Would an Urgent Care Take X-Rays for a Fractured Heel?

You’ve taken a bad step—maybe during a workout, a fall, or simply missing a stair—and now your heel is swollen, painful, and possibly fractured. The pain is intense, and you’re unsure where to go. Emergency room? Primary care? Or urgent care?

If you’re wondering, Would an urgent care take X-rays for a fractured heel?—the short answer is yes, in many cases. Here’s a breakdown of what urgent care centers can do for heel injuries, how X-rays are handled, and when to seek more advanced care.

Can Urgent Care Diagnose a Fractured Heel?

Yes, most urgent care clinics can evaluate and diagnose a fractured heel, especially those equipped with on-site imaging services like X-rays.

Heel fractures (also called calcaneal fractures) can be painful and limit your ability to walk. Symptoms often include:

• Sudden heel pain after a fall or jump
  
• Swelling and bruising around the heel
  
• Inability to bear weight on the foot
  
• A feeling of instability or tenderness
  

Urgent care professionals are trained to assess these symptoms and will typically recommend an X-ray to confirm whether there is a fracture or another issue such as a severe bruise, ligament strain, or tendon injury.

Do All Urgent Cares Offer X-Ray Services?

Not all, but many modern urgent care clinics—like NextGen Primary Care Doctor Walk-in Clinic Houston & Urgent Care—have in-house diagnostic tools, including digital X-ray machines.

This makes urgent care a great choice for:

• Faster service than an ER
  
• Same-day diagnosis and pain management
  
• Avoiding long ER wait times and higher fees
  

If your chosen urgent care doesn’t have X-ray capabilities, they may refer you to a nearby imaging center or ER.

What Happens During the Visit?

If you suspect a fractured heel and visit an urgent care, here’s what to expect:

1. Initial Evaluation: A provider will ask about how the injury happened, check your ability to bear weight, and examine the area for swelling or deformity.
   
2. X-ray Procedure: If a fracture is suspected, you’ll undergo X-rays to get a clear image of your heel bone (calcaneus). This usually takes just a few minutes.
   
3. Diagnosis and Treatment: Based on the results, the provider will either:
   
   • Confirm the fracture and recommend rest, ice, compression, elevation (RICE), and possibly a walking boot or crutches.
     
   • Refer you to a specialist or ER if the fracture is severe or needs surgical intervention.
     

When Should You Skip Urgent Care?

Urgent care can handle simple or non-displaced heel fractures, but severe cases should be treated in an emergency room. Go to the ER if:

• The heel appears deformed
  
• You’re in excruciating pain and can’t move your foot at all
  
• There’s heavy bleeding or exposed bone
  
• The injury involved a high fall or car accident
  

In such cases, you may need immediate surgical consultation or advanced imaging like a CT scan.

Does Insurance Cover Urgent Care X-Rays?

In most cases, yes—especially if your urgent care visit is medically necessary. Many urgent care centers accept private insurance, Medicare, Medicaid, and marketplace plans such as Ambetter.

If you’re insured through Ambetter, make sure to:

• Confirm the clinic is in-network
  
• Ask about X-ray copays or additional fees
  
• Bring your insurance card and ID
  

NextGen Primary Care Doctor Walk-in Clinic Houston & Urgent Care accepts Ambetter insurance, ensuring that your urgent care visit, including X-rays, is more affordable and accessible.

Why Choose Urgent Care for a Foot Injury?

Urgent care is a smart choice when you need medical attention quickly but don’t require the full resources of a hospital. Here’s why patients choose clinics like NextGen:

• Shorter wait times
  
• Lower cost than ER visits
  
• In-house X-ray and diagnostics
  
• Experienced providers familiar with orthopedic injuries
  
• No appointment needed—walk-ins welcome

NextGen Primary Care Doctor Walk-in Clinic Houston & Urgent Care Serving the Larchmont Community and Beyond in Houston

NextGen Primary Care Doctor Walk-in Clinic Houston & Urgent Care is dedicated to serving the diverse needs of the local community of Houston, including individuals residing in neighborhoods like Larchmont. With its convenient location near landmarks such as Anderson Park and major intersections like Fountain View Dr & Beverly Hill St (coordinates: 29.730193521018375, -95.48345347016439), we offer walk-in clinic Ambetter insurance services.

Get Walk-in Clinic Ambetter Insurance Services at Larchmont Now

Navigate from Larchmont to NextGen Primary Care Doctor Walk-in Clinic Houston & Urgent Care Now

Conclusion

So, would an urgent care take X-rays for a fractured heel? Absolutely—as long as the clinic has X-ray capability, you can walk in (or hobble in!) and receive fast, affordable care. For patients in Houston, NextGen Primary Care Doctor Walk-in Clinic Houston & Urgent Care offers same-day service, experienced providers, and full diagnostic support for injuries like heel fractures.

Plus, if you carry Ambetter insurance, NextGen is a great walk-in clinic Ambetter insurance covers—helping you get the care you need without delay or a hefty bill.

FAQs

1. Can I get an X-ray for a foot injury at urgent care?
Yes, most urgent care centers with in-house imaging can take X-rays for foot injuries, including suspected fractures.

2. How much does an X-ray cost at urgent care without insurance?
Costs vary, but a foot X-ray at urgent care typically ranges from $75 to $250, depending on location and services.

3. Will urgent care put a cast on my foot?
Urgent care clinics can apply a splint, walking boot, or wrap, but for complex fractures, they may refer you to an orthopedic specialist.

4. How long does a heel fracture take to heal?
Most heel fractures heal in 6 to 12 weeks, depending on the severity. Rest, ice, and elevation are crucial for recovery.

5. Does urgent care accept Ambetter insurance for X-rays?
Yes, many urgent care clinics, including NextGen Primary Care in Houston, accept Ambetter and offer diagnostic services like X-rays.