Urgent Care for Pain Treatment Q&A

Urgent care clinics are equipped to treat a diverse range of pain-related conditions, offering immediate relief for acute injuries and illnesses that aren’t life-threatening but need quick attention. They specialize in treating common types of musculoskeletal pain such as sprains, strains, fractures, and dislocations. Most facilities are well-equipped to address sudden pain resulting from sports activities, falls, or accidents with the ability to perform X-rays and provide appropriate treatment, including splinting, casting, or prescribing pain medication.

Headaches and migraines can also be effectively handled with urgent care. They specialize in detecting and treating a variety of headaches, including tension headaches, migraines, and cluster headaches.

Abdominal pain due to conditions like gastritis, kidney stones, indigestion, constipation, diarrhea, and urinary tract infections can also be evaluated.

Chest pain, a possible symptom of severe conditions like heart disease or less serious causes like heartburn or respiratory infections, can be initially evaluated and treated.

Urgent care clinics are also equipped to treat minor skin and soft tissue infections, such as cellulitis, abscesses, and wound infections. Sudden eye pain or discomfort caused by corneal abrasions, conjunctivitis (pink eye), or other minor eye infections can also be addressed.

Knowing when to seek urgent medical attention for pain can be crucial to your health. Here is a general guideline you can reference:

• Moderate, uncontrolled pain: If you’re experiencing a minor fracture, sprain, severe back pain, or a painful urinary tract infection that over-the-counter pain relievers can’t alleviate.

• Pain coupled with other symptoms: If you’re experiencing pain with a high fever, persistent vomiting, difficulty breathing, or other serious symptoms, seek immediate medical attention.

• Minor burn, cut, or abrasion: Urgent care can clean and dress your wound to prevent infection and further complications.

• Severe abdominal pain: If your abdominal pain is severe or accompanied by other symptoms such as vomiting, changes in bowel habits, or fever, urgent care can provide immediate relief and conduct necessary tests.

• Intense and persistent pain: Pain that does not subside or worsen over time.

• Pain associated with shortness of breath or chest pain: This could signal a heart or lung issue.

• Pain causing difficulty walking or moving: This could indicate fractures or sprains.

• Pain not responding to over-the-counter pain relievers: This indicates the need for stronger medication.

The first step would be providing your personal information, insurance details, and medical history. A physician or nurse practitioner will review your medical history, and the details gathered during the preliminary examination. They will then conduct a detailed physical examination, focusing on the area where you’re experiencing pain. Depending on your symptoms and their initial findings, they may order diagnostic tests such as X-rays, blood work, or other imaging studies to confirm their diagnosis or rule out other conditions.

Once the cause of your pain has been identified, the provider will discuss the diagnosis with you and outline a suitable treatment plan. This could involve:

• Medications for pain relief and reducing inflammation, like ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
• Physical or occupational therapy to promote better movement and flexibility.
• Rest and lifestyle modifications to minimize pain triggers.

If your condition is serious, immediate intervention may be required. In rare situations, the healthcare professional may refer you to a specialist for further investigation or treatment.

The healthcare providers may schedule follow-up visits or recommend additional tests to ensure your pain is being managed effectively. Upon discharge, you’ll receive instructions on self-care measures, such as how to take prescribed medications, when to seek further medical attention, and how to apply heat therapy or ice at home.

Additional Considerations

• Waiting time: Waiting times can vary depending on the severity of other patients’ conditions.

• Insurance coverage: It’s advisable to double-check your coverage in advance to avoid unexpected expenses.

Yes, but this depends on the nature and severity of your pain, as well as several other factors.

Type of Pain:

• Acute pain: You may be provided short-term pain relief medications for conditions such as minor fractures, burns, strains, or sprains resulting from recent injury or trauma.

• Chronic pain: Urgent care clinics do not typically prescribe long-term pain medication or narcotics. Patients with chronic or severe pain will likely be referred to a specialist for more comprehensive pain management.

Cause of Pain:

• Inflammatory conditions: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may be prescribed to reduce inflammation and pain.

• Musculoskeletal injuries: Pain medication may be prescribed to manage pain and facilitate rehabilitation.

• Other medical conditions: Conditions like migraines, sinus infections, or dental pain may necessitate pain medication.

The cost of pain treatment services isn’t one-size-fits-all. It can vary significantly.

Factors Influencing Cost:

• Type of Pain: The cost can be affected by the specific type of pain treatment needed and the severity of the patient’s condition.

• Location: The geographical location may influence costs.

• Diagnostic Tests and Procedures: If you require specific pain management treatments such as injections, medications, imaging tests, or therapeutic procedures, these will typically incur additional costs.

• Insurance Coverage: For patients with health insurance, the cost of urgent care for pain treatment will depend on the specifics of their insurance plan.

A visit to UCare Urgent Care and Walk-In Clinic may cost anywhere from $100 to $200. This is typically less expensive than a visit to an emergency room but more costly than a visit to a primary care physician. However, the average cost of an urgent care visit for pain treatment at UCare Urgent Care and Walk-In Clinic can range from $100 to $500. We recommend contacting our clinics beforehand to inquire about our payment policies and the estimated cost of treatment. We encourage everyone to visit us online to learn more about our services and to sign up for our special offers – you will be glad you did! We serve patients from El Paso TX, Horizon City TX, Lee Travino Drive TX, Fort Bliss TX, Mission Valley TX, Resler Canyon TX, Alfalfa TX, Montwood TX, and BEYOND!