X-ray
X-ray is a quick, easy exam that produces images of the structures inside your body using a small amount of radiation that passes through the body to capture a single image of your anatomy to assess injury (fractures or dislocations) or disease (bone degeneration, infections or tumors).
What You Need To Know
X-ray is used to create images of internal organs or bones to help diagnose conditions or injuries, such as:
- Broken bones
- Arthritis
- Chronic and stress fractures
- Fluid in the lung
- Kidney stones
X-ray uses a small amount of radiation to generate the image it creates. The clinical benefits of medical imaging typically outweigh the potential risks of radiation exposure, but talk with your doctor or our staff if you have any concerns.
What To Expect
- We’ll give you a call before your appointment to talk through preparation instructions and your past imaging exams.
- If your exam requires contrast, we’ll discuss any special requirements with you.
- Be sure to tell us if you are pregnant, nursing, or if there is a chance you may be pregnant.
- On the day of your exam, please arrive 15 minutes early for check-in. If instructed to do so, please bring prior imaging results with you.
- When you arrive, you will be led to a changing room and given a pair of scrubs to wear for your exam. You will be given a locker to store your clothes and anything else you may have with you during your exam.
- Our technologist will position you in the X-ray machine for the area of the body being imaged.
- Some X-rays include fluoroscopy which involves administering contrast through an IV in your arm or hand, or it may be an oral contrast which you drink in advance. If your exam requires an oral contrast, we will tell you during your appointment preparation call.
- The technologist will go behind a partial wall with a viewing window to run the X-ray.
- When your scan is complete, you’ll be escorted back to the changing room so you can change out of the scrubs and back into your clothing.
- After your exam, your appointment is complete. You do not need to check out with the front desk when you leave.
- Your images will be sent electronically to a radiologist who will review the information and send a report to your referring provider, typically within one to two business days.
- You should follow up with your referring provider to discuss your results.
