Does Urgent Care Do Stitches?
Are you curious that does urgent care do stitches?
Small cuts, bruises, knee skinning, animal scratches, and puncture wounds are common. While some of these wounds may require immediate medical attention, many of them are heal deep cut without stitches treatable. You might be wondering where to get help if you have cut yourself badly enough to need stitches. How to you know if a cut needs stitches? Does urgent care do stitches? To find the answer, continue reading.
How to know if a Cut Needs Stitches
Figuring out which cuts require stitches
“Does my cut need stitches?” is the first thing you need to know. If you are not sure what to do, it is best to get advice from a doctor or nurse with a lot of experience. Get medical help within two hours of getting hurt to avoid getting an infection. If you think your cut might need stitches, here are some signs:
- The cut or area around it feels numb.
- This cut is open, uneven, and very deep.
- The wound is still open and bleeding, even though direct pressure is being applied.
- The cut is close to something sensitive, like the face or genitalia.
- A cut is caused by being bitten or hit by something foreign.
- It was on a joint that the cut started.
- There are aesthetic concerns related to the cut.
What Size Cut It Is
Cuts can go very deep, so it is important to pay attention to how big the wound is. However, what exactly makes a cut “deep”? Most of the time, stitches are needed for cuts this deep or longer than half an inch. A cut that needs stitches might be so deep that nerves, blood vessels, bones, tendons, muscles, or ligaments can be seen.
Should you ever be unsure of how deep a cut is, you should always get medical help.
How Much Blood was lost?
When you need stitches in a cut, it will bleed a lot and be hard to stop, even with direct pressure.
If a cut is bleeding like this for more than 10 minutes and does not clot, you will probably need stitches.
If the cut is leaking blood, it could mean that the injury is through an artery and is worse.
Does Urgent Care Do Stitches?
Yes, you can get stitches at most urgent care centers. To treat minor injuries and illnesses, like cuts that need stitches, urgent care centers have the tools they need.
Consult a doctor if your cut is deep, long, gaping, or bleeds after 10 minutes of direct pressure. You should go to the doctor right away if the cut is on your face, in your genitalia, or any other sensitive area, if it bit you, or if something foreign was involved.
How Much Does it cost to get Stitches?
In the US, getting stitches can cost different amounts of money.
Without insurance, getting stitches at Urgent Care costs about $165 to $415 on average and some sources say it costs about $275 on average.
On the other hand, in a hospital, the price can be much higher; some people have said they were charged over $500 for four stitches.
It is important to remember that these costs can change depending on things like the size of the wound, where it is, and the healthcare provider.
If you have insurance, the amount you have to pay out of pocket will depend on your plan and what it covers.
How to treat Small cuts in general in First Aid
It is important to follow these general rules when giving first aid for small cuts:
Stop bleeding:
Use a clean cloth or bandage to put light pressure on the wound. Place something on top of the wound to stop the bleeding. For hand or arm cuts, raising them above the heart can slow bleeding.
Clean up the cut:
Cool or lukewarm water and mild soap should be used to wash the cut gently. Hydrogen peroxide, iodine, and rubbing alcohol are stronger cleaners that should not be used on a wound because they may make it worse.
Apply antibiotic Ointment:
Apply a thin layer of antibiotic ointment to the wound after cleaning it to help keep it from getting infected.
Keep the wound covered:
To keep the wound clean and prevent further injury, cover it with a sterile bandage after the bleeding stops. Protect the cut and change the bandage daily until it heals.
Visit a doctor:
Visit a doctor if the cut is deep, bleeds heavily, has something embedded in it, or does not stop bleeding after 10 minutes of direct pressure.
These first-aid tips are general and may not apply in all situations. A cut or wound should only be cared for by a medical professional if you have any concerns.
For Wrapping Up:
Does urgent care do stitches? It is important to get medical help right away if you have a cut that is deep, long, or will not stop bleeding. Assisting with stitches is something that most urgent care centers can do. Stitches can cost different amounts, and having insurance may change how much you have to pay out of pocket. Follow proper first aid for small cuts, but consult a doctor for serious wounds.
American Healthcare Compliance, Urgent Care Compliance Solutions, works to make urgent care centers safer and more compliant.
Medical staff will be able to handle emergencies, confidently give first aid, prevent falls, respond to active shooter situations, and transport critical patients to medical facilities thanks to our thorough training programs.
FAQs
Do I need stitches if the wound stops bleeding?
Not necessarily. While stopping bleeding is a positive sign, other factors, such as the depth and size of the wound, its location, and the potential for infection, should be considered. If in doubt, seek medical advice.
How does a deep wound heal without stitches?
Deep wounds may heal on their own through a process called secondary intention, where the wound gradually closes from the bottom up. However, large or gaping wounds may benefit from stitches to promote better and faster healing.
Can I get stitches removed at a walk-in clinic?
Yes, many walk-in clinics and urgent care centers can remove stitches. Ensure to follow the recommended healing time before having them removed, typically within 5 to 14 days, depending on the location and type of stitches.
Is there urgent care that does stitches near me?
To find an urgent care center offering stitches near you, check online directories and healthcare apps or contact your local healthcare provider for recommendations.