Can you go to urgent care for kidney stones?

Yes, urgent care is a good option for initial pain management and basic diagnostics. However, a specialist's advice is ultimate when it comes to deciding if you need lithotripsy or if it will pass naturally. Do get a proper consultation with a urologist after your urgent care visit.

For something as painful as kidney stones, we prefer going directly to a well-equipped multi-specialty hospital. They have urologists and scanning facilities readily available under one roof. Ask your doctor clearly about the size of the stone and what lifestyle changes you need to avoid them in the future.

According to the urologist I consulted last year, urgent care is fully equipped to handle uncomplicated kidney stones with pain meds and hydration. However, if you have uncontrollable vomiting, fever, or an inability to pass urine, they will refer you to an ER. It's best to have an ultrasound done to know the stone size.

I totally get it, kidney stone pain is honestly one of the worst feelings ever. Yes, urgent care clinics can give you IV fluids and strong pain management to make you comfortable. Please don't sit at home suffering, just head there and get some relief.

Urgent care can help manage the immediate pain, which is crucial. Once the pain is under control and the doctor gives you the go-ahead, drinking lots of water and doing light walking can sometimes help pass smaller stones. But definitely get their professional opinion first before trying any physical activity.

With kidney issues, managing your lifestyle and getting regular checkups is very important, especially if you also have high BP like me. Urgent care can provide quick relief for the acute pain, but you must follow up with a urologist to find the root cause and get proper treatment.