ER-trained doctor reviewing a patient’s X-ray at ContinuEM Urgent Care in Lakewood

IMAGING & DIAGNOSTICS

Urgent Care Imaging in Lakewood

Most urgent cares can’t image you — they send you out with a referral and a wait. ContinuEM has digital X-ray, CT, MRI, and ultrasound on site, ordered and read by ER-trained doctors, so you leave with answers the same day.

*CT, MRI, and ultrasound availability is based on clinical evaluation, medical necessity, availability, and insurance eligibility.

Four Scans. One Roof. Same Visit.

X-Rays

The fastest first look at your bones, joints, and chest.

Common reasons: broken bones & sprains, chest congestion, swallowed objects.

See X-Rays

CT Scans

A detailed 3D look inside your body that an X-ray can’t see.

Common reasons: abdominal pain, head injury, kidney stones.

See CT Scans

MRI Scans

The clearest picture of soft tissue: brain, muscles, ligaments, joints.

Common reasons: back pain, joint injuries, persistent headaches.

See MRI Scans

Ultrasound

Real-time imaging with no radiation.

Common reasons: pregnancy concerns, gallbladder pain, blood clots, swelling.

See Ultrasound

Which Scan Do I Need?

Each scan is built for a different job. Compare them below — and don’t worry, our doctors always confirm the right one during your exam.

Scan X-Rays CT Scans MRI Scans Ultrasound
Best For Broken bones, chest congestion Organs, internal bleeding, complex fractures Ligaments, muscles, brain, spine Organs, blood flow, pregnancy-safe imaging
Time Minutes Minutes 30+ minutes 15-30 minutes

Not sure which you need? You don’t have to be — our doctors choose the right imaging after your exam.

Have an Imaging Order From Your Doctor? Walk In.

No need to wait weeks for an imaging-center appointment — bring your order to us and we can usually scan you the same day.

ContinuEM technologist positioning a patient’s arm for an X-ray

Why Get Your Imaging at ContinuEM

ER-trained doctors order, perform, and read your scan in one visit

No referral needed — walk-ins welcome

Before anything is scheduled, we give you an estimated charge.

Open until 11 PM weekdays, 6 PM weekends

Minutes from Long Beach, Cerritos, Bellflower, and Downey

ContinuEM doctor explaining imaging results to a patient

FAQ

Imaging FAQs

Yes. Digital X-ray plus CT, MRI, and ultrasound, all under one roof in Lakewood. You’re scanned during your visit, not referred out.

No. Walk in, and our doctor will evaluate you first. If imaging is medically necessary, we can usually scan you on the same visit.

Before anything is scheduled, we give you an estimated charge. You pay that amount at the time of service, and you sign an acknowledgment that your insurance may not cover the scan or may apply it to your deductible.

We still submit the scan to your insurance. We also give you an itemized receipt you can send to your insurance company for reimbursement. How much comes back depends on your plan. It may be full, partial or nothing.

X-rays work differently. They are billed to your insurance like the rest of your urgent care visit.

See Insurance & Pricing.

Usually, before you leave. Our ER-trained doctors review your images on site and walk you through what they see.

BY SYMPTOM

Symptoms That Often Need Imaging

Wondering if your symptom needs a scan? These are the ones we image most:

COVERAGE

We’ve Got You Covered

Your cost depends on your plan and the services you need. Call (562) 731-3990 to check benefits or ask about self-pay pricing.

*Exclusions apply for insurance plans without urgent care benefits — see cash payment options.

  • Aetna
  • Alignment Healthcare
  • Anthem
  • Blue Shield of California
  • CareMore Health
  • Cigna
  • Health Net
  • ILWU Local 13
  • Long Beach USD
  • Kaiser Permanente
  • Medicare Part B
  • Medicare Advantage Plans
  • Optum
  • Premier Health
  • Prospect Health
  • SCAN Health Plan
  • United Healthcare

*Anthem patients’ benefits may differ   † Kaiser commercial plans only

‡ except Humana   § except Medi-Cal

How payment works for MRI, CT and ultrasound

Waiting on an insurance prior authorization can hold up a scan for days, and a denial can still come after the wait. Our STAT advanced imaging coordination gets you scheduled quickly through our imaging partner instead.

Before anything is scheduled, we give you an estimated charge. You pay that amount at the time of service, and you sign an acknowledgment that your insurance may not cover the scan or may apply it to your deductible.

We still submit the scan to your insurance. We also give you an itemized receipt you can send to your insurance company for reimbursement. How much comes back depends on your plan. It may be full, partial or nothing.

X-rays work differently. They are billed to your insurance like the rest of your urgent care visit.

Insurance & Pricing
Giancarlo DiMassa, MD

Medically reviewed by

Giancarlo DiMassa, MD

Written by

ContinuEM Editorial Team

Last updated

July 28, 2026

Medical Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for any questions regarding a medical condition. If you’re experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 immediately.

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