If you've been injured or simply feel as though something's off and need answers, a screening of some sort may be necessary. What exactly is a screening? We’re glad you asked.
A screening is a test used by medical providers to look for diseases and health conditions before you’re showing any true signs or symptoms. The goal of screening is to identify any problems in the early stages so that treatment is more successful.
The type of screening you receive is dependent on the problems you’re being checked for and can vary from a blood test to an x-ray to simply a list of questions your doctor asks.
Some of the most common issues you may need to be screened for include diabetes, high blood pressure, sexually transmitted diseases, mental health conditions, certain types of cancer, osteoporosis, and high cholesterol.
Here's a look at some of the more popular screenings and more information on where you can receive each.
What Screenings Do Urgent Cares Do?
Urgent care facilities are a great option if you need a routine screening or have concerns about a symptom that requires further examination. In most cases, urgent care will offer a much shorter wait time than the ER and cost much less.
Most urgent care clinics offer a wide variety of screenings to help you stay healthy, including:
- Audiometry screening
- Drug screening
- Annual physical exam
- Blood pressure tests
- COVID screenings
- STD tests
- Diabetes tests
- Cholesterol test
- Urinalysis
- Calcium test
- X-rays
If you're looking for a specific screening, simply have questions about your health, or are looking for a wellness checkup, CareNow® is open after hours and on the weekends to provide you with convenient care. You can take advantage of our Web Check-In® feature or walk in if needed.
Learn More About Medical Tests Offered
When Do You Need an X-ray?
One of the most common types of screenings is an x-ray. Most people experience x-rays are some point in their life. Whether it’s for a broken arm or a head injury, they can provide peace of mind that the injury isn’t more severe than it initially appears.
X-rays are a non-invasive way to take images of the inside of your body in places where it’d be impossible to see otherwise. They’re commonly used as a way to guide doctors or surgeons during some procedures.
If you've been prescribed an x-ray by a medical provider, you'll be asked to stand completely still while the imaging machine captures the best views of your body. In some cases, you may lie down while the tech positions pillows or sandbags to hold your position.
What Can an X-Ray Detect?
Here are some situations in which you may need an x-ray:
- Suspected broken bones: X-rays are often used to confirm or rule out the presence of a fracture or broken bone.
- Dental problems: Dentists may use x-rays to check for cavities, gum disease, or other dental issues.
- Digestive problems: X-rays can help identify problems in the digestive system, such as obstructions or perforations.
- Chest pain or respiratory problems: X-rays can be used to look for signs of lung diseases or infections, such as pneumonia.
- Joint pain or swelling: X-rays can help diagnose conditions that affect the joints, such as arthritis.
- Cancer diagnosis: X-rays can be used to detect the presence of tumors or abnormalities in the body.
Does Urgent Care Do X-Rays?
One of the best places to get an x-ray done is at your local urgent care clinic. Not only is this a more convenient option, but you will pay significantly less at urgent care than you would at an emergency room.
We offer a variety of different types of x-rays at CareNow® and have more than 175 locations throughout the country. Each of our clinics is fully staffed with qualified medical providers available to you after hours and on the weekends.
If you're curious about urgent care screening costs or which test you might need, visit our website for more information.
Does Urgent Care Do Cancer Screenings?
One of the most important things you can do for your health is to schedule an annual physical. The medical provider you see will recommend routine lab work that can help screen you for certain types of cancer, including colon cancer and rectal cancer. They will also do an exam for both skin cancer and breast cancer.
If you're experiencing symptoms linked to certain types of cancers, it's important to communicate that to your medical provider. They may recommend a specific blood test or screening to help pinpoint the cause of your symptoms.
When to Get Blood Tests Done As a Screening
Routine or prescribed blood tests can be an ideal way to keep track of your health and well-being. These tests are typically recommended during an annual physical exam; however, you may need to have them done if you're symptomatic and the medical provider is looking to give you a proper diagnosis.
Providers will often use blood tests to reveal the overall health and function of your organs. For instance, the kidneys, thyroid, and liver are all organs that can be examined closely via a blood test.
Blood tests can identify a number of different issues. Some of the lab tests offered by CareNow® include complete blood counts, drug screening, mercury blood tests, thyroid panels, and audiometry screenings.
You can get routine blood work done once every five years through the age of 39, every three years through the age of 49, and those 50 and older should get it done every other year.
CareNow® Can Screen for Your Health Concerns
From routine checkups to monitoring specific symptoms, CareNow® can give you the quality service you need when you need it. We have more than 175 locations throughout the country to best serve you. Click here for a full list of our locations.
We've proudly been honored with the distinguished designation of Accredited Urgent Care Center by the Urgent Care Association (UCA), a recognition that showcases our unwavering commitment to providing exceptional care to our patients.
Be sure to take advantage of our Web Check-In® feature that allows you to wait from anywhere so you can avoid the waiting room!