Can Urgent Care Do Ultrasound? Diagnostic Imaging at Pronto Urgent Care Fort Lauderdale
Can Urgent Care Do Ultrasound? Diagnostic Imaging at Pronto Urgent Care Fort Lauderdale
Ultrasound imaging—using sound waves to visualize soft tissues, organs, and blood flow—has traditionally been limited to hospitals and specialty centers. Today, many urgent care clinics, including Pronto Urgent Care Fort Lauderdale, offer on-site ultrasound to provide fast, cost-effective diagnoses for a range of conditions.
When Does Urgent Care Recommend an Ultrasound?
Urgent care providers may order an ultrasound for:
- Abdominal pain: Evaluate gallstones, appendicitis signs, or abdominal aortic aneurysm risk.
- Musculoskeletal injuries: Detect tendon tears, muscle strains, or joint effusions.
- Soft tissue lumps: Differentiate cysts from solid masses under the skin.
- Venous concerns: Screen for deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in the legs.
- Early pregnancy checks: Confirm heartbeat and rule out ectopic pregnancy (first trimester only).
At Pronto Urgent Care Fort Lauderdale, a brief physical exam guides the decision to perform an on-site ultrasound—often delivering answers within minutes.
Types of Ultrasound Services Offered
| Study Type | Use Case |
|---|---|
| Abdominal Ultrasound | Liver, gallbladder, pancreas, kidneys |
| Pelvic & OB Ultrasound | Early pregnancy, ovarian cysts, pelvic pain |
| Musculoskeletal Ultrasound | Tendons, ligaments, joint effusions |
| Vascular (Doppler) Ultrasound | Blood clots, venous insufficiency |
| Soft Tissue & Thyroid | Lipomas, thyroid nodules, lymph nodes |
All exams are performed with portable digital units, providing high-resolution imaging and immediate interpretation.
On-Site Ultrasound Process
- Triage & Clinical Evaluation
– Provider reviews symptoms and medical history. - Pre-Scan Preparation
– Apply ultrasound gel; position patient for optimal views. - Image Acquisition
– Sonographer or provider scans target area with the transducer. - Real-Time Review
– Clinician interprets images on-screen and discusses findings. - Next Steps
– Treatment (e.g., splinting), referrals to specialists, or advanced imaging if needed.
Typical exam time: 15–30 minutes total.
Cost & Insurance Coverage (Average Costs in Fort Lauderdale)
| Service | Self-Pay Cost | Insured Copay |
|---|---|---|
| Urgent Care Visit | $75–$125 | $20–$50 |
| Standard Ultrasound Study | +$150–$250 | Covered w/copay |
| Vascular Doppler Ultrasound | +$200–$300 | Covered w/copay |
Tip: Ask about bundled visit + ultrasound discounts for self-pay patients.
How to Prepare for Your Ultrasound
- Abdominal/Pelvic Studies: Fast 6–8 hours before exam.
- Bladder Evaluation: Drink 32 oz of water one hour before scan.
- MSK/Thyroid: No special prep required.
- Wear loose, comfortable clothing to expose the target area.
Proper preparation ensures clear images and a smooth experience.
Benefits of On-Site Ultrasound at Urgent Care
- Speed: One-stop diagnosis—no separate imaging center visit.
- Cost Savings: Lower fees than hospital outpatient labs.
- Convenience: Single location for assessment, imaging, and follow-up.
- Patient-Centered Care: Direct communication between sonographer and provider.
Limitations & When to Seek Hospital Imaging
Urgent care ultrasound is excellent for many scenarios, but you may need hospital-based imaging for:
- Advanced obstetric care beyond the first trimester.
- Complex vascular mapping or interventional procedures.
- Detailed organ scans (CT/MRI) for tumors or severe trauma.
Pronto Urgent Care will coordinate referrals as needed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I get an ultrasound without a referral?
Yes—our providers order imaging based on your clinical needs.
Is ultrasound safe?
Ultrasound uses sound waves, not radiation—safe for most patients, including pregnant women.
How do I receive my results?
Results are reviewed in person immediately; detailed reports are available via our secure patient portal.
