the clinic as well, before your appointment.

Cost of Getting an Ultrasound at Urgent Care

The cost of an ultrasound at an urgent care clinic can vary depending on the location and the type of ultrasound you need. If you're paying out of pocket, you may want to ask about the cost of the ultrasound before your appointment so you can budget accordingly or set up a payment plan if needed.

Risks and Limitations of Urgent Care Ultrasounds

While ultrasounds are generally safe, there are some risks and limitations to keep in mind when getting an ultrasound at an urgent care clinic. For example, urgent care ultrasounds may have a higher rate of inaccurate or inconclusive results, compared to ultrasounds performed at a hospital or imaging center—according to the Journal of Urgent Care Medicine.

How to Prepare for an Ultrasound Appointment

To prepare for your ultrasound appointment at an urgent care clinic, there are a few things you can do to make the process go smoothly.

First, make sure you follow any specific instructions provided by the clinic—such as fasting or drinking water before the procedure. Additionally, you should wear comfortable clothes that are easy to remove if necessary. Finally, be sure to bring your insurance information and any necessary paperwork with you to the appointment.

Benefits of Getting an Ultrasound at Urgent Care

Urgent care clinics are a great option for people who need quick and cost-effective care. Here are some reasons why you might want to consider getting an ultrasound at an urgent care center.

Convenience

One of the biggest benefits of getting an ultrasound at an urgent care center is convenience. Urgent care centers are often open on weekends and evenings, which can be helpful if you have a busy schedule. Additionally, many urgent care centers offer walk-in appointments, so you don't need to make an appointment in advance.

Access to Medical Professionals

Urgent care clinics offer many people access to qualified medical professionals who may not have access otherwise. Many urgent care centers often have doctors on staff who can answer your questions and provide guidance about your healthcare—as well as resources for wellness and disease management.

Alternatives to Urgent Care Ultrasounds

While urgent care centers can be a great option for ultrasounds, there are other alternatives. You may be able to get an ultrasound at your primary care physician's office or through a specialist referral. Additionally, if you have a medical emergency, you should go to the emergency room, which is also capable of performing ultrasounds.

Examples of Urgent Care Centers that Offer Ultrasounds

There are many urgent care centers that offer ultrasounds, however, some urgent care locations may be limited by their location, staffing, and funding. The best way to know if your urgent care clinic offers ultrasounds is to call and verify this service with them.

Patient Testimonials or Case Studies of Successful Urgent Care Ultrasound Experiences

A case study titled "Point-of-Care Ultrasound Diagnosis of Ruptured Ectopic Pregnancy in an Urgent Care Setting" published on JUCM (Journal of Urgent Care Medicine) highlights the significance of getting an ultrasound in the urgent care setting. The case study details a patient who presented to urgent care after a sudden onset of abdominal pain and vaginal bleeding. Since these symptoms are suggestive of a potential ectopic pregnancy, a point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) was recommended. The medical team was able to promptly diagnose a ruptured ectopic pregnancy, leading to swift intervention and preventing further complications.

Importance of Ultrasounds in the Urgent Care Setting

Ultrasounds play a vital role in the diagnosis and treatment of various medical conditions. They are a non-invasive, safe, and effective way to examine internal organs, blood flow, and tissues in the body. Additionally, ultrasounds can detect abnormalities, tumors, cysts, and other medical conditions that may not be visible through other diagnostic tests. Ultrasounds in the urgent care setting are associated with improved patient outcomes according to the Journey of Urgent Care Medicine.

If you have any concerns about your health, it is important to seek medical attention right away. Urgent care centers offer convenient access to medical professionals, ultrasounds, and other diagnostic tests. Additionally, visiting an urgent care center for an ultrasound can save you time and money compared to going to an emergency room or specialized clinic.