Urgent care centers are a super convenient way to get medical attention when you can’t wait for your regular doctor but don’t necessarily need an emergency room.
But can urgent care centers do stitches? The short answer is often, yes! This article will dive into the types of wounds that urgent care can handle, what to expect if you need stitches, and when you should head straight to the ER instead. Plus, we’ll give you some post-care tips to make sure your wound heals properly.
What is urgent care?
Urgent care centers fill a space between your primary care doctor’s office and the emergency room. They treat illnesses and injuries that need immediate attention but aren’t life-threatening.
Many people choose urgent care because they offer:
- longer hours than a typical doctor’s office
- walk-in appointments
- shorter wait times than an ER
When can urgent care handle stitches?
If you’re wondering whether urgent care can stitch up a wound, the answer is often yes. But, there are definitely times when you should head straight to the ER.
Types of wounds suitable for urgent care
Urgent care centers can typically handle:
- Minor to moderate cuts and lacerations that aren’t excessively deep and where the bleeding is controlled.
- Straight, shallow cuts that have clean edges that can be brought together easily. Urgent care is best for cuts that aren’t located on joints or sensitive areas.
When to choose urgent care over the ER
Choose urgent care rather than the ER when:
- Your doctor’s office is closed. Urgent care centers are generally open beyond regular business hours.
- You’re looking for faster, more affordable treatment. Wait times are shorter at urgent care centers, and the cost is usually lower than at the ER.
- The wound doesn’t show any signs of serious complications like infection, nerve damage, or damage to underlying structures.
What happens when you get stitches at urgent care?
If you go to urgent care for stitches, here’s what you can expect:
- Assessment and prep. The provider will look at your wound to decide if you need stitches. They’ll clean the wound carefully to get rid of any dirt or debris and prevent infection.
- Numbing. The provider will inject a numbing medication around the wound, so you don’t feel pain while they’re working.
- Stitching. The provider will use sutures to close the edges of your wound. The kind of suture they use will depend on where the wound is and how big it is.
When to Go to the Emergency Room Instead
While urgent care can handle many cuts, some injuries need emergency care. Head to the ER if:
- You have severe bleeding that you can’t stop. Apply pressure for 10 minutes; if it doesn’t stop, go to the ER.
- The wound is very deep, exposing bone, tendons, or muscle. These injuries require specialized treatment.
- You have a wound on your face or scalp. Facial injuries sometimes need a plastic surgeon.
- Your injury resulted from a major accident. Serious accidents, like car crashes and falls, can cause other problems that need immediate attention.
- You see signs of infection. Redness, swelling, pus, and fever can mean an infection is present.
Do I need a tetanus shot?
Tetanus is a severe infection that attacks the nervous system. You can contract it if bacteria enters your body through a wound, especially if that wound comes into contact with soil, saliva, or feces.
Doctors recommend getting a tetanus booster every ten years. But if you get a dirty wound, you may need a booster if it’s been more than five years since your last shot.
Many urgent care centers can administer tetanus shots as part of their wound care services.
How to care for your stitches
Your urgent care provider will give you detailed instructions for after-care, but here are some things you can generally expect:
- Keep the wound clean and dry. Gently wash the area with mild soap and water every day.
- Change the dressing. Do this whenever the doctor or nurse tells you to.
- Watch for infection. Redness, swelling, pus, or increasing pain could be signs of infection.
- Avoid straining the wound. Don’t do anything that could stretch or irritate the area.
Key Takeaways
Urgent care centers can provide stitches for simple to moderately complex wounds, as long as they aren’t too deep or showing signs of infection.
However, for very deep wounds, serious injuries, or wounds that look infected, it’s best to head straight to the nearest emergency room.
When you’re not sure where to go for stitches, call your doctor or another healthcare provider. They can help you decide on the best course of treatment.