Answering Common Questions about Urgent Care Centers

The rapid growth of urgent care centers in the U.S. is evident by the fact that more than 10,000 clinics exist nationwide. Yet despite the exposure, many people are still unsure what urgent care centers treat and what their capabilities are. This blog will address some of the most common questions about which types of tests and exams urgent care can perform.

When to go to urgent care?

The most common question we typically receive is should you go to the emergency room or an urgent care facility? An urgent care center treats injuries and illnesses that require more timely care than visiting a primary care physician yet aren’t serious enough to warrant a trip to the emergency room. 

Examples include respiratory infections such as the cold, flu or bronchitis, stomach bugs, minor burns, cuts and scrapes, sprains and minor broken bones, ear infections or urinary tract infections.

Do you need an appointment for urgent care?

No! Urgent care facilities accept walk-in patients just like a traditional emergency room. However, many centers now offer the ability to plan your visit to reduce wait times. For example, at INTEGRIS Health, you can secure a spot in a virtual waiting line or even schedule a visit to an urgent care near you.

Are urgent care doctors less qualified?

No! Physicians who oversee urgent care clinics are the equivalent of primary care physicians who specialize in acute care. Urgent care physicians complete a residency as part of their training, usually in family medicine. But some physicians trained in emergency medicine, sports medicine, pediatrics or internal medicine may also work at urgent care centers.

Does urgent care do X-rays?

Yes, urgent care centers have X-ray machines on site to diagnose various types of injuries or illnesses. For example, an X-ray of the arm or leg can diagnose a broken bone, while a chest X-ray can check the health of your heart and lungs. In addition, X-rays can examine the spine, abdomen and digestive tract.

Does urgent care do STD testing?

Yes, some people may want to stay discreet and receive sexual health testing at an urgent care center. A urine or blood sample will be collected to be tested for a variety of sexually transmitted diseases, including gonorrhea, syphilis, chlamydia and genital herpes.

Does urgent care do stitches?

Yes, urgent care centers can treat minor cuts and lacerations that require only a handful of stitches. Examples include straight cuts or shallow cuts. Seek treatment at an emergency room if the cut is deep or if you’re bleeding profusely. 

Can urgent care prescribe antibiotics?

Yes, urgent care centers will prescribe antibiotics for common infections and illnesses, such as strep throat or urinary tract infections (including bladder and kidney infections). Antibiotic resistance is a concern, though, with more than 2.8 million antimicrobial-resistant infections occurring each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. As a result, some urgent care centers won’t prescribe antibiotics if it’s unclear whether a virus or bacteria has caused the infection. For example, prescribing an antibiotic for a viral sinus infection won’t provide any symptomatic relief because antibiotics don’t work on viruses.

Can I go to urgent care for a UTI?

Yes, urgent care centers can treat urinary tract infections (UTI) by drawing a urine sample to test for nitrites or leukocyte esterase – two markers that indicate a UTI. Depending on the results, a doctor can prescribe antibiotics to treat the condition. 

Does urgent care do physicals?

Some urgent care clinics now offer annual exams and sports physicals as an alternative to traditional primary care visits. The exam typically includes a blood pressure check, measuring your height and weight and examining the throat, nose and ears to check for any medical problems.

Does urgent care have ultrasound?

Most urgent care clinics have the ability to perform ultrasounds to diagnose illnesses. An ultrasound uses sound waves to visualize organs, tissues and blood vessels. It can be used to locate gallstones, kidney stones, cysts and other sources of infection.

INTEGRIS Health is committed to caring for you and your family. We have opened five state-of-the-art INTEGRIS Health AllSet Urgent Care clinics in the Oklahoma City metro area since October, and plan to open at least 14 more by the end of this year. Click here to see a list of open locations in your neighborhood.

Whether you're visiting us for an urgent medical issue or seeking follow-up care, our patient concierges will be there to support you, ensuring that you feel heard and cared for throughout the process. In cases where there is severe pain with concern or risk of complications, or a life-threatening condition, please call 911 or visit the nearest emergency room.