Short answer
Yes. Most urgent care centers have X-ray on site, according to the Urgent Care Association, so they can image a suspected minor fracture, a sprain or a chest problem during the same visit. Not every clinic does, so call the clinic before you go if you think you need an X-ray.
How common is X-ray at urgent care?
The Urgent Care Association (UCA) says most urgent care centers stabilize and treat fractures and offer on-site X-ray and laboratory services. As of 2022, 84.6 percent of centers employed X-ray technicians, UCA reports.
X-ray is also part of how UCA defines a full urgent care center. Its Certified Urgent Care program requires X-ray capability for the chest, cervical spine (neck), long bones, abdomen and extremities, along with a laboratory and EKG. By comparison, UCA reports that only 26.1 percent of American Academy of Family Physicians members offer X-ray in their practice.
Some clinics that call themselves walk-in or retail clinics do not have X-ray at all. The name on the door does not guarantee it, which is why a quick call helps.
What urgent care X-rays are used for
Urgent care X-rays are usually taken to check common injuries and illnesses such as:
- Suspected minor fractures of the wrist, hand, finger, ankle, foot or toe
- Sprains, where an X-ray rules out a break
- Chest X-rays for a cough or suspected pneumonia
- Some swallowed or embedded objects that show up on X-ray
Minor fractures, sprains and strains are among the conditions UCA lists as frequently treated at urgent care. Many centers can splint an injury and refer you to an orthopedic specialist for follow-up.
What urgent care usually cannot image
X-ray is the standard imaging tool at urgent care. CT, MRI and ultrasound are much less common; some hospital-affiliated centers have them, most do not. If you need advanced imaging, the clinic will usually send you to a hospital or imaging center.
Some injuries need an emergency room, not an X-ray at urgent care. Go to the ER or call 911 for a bone pushing through the skin, a limb that is badly deformed or cold and numb, a serious head or neck injury, or any of the warning signs below.
What to expect during an urgent care X-ray
A clinician examines you first and orders an X-ray only if it will change your treatment. The image is usually taken in a room at the clinic within minutes, and the clinician reviews it during the same visit.
Tell staff if you are or might be pregnant before any X-ray. If the X-ray shows a fracture, many centers apply a splint or brace, give you pain relief advice and refer you to an orthopedic or sports medicine specialist for follow-up. Ask for a copy of the images or report so your next doctor can see them.
How to check before you go
- Call the clinic and ask whether X-ray is available now, not just in general. Some centers have X-ray only while a technician is on shift.
- Ask whether they treat children if the patient is a child; see pediatric urgent care.
- Bring your insurance card and a list of medicines. X-rays are billed separately from the visit at many clinics.
- Use the urgent care finder to see clinics near me, then confirm services by phone.
When to go to the ER instead
The American College of Emergency Physicians lists these warning signs of a medical emergency. If you have any of them, call 911 or go to the emergency room:
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Chest or upper abdominal pain or pressure lasting two minutes or more
- Fainting, sudden dizziness or weakness
- Changes in vision or difficulty speaking
- Confusion, unusual behavior or difficulty waking
- Uncontrolled bleeding
- Coughing or vomiting blood
- Sudden or severe pain
Frequently asked questions
Will urgent care do an X-ray for a possible broken bone?
Usually, yes. Most urgent care centers have on-site X-ray and treat minor fractures, according to the Urgent Care Association. Call ahead to confirm the clinic has X-ray available that day. Go to the ER for an open fracture or a badly deformed limb.
Can urgent care do a chest X-ray?
Most can. Chest X-ray is one of the capabilities the Urgent Care Association requires for its Certified Urgent Care program. Chest pain or trouble breathing is an emergency, though: call 911 instead.
Does urgent care do CT scans or MRIs?
Rarely. X-ray is the standard imaging at urgent care. A few hospital-affiliated centers have CT, but most send patients who need CT or MRI to a hospital or imaging center.
Do I need an appointment for an X-ray at urgent care?
No, in most cases. Urgent care centers accept walk-in patients, and the X-ray is done during the visit if the clinician orders one.
Find urgent care near me
Search by city or state to see urgent care centers and walk-in clinics, with hours where they are on file. Services differ from clinic to clinic, so call to confirm before you go.
Related guides
Sources
- Urgent Care Association (2023): 2023 Urgent Care Industry White Paper
- American College of Emergency Physicians: Is It an Emergency? Medical Emergencies: What You Need to Know
General information, not medical advice. Costs are typical figures from the sources above and vary by clinic, plan and location. In an emergency, call 911.