Stitches at Urgent Care
Urgent care centers are well-equipped to handle most cuts and lacerations that require stitches. Their staff includes physicians and nurse practitioners trained in wound care and suturing techniques.
What Types of Cuts Can Urgent Care Stitch?
Urgent care can typically handle:
- Cuts on arms, hands, and fingers
- Leg and foot lacerations
- Scalp wounds
- Torso cuts
- Minor facial cuts (away from eyes and lips)
When to Go to the ER Instead
Some wounds require emergency room care:
- Deep facial cuts near eyes, lips, or affecting the lip line (may need plastic surgery)
- Wounds with heavy bleeding that won't stop with pressure
- Cuts exposing bone, tendon, or muscle
- Animal bites (may need rabies evaluation)
- Wounds older than 12-24 hours (infection risk too high to close)
How Much Do Stitches Cost at Urgent Care?
| Service | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Simple laceration (1-3 stitches) | $200-$300 |
| Moderate laceration (4-8 stitches) | $300-$400 |
| Complex laceration | $400-$500+ |
This includes wound cleaning, numbing, suturing, and bandaging. ER costs for the same service: $800-$2,000+.
What to Expect
- The wound is cleaned and examined
- Local anesthetic numbs the area (slight pinch)
- The provider places stitches (5-20 minutes)
- You receive wound care instructions
- Return in 7-14 days for stitch removal (or use dissolvable stitches)