What Services Are Provided by Urgent Care Centers?

Urgent care centers are a convenient option for those in need of quick medical attention. These centers bridge the gap between primary care and emergency rooms as they offer a wide range of services for non-life-threatening conditions.

From minor injuries to common illnesses, urgent care centers handle a number of conditions that will save you the time and money you would spend from visiting a primary doctor or an emergency room. At CareFirst Urgent Care, we provide a variety of services that include sexually transmitted disease (STD) testing, conducting physical exams, and applying stitches. Some of our urgent care centers can also offer X-ray services, depending on location.

Frequently performed services provided by urgent care centers include:

• Treatment for colds, flu, and infections
• Minor injury care, like stitches and wound care
• Lab testing and rapid tests
• Physical exams and wellness services
• STD testing and pregnancy tests

CareFirst Urgent Care is open 7 days a week from 8 am to 8 pm to work around your busy schedule. Most patients can expect to complete their entire visit in under 45 minutes.

Whether you need a quick check-up or treatment for a minor injury, urgent care centers are a reliable choice. They provide quality care without the long wait. Here are some of the most commonly asked questions about treatments provided at CareFirst Urgent Care:

Does Urgent Care Do Stitches?

Yes, urgent care centers commonly provide stitches for cuts and lacerations. These centers are well-suited to address minor wounds that do not require emergency room attention. The staff at these centers, including doctors and nurse practitioners, have the necessary skills to perform minor surgical procedures that include stitching.

When you visit an urgent care center for a cut, the process is usually straightforward. First, the healthcare provider assesses the wound. Then, they clean it to prevent infection. Finally, they close the wound using stitches (if necessary) to promote proper healing and minimal scarring.

In addition to stitching, urgent care centers offer other wound care services, which may include:

• Cleaning and dressing wounds
• Removing stitches or staples
• Treating minor burns and skin abrasions
• Addressing minor infections

Does Urgent Care Do Pregnancy Tests?

Urgent care centers do offer pregnancy tests. At CareFirst Urgent Care, we have on-site lab services and we can screen for over 50 health tests. If you think you may be pregnant, you can visit one of our locations without an appointment.

Pregnancy tests at urgent care are straightforward. They typically involve urine tests, which are quick and reliable. In addition to urine pregnancy tests, blood tests may be available for more detailed results. Urgent Care staff members can ensure you receive prompt and accurate  information.

Urgent care centers may also provide additional services related to pregnancy, including:

• Counseling and guidance on next steps
• Referrals for prenatal care
• Information on prenatal vitamins and nutrition
• Discussion of health concerns or symptoms
• Documentation of pregnancy test results

Does Urgent Care Do STD Testing?

Yes, urgent care centers provide discreet STD testing, making it accessible and convenient for patients who may feel uncomfortable seeking this service through other medical facilities. CareFirst Urgent Care, for instance, offers a range of sexually transmitted disease tests that can be conducted, and without an appointment for the sake of privacy and efficiency. 

Process of STD Testing at Urgent Care

When you visit an urgent care center for STD testing, the process generally includes the following steps:

1. Consultation: Upon arrival, a healthcare professional will typically conduct a brief consultation. This may involve discussing your symptoms, sexual history, and any potential risks. This step is crucial for determining which tests are appropriate for you.
2. Testing: Urgent care centers offer a variety of testing methods which may include: 
   • Urine Tests: Common for testing gonorrhea, chlamydia, and trichomonas.
   • Blood Tests: Used for detecting HIV, syphilis, Herpes, and other STDs. 
   • Swab Tests: In some cases, samples may be taken from lesions, sores or discharge.
3. Results: Testing at urgent care centers often provides quick turnaround times. While some tests yield results on the same day, others may take a few more. The medical staff will ensure you understand how and when to receive your results.

Confidentiality and Support

Urgent care centers prioritize patient confidentiality. They provide a private environment for testing to ensure that your health information remains protected. Additionally, if your test results are positive, the staff can offer immediate guidance and support, including treatment options or referrals to specialists if necessary.

Education and Resources

In addition to testing, urgent care centers often provide educational resources about STDs, including:

• Information on prevention methods, such as safe sex practices.
• Counseling on next steps following a positive test, which may include treatment options.
• Access to additional health services, like follow-up care or partner notification.

Does Urgent Care Do CT Scans?

Computed tomography (CT) scans, known for providing detailed images of the body, are not typically available at urgent care centers. These imaging tests require specialized equipment and trained technicians that are often found only in hospitals or dedicated imaging centers.

Some urgent care clinics, however, partner with nearby facilities to facilitate CT scans when necessary. If your urgent care visit suggests the need for a CT scan, the staff can guide you on where to get it done promptly. It is crucial for patients to know their options for seamless care and quick referrals.

When a CT scan may be needed:

• Suspicion of serious injuries or conditions
• Severe headaches or other neurological symptoms
• Abdominal pain not resolved by other evaluations

Does Urgent Care Do Blood Work

Yes, many urgent care centers offer blood work services on-site. This convenience allows for quick testing, which helps diagnose and treat various conditions more effectively.

Urgent care centers frequently have laboratories which enable them to perform numerous standard tests. The rapid turnaround of results aids in swift decision-making for treatment. Common blood tests include: Complete Blood Count (CBC), Polymerase Chain Reaction Test (PCR), lipid profile, and liver function.

CareFirst Urgent Care offers over 50 different types of tests and screenings. If there is a test you are seeking, we can likely help. We can also provide allergy tests to help protect against common conditions such as seasonal allergy symptoms.

Does Urgent Care Do Physicals?

Yes, urgent care centers commonly provide physical examinations for various needs. Whether you require a routine check-up or a specific kind of physical, these centers can accommodate you.

Urgent care centers offer several types of physical exams for both adults and children. These exams are essential for school enrollment, sports participation, and sometimes employment requirements.

Types of physicals available include:

• School and sports physicals
• Employment-related physicals
• DOT Physical exams
• Annual wellness exams
• Pre-operative physicals

At CareFirst Urgent Care, our priority is to offer you fast, safe, and affordable care that works with your schedule. If you are experiencing non-critical injuries or conditions, visit one of our locations today or take a look at all of our services offered on our website If you are still unsure , you can read more to understand the differences between an urgent care center or an emergency room.