How Long Does Urgent Care Take?
When you are sick or injured, urgent care clinics offer fast, convenient treatment without the long wait times of a hospital emergency room. But many people wonder: “How long does urgent care take?”
The total time you will spend at urgent care depends on several factors. These factors include the type of treatment you require, the clinic’s workload, and the complexity of your condition.
On average, most urgent care visits last approximately 30 to 60 minutes, from check-in to checkout. Some may be shorter, while others may take longer if tests or procedures are required.
What Affects Your Wait Time?
The biggest factor is how many people are ahead of you. Walk-in clinics operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Peak hours—like evenings and weekends—may mean longer waits.
The type of care you need also affects the timeline. Simple visits like a flu shot are quicker than diagnostic tests or injury treatments. Some clinics offer online check-in to reduce your wait time. This allows you to reserve a spot and get an estimated appointment window.
Common Urgent Care Services and How Long They Take
The type of treatment you require impacts how long you will spend at an urgent care facility. The following are common urgent care services and the general expectation of how long these types of visits take:
Flu Testing
If you’re wondering how long does a flu test take at urgent care, the test itself is quick. A nasal swab is done in minutes. Results from a rapid flu test are usually ready within 10 to 15 minutes.
If a more accurate PCR flu test is needed, results can take longer—sometimes a few hours or up to a day if sent to an outside lab.
UTI Testing
For those asking how long does a UTI test take at urgent care, the answer is usually fast. A simple urine test is performed on-site, and results are typically available within 15 to 30 minutes.
If a urine culture is needed to identify the exact bacteria, it may take 24 to 48 hours for the final results. However, treatment may begin based on the initial test.
X-Rays
If you need imaging, you may wonder how long does it take to get x-ray results in urgent care. Most urgent care centers can complete x-rays within 15 to 30 minutes.
Preliminary results are often available within the hour. However, if a radiologist needs to review the images, a full report may take a few hours or up to a day.
STD Testing
For those concerned about how long does STD testing take at urgent care, the timeline varies. Rapid tests for some infections like HIV may give results in 20 to 30 minutes.
Other tests, including bloodwork or swabs, may require lab processing. These results typically take 2 to 5 days, depending on the clinic’s lab partner.
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Average Total Time at Urgent Care
A straightforward visit, like a flu shot or minor illness, can take as little as 20 minutes. If tests, x-rays, or procedures are needed, expect to spend 45 minutes to an hour or more.
According to the Urgent Care Association, over 90% of patients are seen within 30 minutes of arrival, and most visits are completed within an hour.
Tips to Shorten Your Urgent Care Visit
To reduce your time at urgent care, bring a photo ID, insurance card, and a list of your medications. Providing accurate medical history helps speed up the process.
Consider using online check-in if the clinic offers it. This allows you to avoid waiting in the lobby and gives you a better idea of when you’ll be seen. Visiting during off-peak hours—early mornings or weekdays—can also cut down your wait time.
When to Expect a Longer Visit
Complex conditions like deep cuts, broken bones, or breathing issues may require more time for tests, x-rays, or treatments. If lab work is sent out, results may not be available the same day.
If the clinic is crowded, you may have to wait longer. Many clinics experience peak demand on weekends, evenings, and during flu season.
Some urgent care clinics offer virtual visits for minor issues. These typically take 15 to 20 minutes and eliminate in-person waiting altogether.
How Long Does Urgent Care Take?
The length of time you can expect to spend at an urgent care clinic largely depends on the reason for your visit. Basic treatments are often fast. Diagnostic tests and procedures can add time to your visit.
Knowing what to expect and planning ahead can help you get the care you need without unnecessary delays. Urgent care clinics are designed to offer quick, effective care for non-emergency issues.
If you’re asking how long does a flu test take at urgent care, how long does a UTI test take at urgent care, how long does it take to get x-ray results in urgent care, or how long does STD testing take at urgent care—you now know the typical timelines.
Understanding these details can help you make informed decisions and get in and out of urgent care faster when you need it most.
The information provided on this website, including text, graphics, images, and other materials, is intended solely for informational purposes and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
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