Does Urgent Care Do CT Scans? A Frisco Patient Guide to Smart Imaging

It is a situation that is being re-enacted too many times in Frisco. You have a terrible fall at the stair, your child has a big blow at a local park, or you have a headache that is blinding and you cannot get rid of it. The initial one is, "I have to make a doctor visit." The second one is, "Is it a sprain or is it serious?"

And that leads to the question, which is quite critical, and confusing: "Do I need an X-ray or is this one that should be done in a CT scan? And.... does urgent care do CT scans?"

As your neighbors and healthcare partners at PrimeCare360, we believe in providing you with straightforward, unfiltered answers. You must make the wisest decision regarding your health and your finances. Now, we are going to venture into the world of medical imaging and explore where you need to be.

The Direct Answer: CT Scans and Urgent Care

We may as well have the point of reference out of the way at once.

No, the great majority of urgent care centers lack on-site CT (Computed Tomography) scanners.

It does not mean that they provide inferior care: it is just by design. The entire business concept of an urgent care clinic is based on providing high-quality, efficient, and low-cost care for non-life-threatening conditions.

A CT scanner is a highly complex, multi-million-dollar medical device. It involves a special team of trained radiology technicians and radiologists to work with and read the images, and a specially designed, lead-lined purpose room. One 24/7, and its staffing, is not in the business of the urgent care model, which is to be a more affordable substitute for the ER.

The difference between X-Ray and CT Scan and Why It Matters?

Knowledge of what these tools do is the key to knowing where to go. Think of it this way:

X-Ray: The 2D Snapshot

• What it is: an X-ray is a 2-dimensional image of the interior of your body, which captures a snapshot of the body at high velocity. It involves a very low dose of radiation, which is very safe when producing a still image.
• What is good in: It is good for viewing dense structures. This is the gold standard for:
  • • Fracture (break) of bones detected.
    • The presence of dislocation in the joints.
    • Detecting pneumonia (which presents itself as a white, opaque region in the lungs).
    • Identifying a few foreign objects.
• The on-site digital X-ray is our diagnostic powerhouse in PrimeCare360, located in Frisco and Allen. In the cases of most injuries and illnesses, which account for 90 percent of observed cases, such as coughs, falls, sprains, and breaks, an X-ray provides our doctors with the immediate solutions they need.

The Real Question: "Where Shall I Go First?"

This is the most essential part of this guide. You are never a medical expert, nor are you supposed to be. It is not your business to guess what machine to get. You have to work to obtain a quick and professional appraisal.

This is the place where Frisco people tend to commit a very expensive error. They do not want to visit an urgent care and instead they directly visit the hospital ER because they are worried that they will be required to take a CT scan. They spend hours waiting only to be informed that their injury only required a mere X-ray or a few stitches, something an urgent care would have done in less than an hour at a fraction of the cost.

The Brilliant Idea: Begin at PrimeCare360.

A good first stop, except in cases of a genuine, life-threatening emergency (see below), should always be a high-level urgent care clinic.

The steps at PrimeCare360 Frisco are as follows:

1. Walk-In (No Appointment Needed): This is a walk-in clinic located at 9229 Lebanon Road. You have been visited by a board-certified provider within a short period of time.
2. Get a Medical Exam: A Vital Step. Our doctor will listen to you, understand your illness, and conduct a physical examination.
3. On-Site X-ray (Where Necessary): In case a provider suspects that there is a fracture or pneumonia, he/she will order an X-ray. You can bet it will be done on-site in a few minutes. The digital pictures would be made available on demand, allowing our provider to review them with you.
4. Get Your Answer and Treatment Plan:

• • Scenario A (Most Common): It is some sort of sprain, a simple fracture, or pneumonia. We treat you on the spot. We may splint the tear, wrap the injury, or prescribe medication. In and out, having a plan, and saving thousands on an ER visit.
  • Scenario B (Less Common): The scenario is indicated by the exam or X-ray as being more complex. This is where our services as your healthcare navigator will be of great value.

What If I Do Need a CT Scan? The Urgent Care Navigator

Here, a quality urgent care clinic really comes in handy. When our doctor consults with you and declares that your condition requires a CT scan, we do not send you away. We offer actual 360 care coordination.

• In case of True Emergencies: In case your symptoms indicate the presence of a life-threatening condition (such as stroke symptoms or severe trauma), we will stabilize you and call an ambulance (911) or refer you to the nearest ER in Frisco hospital. We will give you a call prior to our medical findings, and therefore, the ER team is ready to take you in. This is how one should utilize an ER.

When you begin with PrimeCare360, it will have the expert assessment that sets you on the right, most cost-effective direction, each and every time.

An Easy-to-follow Guide: Imaging in Urgent Care vs. ER

In any case, consult this reference guide.

First to go to: PrimeCare360 (Urgent Care)?

• Coughs, colds, flu, and fevers
• Suspected sprain or fracture of the bones (e.g., wrist, ankle, finger)
• Cuts that need stitches
• Back pain or joint pain
• UTIs
• Minor burns or rashes
• Any non-life-endangering problem that requires an X-ray or professional assessment in a hurry.

The first thing you need to know about Frisco is that it is a city.

The fear of the unknown should not make you go to the ER by default. Be cunning, be cunning, and save yourself time, stress, and money. Begin with a specialist analysis.

We are at PrimeCare360, where we offer on-site X-rays, highly qualified physicians, and the expertise to guide you to the exact level of care you need, right here in Frisco.

Need Answers Now? We're Here to Help.

And when something happens to you, or you feel bad, you never guess. We are committed to providing you with the 360-degree service you need.

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