Broken Bones and Urgent Care: What You Need to Know About X-Rays

Does Urgent Care Do X-Rays for Broken Bones?

Yes, if the urgent care location you are visiting has imaging services, they may be able to do an x-ray to see if you have a broken bone. There are exceptions to this, so continue reading to find out when you should consider going togo to an urgent care vs emergency room for a broken bone.

Should I go to urgent care or E.R. for a broken bone?

When you experience an injury, it can be difficult to know whether you should go to the emergency room or to an urgent care clinic. While both options can provide you with medical attention, there are significant differences between the two.

According to debt.org, tThe biggest difference is that urgent care clinics are designed to treat non-life-threatening conditions, while emergency rooms are equipped to handle life-threatening emergencies.

For a possible broken bone, choosing between urgent care and the emergency room depends on several factors.

While the emergency room can provide more comprehensive care for severe injuries, it can also be more costly and time-consuming—something that most people prefer to avoid if possible, notes Debt.org.

Since most urgent care clinics offer X-rays, they are a convenient and cost-effective option for diagnosing and treating broken bones. Additionally, most urgent care centers are open seven days a week, making them an accessible immediate care option.

While urgent care is a great option in most cases, there are some types of broken bones that require emergency room care (such as compound or “open” fractures), according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS). In a nutshell, if there is an open wound near the suspected fracture site, it should be assumed to be an open fracture requiring emergency care.

Going to Urgent Care For a Broken Bone

Assuming you are seeking care for a possible simple (closed) fracture, going to an urgent care clinic is a faster and more cost-effective way to get evaluated and treated. The first step you’ll encounter is the check-in process.

Check-in Process

When you arrive at an urgent care facility, you will need to check in at the front desk. You can try to avoid wait times by using an urgent care app like Solv, which helps you book your appointment ahead of time. You will be asked to provide your personal information and insurance details if you have insurance. If you don't have insurance, most urgent care clinics will require a payment or payment plan.

Evaluation by Medical Staff

After checking in, you will be examined by a healthcare professional. They will ask you questions about your injury, perform a physical examination, and if necessary, also order an X-ray to diagnose the extent of your injury.

Getting an X-ray

Usually, an X-ray is needed to diagnose a broken bone (also known as a fracture). Stanford Medicine outlines the process of getting an X-ray in the following steps:

• First, the medical staff will either take you to where the X-ray machine is located or bring a portable X-ray machine to you.
• The medical staff will help you remove any jewelry or clothing that may interfere with the X-ray.
• The X-ray technician will then position your injured area in a way that will capture the best image. Sometimes more than one X-ray is needed, and the X-ray technician will help you move into different positions depending on what X-rays the doctor ordered.

Getting an X-ray is quick and painless, however, you will be asked to remain still while the X-ray is taken. After getting your X-ray done, the images will be reviewed by a radiologist or physician to determine the extent of your injury.

When is an X-ray needed?

If you have suffered an injury to your musculoskeletal system it is essential to get an accurate diagnosis to ensure proper treatment, notes Stanford Health. X-rays are commonly used to diagnose broken bones, as well as complications with the lungs, and other conditions. X-rays are performed in many medical facilities, including emergency rooms, imaging centers, clinics, and urgent care centers.

Medical Terms Related to Bones—Fractures, Dislocations, and Sprains

Before we dive into when an X-ray may be needed, it is important to understand some medical terminology related to bones.

A fracture is the medical term for a broken bone, according to Johns Hopkins. A fracture can be open (called a “compound fracture”) or closed (called a “simple fracture”).

A dislocation occurs when a bone is displaced from its normal position, according to the National Library of Medicine. This commonly happens at a joint where two bones meet (such as a knee, hip, or shoulder).

Sprains happen when ligaments are stretched or torn, according to the Mayo Clinic. This is common in the ankle area and is usually the result of a joint being forced into an unnatural movement.

Common Types of Fractures

There are 206 bones in the average adult human body, and some of the most commonly broken bones, according to the Cleveland Clinic, include:

• Collarbone
• Wrist
• Ankle
• Hip fractures
• Arm
• Foot
• Toe

Signs and Symptoms of a Broken Bone

A broken bone usually occurs after either a blunt force (such as an accident or fall), or stress (such as a crush accident or osteoporosis). The symptoms of a broken bone, according to the Cleveland Clinic, include:

1. Pain
2. Swelling
3. Tenderness
4. Inability to move that part of the body
5. Bruising
6. Deformity or bump that was not there before (it is important to note that you may still have a broken bone, even without this symptom)

Importance of Getting a Broken Bone Diagnosed Quickly

X-rays were invented in 1895 and have since become an excellent way to diagnose many things, including broken bones. Early detection and treatment can help prevent further damage to the bones and surrounding tissues, as well as prevent complications associated with a broken bone (such as muscle damage, blood loss, and nerve damage). Fast diagnosing and treatment is also linked to a faster recovery time, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Understanding Your X-ray Results and Treatment Options

Whether you visit an urgent care center or emergency room for a potential broken bone, one of the first things the medical staff will do is take an X-ray. This will provide them with a clear image of the bone and help them determine the extent of the injury. The X-ray results will also guide the treatment options available to you.

Interpretation of X-ray Results for Broken Bones

The X-ray results will show whether the bone is broken, how severe the break is, and where exactly the break is located, according to the AAOS. Based on this information, the medical staff will be able to determine the best course of action for treatment.

Pain Management Options for Broken Bones

After the medical staff has determined the extent of the injury through examination and X-ray, they will provide you with pain management options. This may include over-the-counter pain relievers or prescription medication, depending on the severity of the injury, as well as your medical history, allergies, and other medications.

Rehabilitation and Recovery Options for Broken Bones

Depending on the severity of the break, rehabilitation, and recovery options may be necessary. This may include physical therapy, occupational therapy, or surgery. The medical staff will work with you to create a rehabilitation and recovery plan that is tailored to your specific needs and may involve orthopedic specialists.

Treatment Options Based on X-ray Findings

The treatment options available to you will depend on your X-ray findings, according to the AAOS. If the break is minor, you may only need a cast or splint. If the break is more severe, surgery may be necessary. The medical staff will work with you and consult specialists to determine the best treatment option for your specific injury.

Benefits of Urgent Care for X-rays

When it comes to getting X-rays for broken bones, urgent care facilities offer several benefits over emergency room visits. Some of the biggest benefits include lower costs and convenience compared to emergency room visits. Here is more on the benefits of urgent care, according to Debt.org.

Convenience and Accessibility

Urgent care facilities are typically open longer hours and on weekends, making it easier for you to get the care you need without having to take time off work or wait until your primary care physician is available. Additionally, many urgent care facilities aim to have convenient locations—such as near shopping centers or downtown districts.

Cost-Effectiveness Compared to Emergency Room Visits

Urgent care facilities are generally less expensive than emergency rooms, making them a more cost-effective option for X-rays and other non-life-threatening medical needs. According to Debt.org, the cost of an emergency room visit can be 5 to 10 times higher than the cost of an urgent care visit.

Insurance Coverage for Urgent Care Visits and X-rays

Most insurance plans cover urgent care visits and X-rays. This helps make urgent care visits an even more affordable option for many people. Additionally, urgent care facilities often have payment options for those who are uninsured.

The Limitations of Urgent Care for Broken Bones

When it comes to broken bones, the severity of the injury will dictate the need for advanced imaging or a referral to a specialist. Urgent care centers are staffed with healthcare providers who are trained to handle minor injuries, but they may not have the equipment or expertise to diagnose and treat complex or life-threatening fractures, notes Debt.org.

For example, if you have a compound (open) fracture or a fracture that requires surgery, urgent care may not be equipped to provide the care you need. In these cases, you may need to be referred to an emergency department or specialist for further evaluation and treatment.

Factors that may affect the decision to seek specialized care, according to Debt.org include:

• Patients who are elderly
• Patients with osteoporosis
• Patients who have mobility issues
• Patients who have limited access to transportation

Importance of seeking care for broken bones

When it comes to getting medical attention for broken bones, it is important to consider whether an urgent care or emergency room will be the best option for you. The convenience and cost-effectiveness of going to an urgent care facility is a great choice for most cases of simple fractures. However, an emergency room is best for complex fractures. Important points to remember if you are going to urgent care for a broken bone, according to Debt.org, is:

• Ensure that the urgent care you are going to has the capability to do an X-ray
• Check with your urgent care of choice about whether they accept your insurance or have payment plans available for uninsured or underinsured
• Do not delay getting evaluated at urgent care, as broken bones can be painful and lead to other complications if not treated immediately

Importance of Seeking Medical Attention for Suspected Broken Bones

Delaying treatment can result in further damage and complications, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Some of these complications include:

• Soft tissue damage
• Muscle damage
• Nerve damage
• Further breaking of the bone
• Bleeding (either internal or external)
• Pain

It is important to remember that not all broken bones are obvious. Any symptom of a broken bone should be evaluated by a medical professional. Urgent care facilities can help you by performing an x-ray and providing immediate treatment options for minor fractures.