Whether you’ve jammed a finger, rolled an ankle or can’t seem to kick a lingering cough, getting answers shouldn’t be complicated. That’s why urgent care is a convenient place to get an X-ray, receive a diagnosis and understand your treatment options – all in one visit.
What types of X-rays can I get at urgent care?
Urgent care can perform many of the most common diagnostic X-rays used to evaluate injuries and certain illnesses. Depending on your symptoms, your provider may recommend X-rays of the:
- Hand, wrist, arm or elbow
- Foot, ankle, leg or knee
- Hip or shoulder
- Ribs
- Chest
Because digital X-ray technology is available on-site at all Indigo Urgent Care locations, you don’t need to make a separate appointment at an imaging center. A provider can review your images during your visit, helping you get a diagnosis and treatment plan sooner.
Some conditions require more advanced imaging, such as CT scans or MRIs, which are typically performed in a hospital or imaging center. If additional testing is needed, your provider will help you understand where to go and what to expect.
Fun fact. The “X” in X-ray simply means “unknown.” When scientist Wilhelm Röntgen discovered this new form of radiation in 1895, he called it “X” because he didn’t yet know what he’d found.
What kinds of injuries and illnesses can be evaluated with an X-ray at urgent care?
If you’ve taken a tumble, tweaked a joint or have pain that just doesn’t feel right, an X-ray can help your provider look beneath the surface and identify what’s causing your symptoms.
A provider may recommend an X-ray if you’ve experienced:
- A fall or other minor accident
- A sports injury
- A swollen or painful finger, hand, wrist, foot or ankle
- Joint pain that limits movement or makes it difficult to bear weight
- Rib pain after a fall or collision
- Chest symptoms that may require further evaluation
X-rays are especially helpful for looking at bones and certain areas of the body, but they aren’t always the right tool for every injury. Your urgent care provider will first perform a physical exam and determine whether imaging is the best option. If an X-ray is needed, you can usually have it completed during the same visit.
Can I get an X-ray on the weekend at urgent care?
Injuries don’t always happen Monday through Friday between 9 and 5. That’s why Indigo Urgent Care offers digital X-rays every day we’re open, including evenings, weekends and holidays. You don’t have to wait until your primary care office opens to get evaluated.
How quickly can I get the results of my X-ray?
One of the biggest benefits of digital imaging is speed.
Your urgent care provider can review your X-ray during your visit and discuss the results before you head home. If needed, a radiologist may also evaluate the images and provide an additional assessment. If that review identifies something unexpected or changes your care plan, your care team will contact you with updated recommendations.
When follow-up care is needed, your urgent care team can help coordinate your care and ensure the appropriate information is available to the right people.
Did you know? Digital X-rays can be shared electronically, making it easier for your care team to access images when follow-up with a primary care provider or specialist is needed.
When should I choose urgent care instead of the emergency room?
Urgent care is often the right choice for injuries and illnesses that need prompt attention but aren't life-threatening.
Consider urgent care if you have:
- A possible broken bone
- A sprain or strain
- Joint pain after an injury
- A painful fall that may have caused an injury
- Persistent cough your provider wants to evaluate
- Rib pain after an accident
Go to the emergency room or call 911 if you have:
- Severe head injuries
- Difficulty breathing
- Chest pain that may be heart-related
- Heavy, uncontrolled bleeding
- Major trauma
- Bones protruding through the skin
- Loss of consciousness
When in doubt, it's always better to seek medical care than delay treatment.
Get answers faster with Indigo Urgent Care
When you’re hurting, the last thing you want to do is bounce between appointments just to find out what’s wrong.
With same-day digital X-rays available at every Indigo location, you can be evaluated, diagnosed and get a treatment plan – all in one convenient visit.
Whether it’s a possible fracture, a painful sprain or another health concern, our team is here every day from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., including weekends and holidays, so you can get in, get answers and get back in action.
Walk in to one of our convenient locations or book a same-day or next-day appointment online. It’s that easy.
