Ultrasound Services at Urgent Care
While X-rays are standard at most urgent care centers, ultrasound availability is less common. Larger, more comprehensive urgent care facilities are more likely to offer this service.
Types of Ultrasounds Available
When available, urgent care ultrasounds are typically used for:
- Abdominal pain: Gallbladder, appendix evaluation
- Blood clots: Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) screening
- Soft tissue: Cysts, abscesses, foreign bodies
- Bladder: Urinary retention assessment
What Urgent Care Can't Do
- Pregnancy ultrasounds: Require OB-GYN or hospital
- Fetal monitoring: Not available at urgent care
- Complex cardiac ultrasounds: Need specialized facilities
Cost of Ultrasounds
| Setting | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Urgent care (self-pay) | $200-$500 |
| Urgent care (with insurance) | $50-$150 copay |
| Hospital/imaging center | $300-$1,000+ |
How to Find Urgent Care With Ultrasound
- Call ahead to confirm ultrasound availability
- Look for "comprehensive" or "advanced" urgent care centers
- Hospital-affiliated urgent cares are more likely to have ultrasound