Logo

What Urgent Care Can Treat: Quick Diagnostics and Basic Procedures

Published on Sep 05, 2025 | 9:38 AM

Share Article :

social-icons social-icons social-icons
Table of Contents

Was this article helpful?

Want to learn about a specific topic or condition?

Submit

When something unexpected happens with your health, you’re often faced with a big decision: do I go to the ER, or can urgent care handle this?

The truth is, urgent care centers are designed to bridge the gap between primary care and the emergency room. They offer quick diagnostics and basic procedures that can save you time, money, and stress.

Quick Diagnostics You Can Expect

Urgent care centers are equipped with tools to evaluate common health issues right on the spot. That means you can often walk in, get tested, and leave with an answer the same day.

Some of the most common diagnostics include:

  • Rapid tests for flu, strep, COVID-19, RSV, and other infections
  • Basic bloodwork such as glucose or cholesterol checks
  • Urinalysis to detect urinary tract infections or kidney issues
  • X-rays for suspected fractures, sprains, or chest concerns
  • EKGs for evaluating chest pain or irregular heartbeats

Having these resources available makes urgent care a convenient choice when you need quick clarity about your symptoms.

 

Basic Procedures Offered

Urgent care providers also perform minor procedures that don’t require a full hospital visit. This can include:

  • Stitches or wound closure for cuts and lacerations
  • Splinting or bandaging for simple sprains and minor fractures
  • Abscess drainage for skin infections
  • IV fluids for dehydration
  • Nebulizer treatments for asthma or breathing issues
  • Ear wax removal or foreign object removal from the ear, nose, or throat

These services are designed to treat urgent, but not life-threatening, conditions—helping patients get relief quickly without the cost or wait of the ER.

When Urgent Care Isn’t Enough

It’s important to know the limits. If you’re experiencing chest pain that could be a heart attack, severe difficulty breathing, uncontrolled bleeding, or sudden neurological symptoms like weakness or slurred speech, the emergency room is the safest place.

Urgent care is meant for quick solutions, not high-level emergencies.

 

How CallOnDoc Fits In

At CallOnDoc, we make care even more accessible by bringing urgent evaluations to your phone or computer.

We can:

  • Provide online diagnostics for common infections like strep, UTI, or flu, based on your symptoms
  • Send lab orders when needed, so you can test locally without waiting in line
  • Offer prescriptions for common conditions, delivered to your pharmacy of choice
  • Deliver transparent pricing, so you know the cost before your visit

When something urgent pops up, you don’t always need to sit in a crowded clinic. With CallOnDoc, you can often get answers and treatment the same day—without leaving home.

 

Was this article helpful?

Want to learn about a specific topic or condition?

Submit
Doctor-image-blog
Shelly House, FNP,

Shelly House, FNP, is a Family Nurse Practitioner and Call-On-Doc’s trusted medical education voice. With extensive experience in telehealth and patient-centered care, Ms. House is dedicated to making complex health topics simple and accessible. Through evidence-based content, provider collaboration, and a passion for empowering patients, her mission is to break down barriers to healthcare by delivering clear, compassionate, and practical medical guidance.

Related Blogs

Warning Signs and Symptoms of Prediabetes

More than 1 in 3 Americans—approximately 96 million adults—are prediabetic. Of those who have prediabetes. 80% do not know they have it. People with prediabetes don’t experience the same intensity of symptoms as those with diabetes. This can make noticing the signs and getting help early on difficult to do.

May 09, 2022 | 10:04 AM

Read More arrow right

What to Know About Breast Cancer

According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer is the second most common type of cancer affecting women in the United States. This guide will explain breast cancer types and reveal what steps you can take for prevention and treatment.

Oct 23, 2022 | 11:47 AM

Read More arrow right

National Diabetes Awareness Week

Diabetes affects the body’s ability to get energy from glucose. People with this condition are either not able to produce sufficient insulin (Type 1) or are unable to use the insulin their body makes to its full potential (Type 2).

When either of these things occurs, an excess of sugar remains in the blood. Left unchecked, too much sugar in the bloodstream can lead to the development of serious problems like kidney and heart disease, as well as vision loss. Unfortunately, 20% of people with diabetes may never know they have it.

Nov 15, 2022 | 11:19 AM

Read More arrow right

801,500+ starstarstarstarstar Reviews

801,500+ star star star star star Reviews

Feedback from our amazing patients!

4.9
star
google icon star facebook icon

Highest Rated Telemedicine Provider

star
4.9 (13102 Reviews)
star
4.8 (10001 Reviews)
star
4.9 (4570 Reviews)