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Seasonal self-pay special:
urgent care visits $149, regularly $210. Through November 30.
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IMAGING & DIAGNOSTICS
Same-Day CT Scans at Our Lakewood Urgent Care
Our ER-trained doctors evaluate your symptoms and decide whether a CT scan is right for you. ContinuEM Urgent Care has CT imaging on site in Lakewood, with same-day scans available when medically appropriate and scheduling allows. Call ahead to check availability.
CT scan availability is based on clinical evaluation, medical necessity, availability, and insurance eligibility.
Can Urgent Care Do a CT Scan?
Urgent care centers rarely have advanced imaging like CT scans. As a leader in the field and an elevated patient experience, ContinuEM has a CT scanner on-site at our Lakewood location. A doctor evaluates you first to decide whether you need a CT scan and whether urgent care is the right setting for your care.
Can I Get a Same-Day CT Scan at ContinuEM?
Same-day CT scans may be available after a medical evaluation. Availability depends on the type of scan you need and the schedule that day. Call (562) 731-3990 before coming in to check availability and ask about any preparation.
Clinic hours and CT scan availability may differ.
Do I Need an Appointment or Referral?
No. You can walk in for a medical evaluation without an appointment or referral. A CT scan still requires a doctor’s order. Our doctor will assess whether imaging is appropriate. Calling ahead helps you confirm CT availability before your visit.
Already Have a CT Order From Your Doctor?
Call us and let the team know which scan your doctor requested. We can discuss availability and the next steps for your visit. Ask what paperwork to bring and whether your scan requires preparation.
Why Get Your CT Scan at ContinuEM?
ER-trained doctors. Every doctor at ContinuEM is trained in emergency medicine and board-certified in emergency medicine.
CT imaging on site. Your doctor can evaluate your symptoms and determine whether a CT scan is appropriate.
Open seven days. Monday–Friday, 8 AM–11 PM, with last check-in at 10:30 PM. Saturday and Sunday, 10 AM–6 PM, with last check-in at 5:30 PM.
An estimated charge before scheduling. Before scheduling anything, we provide an estimated charge.
What to Expect at Your CT Scan Visit
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Before Your Scan
Your visit starts with a medical evaluation. If a CT scan is appropriate, the team explains what to expect and any required preparation. Tell them if you are pregnant or could be pregnant, and about any previous reaction to contrast material.
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During Your Scan
You lie on a table that moves through a large, ring-shaped scanner. You will need to stay still while it takes images, and you may be asked to hold your breath briefly. This is not an enclosed device like an MRI machine, and most CT scans take only a minute or two.
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When Will I Get My Results?
Timing depends on the scan and the review required. Your doctor can discuss the findings available during your visit and explain the next steps. Ask when the final radiology report will be available and how you will receive it.
What Is a CT Scan?
A CT, or computed tomography, scan uses X-rays to create detailed cross-sectional images of the body. These images can show organs, bones and other tissues, and can be combined into 3D views.
When Your Doctor May Recommend a CT Scan
A doctor may recommend a CT scan when an exam or another test does not provide enough information. CT can help evaluate certain injuries, unexplained abdominal pain, infections, blood clots or masses. The right test depends on your symptoms and medical history.
You can also read about abdominal pain and chest pain, or see all symptoms. Head injuries and severe headaches also need a medical assessment; having a symptom does not automatically mean you need a CT scan.
If you are having chest pressure with trouble breathing, signs of a stroke, a major injury or heavy bleeding, call 911.
CT Scan vs. X-Ray vs. MRI
| Scan | CT Scan | X-Ray | MRI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best For | Internal bleeding, organs, complex fractures | Broken bones, chest congestion | Soft tissue: brain, ligaments, muscles |
| Detail | 3D, cross-sectional | Single flat image | Highest soft-tissue detail |
| Speed | Minutes | Minutes | 30+ minutes |
You do not need to choose an imaging test yourself. Our doctors assess your symptoms and explain which test may help. Learn more about X-ray, MRI and ultrasound.
FAQ
CT Scan FAQs
Before scheduling anything, 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.
CT scans use ionizing radiation, which carries some risk. Your doctor considers that risk alongside the benefit of getting the information needed for your care. Tell the team if you are pregnant or could be pregnant so they can assess the most appropriate imaging option.
No. Some CT scans use contrast material to make certain tissues easier to see; however, most do not. Whether you need contrast depends on the scan. Call ahead to confirm availability for the scan your doctor requested and ask about preparation.
The scan itself often takes only a few minutes. Your visit also includes medical evaluation, any preparation, and discussion of next steps. Ask the team what to expect for your specific scan.
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.
*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 scheduling anything, 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. X-rays have no extra balance due.
Insurance & PricingFIND US
Visit ContinuEM in Lakewood
Lakewood is home. We’re on South Street, minutes from Long Beach, Cerritos, Bellflower, and the surrounding communities, with easy parking and walk-in care until 11 PM on weekdays.
PHONE
FAX
(562) 461-0082
HOURS & APPOINTMENTS
Monday – Friday
8 AM – 11 PM (last check-in at 10:30 PM)
Saturday & Sunday
10 AM – 6 PM (last check-in at 5:30 PM)
Times may vary. See Holiday Hours.
Medically reviewed by
Written by
ContinuEM Editorial Team
Last updated
October 30, 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.
