What is the lowest level of care that has a portable x-ray machine?

Urgent Care Centers are equipped to handle a range of medical issues that require immediate attention but do not require the full services of an emergency room. Portable x-ray machines are commonly used in these facilities because they provide a quick and accessible means of performing radiographic examinations, allowing for the prompt diagnosis and treatment of conditions like fractures, infections, or foreign bodies. This capability is crucial in an urgent care setting where timely evaluation and intervention are key to effective patient care.

In contrast, while hospitals have comprehensive imaging services, they are not characterized as the lowest level of care that would utilize a portable x-ray. Ambulance units are primarily focused on emergency transport and stabilization of patients, and while they carry some diagnostic equipment, portable x-rays are not standard in these units. Community clinics typically do not have portable x-ray machines as they focus on primary care services and refer patients to higher-level facilities for advanced imaging needs. Therefore, the urgent care center represents the lowest level of healthcare facility where portable x-rays are commonly employed, making it the correct choice.