X-ray, also known as X-radiation, is a type of electromagnetic radiation used in medical imaging. It creates images of structures inside the body using tiny amounts of electromagnetic radiation. Afterwards, the images can be viewed on film or digitally.
Many medical conditions may necessitate the use of X-rays in order to be diagnosed although when it comes to diagnosing injuries and illnesses, an X-ray isn't always necessary. If an x-ray or another radiological procedure is truly required, the costs will vary depending on the facility. Procedures are typically more expensive at a hospital than at an independent radiology practice, and the contracted rates are also higher at the hospital. This distinction is critical, especially when a deductible is involved.
X-rays are typically performed by trained professionals known as radiographers in hospital X-ray departments, and these services are available at local hospitals, walk-in clinics, and urgent care urgent-care centers . While visiting your local hospital may be perceived as inconvenient due to long lines, urgent care facilities and walk-in treatment centers may appear to be the same thing. In many ways, they are similar, but there are a few key features of urgent-care clinics that improve the quality of medical care you receive. These features include:
Equipment
Urgent care facilities have more medical equipment than walk-in clinics. X-ray machines, lab testing facilities, and a variety of other standard pieces of equipment may be included. Nonetheless, some private clinics are making significant investments in medical equipment to improve service delivery and customer satisfaction.
Operating Periods
Urgent care facilities exist to provide immediate medical care when it is needed. Indeed, during off-hours – primarily at night and on weekends – they are regarded as the go-to medical facilities. To that end, they are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and operate around the clock.
Payment Plans/Affordability
Although local hospitals and walk-in-clinics accept most major insurance coverage, they may have reservations with individual insurers. Urgent care facilities, however, accept almost all certified insurance policies and liaise with insurance companies to clear payments. Additionally, urgent care facilities have plans in place to help patients meet their medical expenses in cases they are not insured or under-insured – walk-in clinics do not have such plans.
Speed
Patients with critical health issues are given priority at urgent care facilities. Someone suffering from excessive bleeding, for example, would be treated before someone suffering from a dislocated shoulder. Walk-in clinics, on the other hand, are strictly first-come, first-served. As a result, despite the severity of your illness, you must wait in line. Urgent-care facilities typically operate faster than walk-in clinics because their emphasis is on providing quick medical services.
And if you need a same-day x-ray at a walk-in clinic then book at AFC Urgent Care Edgewater! Our provider team of urgent care specialists can help get your an x-ray without the long wait at a hospital. Just visit today to get same-day care!
