Can Urgent Care Do Ultrasound?

Let’s be honest—when something feels off in your body, waiting weeks for a scan just isn’t an option. That’s where urgent care centers come into the picture. But you’re probably wondering: can urgent care do ultrasound? The short answer? Sometimes, yes. But there’s a lot more to unpack here, especially if you want the most accurate results without the hospital-level stress (or price tag).

In this guide, we’re diving into everything you need to know—from how ultrasounds work to how NextGen Diagnostic Imaging helps make high-quality imaging more accessible.

What Is an Ultrasound?

Ultrasound is basically a sneak peek inside your body—using sound waves. No radiation, no fuss. It creates real-time images of organs, tissues, and even blood flow. It’s safe, painless, and surprisingly versatile.

Common Types of Ultrasounds

Ultrasounds aren’t one-size-fits-all. Depending on what your provider is looking for, different types of ultrasounds can be used to diagnose or monitor a wide range of medical conditions. Here’s a breakdown of the most common types:

Abdominal Ultrasound

An abdominal ultrasound focuses on the organs and structures in your belly. It’s one of the most frequently used ultrasound types in both hospitals and urgent care settings.

• What it checks: Liver, gallbladder, pancreas, spleen, kidneys, bladder, and abdominal aorta.
• When it’s used: If you’re experiencing pain, swelling, or unexplained symptoms like nausea or jaundice.
• Common findings: Gallstones, kidney stones, liver disease, pancreatitis, and abdominal aneurysms.

It’s non-invasive and can often detect issues before they become serious. Some urgent care centers equipped with diagnostic imaging—like those partnered with NextGen Diagnostic Imaging—can offer same-day abdominal scans for quicker answers.

Pelvic Ultrasound

A pelvic ultrasound is used to examine the reproductive and urinary organs located in the pelvis.

• What it checks: Uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, bladder, prostate (in men).
• When it’s used: To investigate pelvic pain, abnormal bleeding, suspected cysts, fibroids, or issues during pregnancy.
• Common findings: Ovarian cysts, fibroids, endometriosis, early pregnancy issues, and prostate enlargement.

It can be done transabdominally (over the belly) or transvaginally (inside the vaginal canal) for clearer imaging in women.

Soft Tissue Ultrasound

A soft tissue ultrasound is used to evaluate superficial structures just under the skin.

• What it checks: Muscles, tendons, ligaments, joints, and small lumps or swellings.
• When it’s used: For injuries, swelling, infections, or to evaluate masses (like cysts or lipomas).
• Common findings: Muscle tears, abscesses, fluid collections, and soft tissue tumors.

This is particularly helpful in urgent care settings to quickly assess sports injuries or unexplained lumps without having to go to the ER.

Vascular Ultrasound

A vascular ultrasound is also known as a Doppler ultrasound, and it focuses on the body’s blood vessels.

• What it checks: Arteries and veins, primarily in the neck, arms, legs, and abdomen.
• When it’s used: To evaluate circulation, blood flow blockages, and suspected blood clots.
• Common findings: Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), arterial blockages, varicose veins, and aneurysms.

The Role of Urgent Care Centers

Urgent care clinics are the middle ground between your primary care doctor and the ER. Think of them as your healthcare safety net for non-life-threatening issues.

What Services Do They Offer?

From treating sprains and colds to minor burns and infections, urgent care centers handle a variety of conditions. Some even offer X-rays, lab work, and—you guessed it—ultrasounds.

Differences Between Urgent Care and ER

Here’s the deal: urgent care is faster and more affordable than an ER, but not equipped for trauma or complex emergencies. If you’re having chest pain or symptoms of a stroke, go straight to the hospital.

Can Urgent Care Do Ultrasound?

Alright, back to the big question.

When They Can

Many modern urgent care centers now have on-site ultrasound capabilities or partnerships with imaging services like NextGen Diagnostic Imaging. If they do, they can scan you right there—or send you a few doors down to a partner imaging center.

When They Can’t

Not all urgent care clinics are built the same. Smaller or rural locations might not have the tech or trained personnel on-site. In that case, you’ll be referred elsewhere.

Why You Might Need an Ultrasound at Urgent Care

Ultrasounds can provide fast answers for a lot of situations. Here are a few examples:

Common Conditions Diagnosed with Ultrasound

• Abdominal pain (appendicitis, gallstones)
• Pelvic pain or unusual bleeding
• Swollen legs (possible blood clots)
• Suspected hernias
• Pregnancy-related concerns

Benefits of Getting an Ultrasound Quickly

Early detection = better outcomes. The sooner you get that image, the sooner you get peace of mind (or treatment). Plus, you skip the long wait times of ERs and specialist offices.

The Process: What to Expect During an Urgent Care Ultrasound

Never had an ultrasound at urgent care? Don’t sweat it—it’s pretty straightforward.

Do You Need an Appointment?

Some clinics take walk-ins, but if imaging is involved, it’s best to call ahead. Especially if they partner with NextGen Diagnostic Imaging, scheduling can be smooth and flexible.

How Long Does It Take?

The scan itself usually takes 15 to 45 minutes, depending on what they’re checking. Results might take a bit longer if they need to be reviewed by a radiologist.

Urgent Care Limitations in Imaging

It’s important to manage expectations. Urgent care isn’t a hospital, so there are some limitations.

Equipment Availability

High-end imaging equipment is expensive and takes space. Some urgent care centers might only have basic ultrasound machines.

Technician and Radiologist Availability

Even if they have the gear, do they have someone trained to use it? Not always. Some rely on NextGen Diagnostic Imaging for mobile or nearby imaging support.

When You Should Go to a Hospital Instead

Here’s when urgent care won’t cut it.

Emergency Situations

• Chest pain or shortness of breath
• Stroke symptoms
• Severe bleeding
• Loss of consciousness

Specialty Imaging Needs

If your doctor needs a very specific type of scan (like an echocardiogram or a high-level vascular ultrasound), head to a hospital or specialty imaging center.

How NextGen Diagnostic Imaging Supports Urgent Care

NextGen Diagnostic Imaging is a game-changer in the world of outpatient diagnostics—especially for urgent care centers.

On-Demand Diagnostic Imaging Services

They offer quick, reliable ultrasound services that many urgent care clinics tap into when they don’t have in-house capabilities. It’s like bringing hospital-grade imaging to your neighborhood.

Partnerships With Urgent Care Clinics

NextGen partners with various urgent care centers across Houston, helping them offer diagnostic services without the need for bulky machines or full-time radiologists.

Costs: Is It Cheaper to Get an Ultrasound at Urgent Care?

Short answer: most of the time, yes!

Insurance Coverage

If the urgent care center is in-network and you have a referral, your ultrasound might be covered by your insurance. Be sure to check ahead.

Self-Pay Options

Many urgent care clinics offer transparent, upfront pricing—often lower than what you’d pay at the ER. Plus, if they partner with NextGen Diagnostic Imaging, bundled pricing might be available.

Tips for Patients: Making the Right Choice

Here are a few things you can do to make sure your ultrasound experience goes smoothly.

Ask Before You Go

Call your urgent care center and ask:

• Do you offer ultrasound services on-site?
• Do you partner with NextGen Diagnostic Imaging?
• How soon can I get scanned?

Bring Your Medical Records

If you have previous imaging results or referral paperwork, bring them. It speeds up the process and helps the provider give you a more accurate diagnosis.

NextGen Diagnostic Imaging Serving the Shenandoah Community and Beyond in Houston

NextGen Diagnostic Imaging is dedicated to serving the diverse needs of the local community of Houston, including individuals residing in neighborhoods like Shenandoah. With its convenient location near landmarks such as The Harris School and major intersections like Hillcroft Ave. and Westward St. (coordinates: 29.712207491970396, -95.4938099), we offer imaging centers Houston services.

Get Imaging Centers Houston Services at Shenandoah Now

Navigate from Shenandoah to NextGen Diagnostic Imaging Now

Ultrasound at Urgent Care? It’s Closer Than You Think

Can urgent care do ultrasound? Absolutely—but it depends on where you go. With the help of partners like NextGen Diagnostic Imaging, more and more clinics are stepping up their game and making imaging more accessible than ever. Just remember to call ahead, ask questions, and don’t be afraid to advocate for yourself. Because when it comes to your health, time matters—and so does convenience.

FAQs

1. Do all urgent care centers offer ultrasound services?
No, not all. It depends on the clinic’s equipment and staffing. Many partner with imaging centers like NextGen Diagnostic Imaging for support.

2. Can urgent care perform pregnancy ultrasounds?
Some can, especially for early pregnancy checks. Always call ahead to confirm.

3. How soon will I get results from an urgent care ultrasound?
Often within a few hours to 1–2 days, depending on whether a radiologist is available to read the scan.

4. Will insurance cover an ultrasound at urgent care?
In many cases, yes—but it depends on your provider and the clinic’s billing setup. Always verify before your visit.

5. What if urgent care doesn’t offer ultrasound?
They’ll likely refer you to a partner facility like NextGen Diagnostic Imaging or suggest a nearby imaging center.