Sprains and fractures are common injuries that can happen at any time. Knowing where to go for medical attention can make all the difference in getting the proper diagnosis and treatment. For many, the first thought is to go to the emergency room (ER), but that is not always necessary nor the most cost-effective option. In many cases, orthopedic urgent care facilities may be the best choice, especially when it comes to orthopedic injuries that require X-rays.
Our patients often ask if our urgent care provides X-rays. The answer is yes. EmergeOrtho—Blue Ridge Region’s orthopedic urgent care facilities have state-of-the-art diagnostic tools, including digital X-rays, available for immediate diagnosis. With no waiting for care, patients can walk in or reserve a spot and be seen by our board-certified and fellowship-trained orthopedic subspecialists who only treat patients for orthopedic injuries.
Urgent Care vs. ER
Orthopedic urgent care is different from a hospital ER in many ways. While ERs are equipped to handle all medical emergencies, they also have to prioritize cases based on the severity of the condition. This can mean waiting for hours before being seen by a doctor.
Urgent care facilities, on the other hand, offer immediate attention for orthopedic injuries. With a focus on one specialty, they can provide efficient care and diagnose the problem quickly. Dedicated orthopedic urgent care centers are designed to streamline treatment so that patients receive quality and swift care in one location at a substantially lower cost than a hospital ER.
Conditions Orthopedic Urgent Cares Treat
EmergeOrtho urgent care facilities specialize in all orthopedic injuries and conditions. Many of our patients come in as a result of slipping and falling, a sports injury, an in-home accident, or a work incident. In addition to treating common sprains and fractures, we also treat other conditions such as joint pain, back pain, and arthritis.
Our urgent care centers do not treat life-threatening conditions, conditions requiring hospitalization, non-orthopedic care, open fractures (in which bone is protruding from the skin), head or facial trauma, initial visits following a motor vehicle accident, or chest injuries. If you are experiencing chest pain, shortness of breath, or any other life-threatening emergency, call 911 or go directly to the ER.
Urgent Care X-Rays and Other Advanced Diagnostic Tools
EmergeOrtho has six urgent care locations in the Blue Ridge Region—each fully equipped with state-of-the-art diagnostic tools. Our urgent cares use digital X-rays which provide detailed X-ray images that are immediately available to the treating physician and have many advantages over traditional X-rays, including:
- Safety: Digital X-rays expose patients to 90% less radiation in comparison to conventional X-ray machines.
- Accuracy: Digital X-rays provide clearer images with higher resolution than traditional X-rays, which can be enlarged or manipulated to see the area of interest.
- Speed: With no need for development onto film, digital X-rays are available right away and can be sent to the doctor making a diagnosis quickly and electronically.
- Green: Digital X-ray imaging does not require any chemicals and is easily shared electronically with other physicians.
Our facilities are also equipped with rapid, precision tools such as MRIs, EMG Nerve Test/Electromyograms, and weight-bearing CT Scanners. Having these tools at hand allows for quick and accurate diagnosis, which is important in determining the appropriate course of treatment. Patients can walk in or reserve a spot, get a real-time diagnosis, and begin immediate treatment, in much less time than visiting a hospital ER.
When To Go To Urgent Care
If you are experiencing a sprain, fracture, or significant pain, it’s important to seek medical attention right away. Delaying treatment can result in complications, such as chronic pain or limited mobility. By going to one of EmergeOrtho—Blue Ridge Region’s urgent care clinics, you can receive immediate attention and expert care for your orthopedic injuries. With eight orthopedic centers throughout the region, you can also receive follow-up care and diagnostics without needing an outside referral.
Simply walk in or reserve your spot here. Emerge Stronger, Healthier, and Better with the help of EmergeOrtho—Blue Ridge Region.
