Diagnostic Imaging
Also called radiology services, helps physicians arrive at an accurate
diagnosis for a wide variety of diseases that cannot be made through physical
examination or blood tests alone. We offer state-of-the-art diagnostic
equipment, including CT scans, ultrasound, MRI scans, mammography, and
bone density scanning.
What Are Diagnostic Imaging Services?
An X-ray, or radiograph, is a non-invasive imaging test. It is intended
to show a physician called a radiologist pictures of the inside of the
body so that they can diagnose specific medical conditions. Taking X-rays
is called radiography. It involves exposing a part of the body to a small
dose of ionizing radiation to produce imaged of the inside of the body,
usually to examine the bones. X-rays have been used for over a century,
and they are the most frequently used form of medical imaging. Today’s
X-rays are quite safe and only expose the patient to extremely minimal
radiation.
A bone X-ray is used to:
- Determine whether a bone has been fractured or if a joint is dislocated
- Ensure that a fracture has been properly aligned and stabilized for healing
following treatment
- Determine whether there is a buildup of fluid in the joint or around a bone
- Be used as a guide for an orthopedic surgeon for procedures such as spinal
repair, joint replacement, and fracture reductions
- Evaluate injury or damage from conditions such as infection, arthritis,
abnormal bone growths or other bone diseases, such as osteoporosis
- Assist in the detection and diagnosis of cancer
- Locate foreign objects
- Evaluate changes in bones
A chest X-ray is the most common type of x-ray and is often part of a routine
physical examination. It is typically the first imaging test used to help
diagnose symptoms such as:
- Shortness of breath
- A persistent cough
- Chest pain or injury
- Fever
Physicians use the examination to help diagnose or monitor treatment for
conditions such as:
- Pneumonia
- Heart failure and other heart problems
- Emphysema
- Lung cancer
- Other medical conditions