Can Urgent Care Do Stitches? Everything You Need to Know

Can Urgent Care Do Stitches, Accidents happen, and sometimes a cut or wound might be serious enough to need stitches. Many people wonder whether they need to visit an emergency room or if an urgent care center can provide stitches. The good news is that most urgent care centers are fully equipped to handle minor to moderate cuts that require stitching, making them a convenient and cost-effective alternative.

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When Are Stitches Necessary?

Not every Can Urgent Care Do Stitches. Small cuts that stop bleeding quickly and have clean edges may heal on their own with proper wound care. However, a deeper or wider wound might require stitches to heal properly and prevent infection. Stitches help close the skin, speed up healing, and reduce scarring. A cut may need stitches if:

It is deeper than a quarter of an inch.
The bleeding does not stop after 10-15 minutes of pressure.
The edges of the wound are jagged or gaping open.
The injury is on a joint, face, or another high-movement area.
Muscle, fat, or bone is visible in the wound.

Can Urgent Care Centers Provide Stitches?

Yes, most urgent care clinics can provide stitches for minor to moderate cuts and lacerations. These centers are staffed with medical professionals, including doctors and nurse practitioners, who can assess wounds, clean them properly, and stitch them up if necessary.

Urgent care facilities are designed for non-life-threatening injuries, making them a great option for:

Cuts that are not excessively deep but still require stitching.
Lacerations that are not caused by extremely dirty or rusty objects.
Wounds that do not involve severe tissue damage or exposed bones.

When Should You Go to the Emergency Room Instead?

While urgent care is a good option for many injuries, there are some cases where visiting an emergency room is necessary. You should go to an ER instead of urgent care if:

The wound is extremely deep and exposes muscles, tendons, or bones.
There is uncontrolled bleeding that does not stop after applying pressure.
The injury is on a sensitive area like the eye or genitals.
The cut was caused by a serious animal bite or a high-impact injury.
You feel weak, dizzy, or faint due to blood loss.

The Stitches Procedure at Urgent Care

If you visit an urgent care center for stitches, here is what you can expect:

Examination: The healthcare provider will assess the wound to determine if stitches are needed.
Cleaning: The wound will be cleaned with antiseptic to remove dirt and bacteria.
Stitching: If necessary, the doctor will numb the area and carefully sew the wound closed with stitches.
Bandaging: A protective bandage will be applied to keep the wound clean.
Aftercare Instructions: You will receive instructions on how to care for your stitches, including when to return for stitch removal if needed.

How Much Do Stitches Cost at Urgent Care?

The cost of getting stitches at urgent care varies depending on location, the severity of the wound, and whether you have insurance. On average, getting stitches at an urgent care center costs between $150 and $400. In contrast, an emergency room visit can cost several times more, often exceeding $1,000.

Taking Care of Stitches at Home

After getting stitches, it is important to follow proper wound care instructions to ensure healing and prevent infection. Some key steps include:

Keeping the wound clean and dry.
Avoiding excessive movement that could reopen the wound.
Following any prescribed medication or antibiotic ointment use.
Watching for signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or pus.

Conclusion

Urgent care centers are a great option for treating cuts that require stitches, as long as the injury is not too severe. They provide fast, affordable care without the long wait times and high costs of emergency rooms. If you suffer a cut and think you might need stitches, visiting an urgent care center can be a practical and efficient choice.