Abdominal Pain — Same-Day Assessment with Onsite CT and Pathology

When Should You Seek Urgent Care for Abdominal Pain?

• Pain that is severe or worsening over hours
• Pain that has persisted for more than 24 hours without improvement
• Pain accompanied by vomiting — particularly if you cannot keep fluids down
• Pain with fever — may indicate infection or inflammation
• Pain localised to one area — particularly the right lower abdomen (appendicitis), right upper abdomen (gallbladder), or flanks (kidney)
• Pain with changes in bowel habit — constipation, diarrhoea, or inability to pass gas
• Pain with urinary symptoms — may indicate kidney stones or urinary tract infection
• Pain following a blow or injury to the abdomen
• Abdominal pain in a child — particularly if the child is refusing to eat, is unusually lethargic, or is guarding their abdomen
• Pain that wakes you from sleep

Common Causes of Abdominal Pain We Assess

Appendicitis

Pain that starts centrally and moves to the right lower abdomen is the classic presentation. Appendicitis is a surgical emergency that requires prompt diagnosis. Our emergency specialists can assess for appendicitis with clinical examination, blood tests, and onsite CT if indicated. If appendicitis is confirmed or strongly suspected, we arrange direct surgical referral.

Kidney Stones (Renal Colic)

Sudden onset of severe, colicky pain in the flank or side that may radiate to the groin. Kidney stones cause intense pain that often comes in waves. Onsite CT is the gold standard for diagnosing kidney stones and can be performed during the same visit, providing immediate confirmation and guiding management including pain relief and hydrology.

Gallbladder Pain (Biliary Colic)

Pain in the right upper abdomen, often after fatty meals, that may radiate to the right shoulder blade. May be accompanied by nausea and vomiting. Assessment includes blood tests and consideration of imaging.

Gastroenteritis

Abdominal cramps with diarrhoea and vomiting — typically caused by viral or bacterial infection. Most gastroenteritis is self-limiting, but assessment is important when dehydration is a concern, symptoms are severe, or the patient is a young child or elderly.

Urinary Tract Infection

Lower abdominal or pelvic pain with urinary symptoms — burning, frequency, urgency. Onsite pathology provides same-day urine testing and targeted antibiotic treatment.

Constipation

Abdominal pain with bloating, inability to pass stool, and discomfort — more common in children than parents expect. Assessment can exclude more serious causes and provide management advice.

Gynaecological Causes

In women, abdominal and pelvic pain may be related to ovarian cysts, endometriosis, ectopic pregnancy, or menstrual-related conditions. Clinical assessment can determine whether further investigation or specialist referral is needed. If there is any possibility of pregnancy, please advise our team.

Onsite CT and Pathology — Answers the Same Visit

Many causes of acute abdominal pain can be diagnosed or excluded with CT imaging and blood tests. At SmartCare UrgentCare, both are available onsite during the same visit:

• CT abdomen and pelvis — for appendicitis, kidney stones, bowel obstruction, and other acute abdominal conditions
• Blood tests — white cell count, inflammatory markers, liver function, kidney function, lipase
• Urine testing — for UTI and kidney-related causes

This eliminates the delay of waiting for a GP referral to a radiology provider and a separate pathology collection centre. You receive a clinical assessment, imaging, and blood results in the same visit.

Abdominal Pain in Children

Abdominal pain is one of the most common complaints in children. Causes range from constipation and gastroenteritis to appendicitis and urinary tract infections. Children — particularly younger children — may not be able to describe or localise their pain accurately, making clinical assessment by an experienced doctor important.

Signs that a child's abdominal pain needs urgent assessment:

• The child is refusing to eat or drink
• Persistent vomiting — particularly green (bilious) vomiting
• The child is guarding their abdomen — resisting touch or examination
• The child is unusually lethargic or listless
• Fever with abdominal pain
• Blood in the stool or vomit
• Pain localised to the right lower abdomen in a school-age child — possible appendicitis

WORKCOVER

Facility fee waived for eligible WorkCover Queensland patients.

DEFENCE & DVA

Facility fee waived for eligible ADF personnel and DVA White Card holders.

WALK IN

Walk in today — SmartCare UrgentCare, Shop 8, 95 Southern Cross Circuit, Springfield Central. Open 7 days. Onsite CT and pathology. No appointment needed.

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