Does Urgent Care Have CT Scans? Finding the Right Facility for Advanced Imaging
The “Super-Vision” Gap
Here is a scenario I see all the time: A patient walks into Urgent Care clutching their right side, suspecting appendicitis. They pay the $150 copay, wait an hour, and see the doctor.
The doctor says: “We can’t see your appendix. We only have an X-Ray. You need to go to the ER for a CT scan.”
Now the patient has to pay twice—once for the useless Urgent Care visit, and again for the ER. Why? Because 90-95% of Urgent Cares do NOT have CT scanners.
What Can They Actually See? (Triage Guide)
Urgent Cares are built for “Simple Fixes.” Their equipment reflects that. Use this checklist to decide where to drive.
✅ Go to Urgent Care (X-Ray)
They almost always have digital X-Ray machines. Good for:
- Hard Tissues: Broken fingers, toes, wrists, ankles.
- Lungs: Checking for Pneumonia or Bronchitis.
- Foreign Objects: Swallowed coins or glass in the foot.
🚨 Go to ER (CT Scan Needed)
You need a CT (CAT Scan) to see soft organs and blood. Essential for:
- Abdominal Pain: Appendicitis, Kidney Stones, Diverticulitis.
- Head Trauma: Concussion, Brain Bleeds (Stroke).
- Chest Pain: Blood clots in the lung (PE).
Cost Reality Check
If you need a scan, where you get it determines if you pay rent or buy a used car.
💰 Price Tag Breakdown (Abdominal CT)
- 🏥 Hospital ER: $2,500 – $5,000+
Includes the “Emergency Room Facility Fee” just for walking in. - 🏢 Freestanding ER: $2,000 – $4,000
Looks like an Urgent Care, bills like a Hospital. Beware! - 🩻 Outpatient Imaging Center: $300 – $600
If your doctor orders it and it’s not a life-threatening emergency.
Facility Showdown
🏥 Finding the “Super” Clinic
Can you find a middle ground?
Navigator Alex Tip
💡 The Google Maps Trick
Don’t just search for “Urgent Care.” Instead, search for:
“Urgent Care with Advanced Imaging near me” or “Urgent Care with CT scan.”
BUT BE CAREFUL: If the name says “Freestanding Emergency Room” (often found in Texas, Colorado), they HAVE a CT scanner, but they will charge you ER prices ($3,000+). Always ask the front desk: “Do you bill as an Urgent Care or an Emergency Room?” before you check in.
Medical Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only. If you have severe symptoms like thunderclap headaches, paralysis, crushing chest pain, or uncontrollable bleeding, do not waste time searching for an Urgent Care—call 911 or go to the nearest Hospital ER immediately.
