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X-Ray
X-Ray
X-Rays in St. Petersburg, FL
After an injury or when certain illnesses, such as pneumonia, are suspected, you might be referred to Saint Pete MRI to have an x-ray. An x-ray, sometimes called a radiograph, is a type of noninvasive diagnostic imaging that uses an electromagnetic wave that is able to pass through the structures in your body, creating a black and white image of the bones and some of the organs. At Saint Pete MRI, we can take x-rays of any part of the body to help your doctor confirm or rule out a diagnosis.
Reasons a doctor might order an x-ray
One of the most common reasons for a patient to have an x-ray is to find out whether a bone is broken after a trauma. Because sprains and other soft-tissue injuries can produce the same type of swelling that a broken bone can cause, it is important to check for a fracture if the doctor suspects one is possible or likely. An x-ray can also check the healing of a bone during treatment.
A chest x-ray is sometimes ordered if a patient is suspected of having pneumonia or if an enlarged heart is a possibility. If a patient is having chest pain that is not related to a heart attack or if an individual has shortness of breath, this type of x-ray is a quick and economical way to check for these conditions.
There might be another reason that your doctor has ordered an x-ray. Please talk to your physician to find out why if you are unsure.
What to expect when having an x-ray
An x-ray is a simple and quick procedure for patients. There is no preparation required ahead of time. At Saint Pete MRI, we accept walk-in patients who need x-rays, but an appointment is recommended to minimize your wait time. Please bring your doctor’s orders with you when you come.
Since metal will show up in an x-ray and can interfere with the image, the technologist will check to see whether you have metal in any clothing that is covering the pertinent part of the body. If you do, you will be asked to change into a scrub top or scrub pants and to remove any jewelry that could get in the way of the image.
If you are a woman of childbearing age, the technologist will ask you whether there is any chance that you are pregnant. In many cases, pregnant women can receive x-rays, but please let the technologist know. A lead apron will be placed over your pelvic area whether or not you are pregnant. Men will also have a lead apron placed over the pelvis as long as that is not the area being radiographed. The lead in the apron blocks the rays and protects your reproductive organs.
The technologist will position you properly for the x-ray. You might need to sit, stand, or lie down. During a chest x-ray, you might be asked to hold your breath for a brief moment to minimize movement. In some cases, several different x-rays will be taken at different angles. This is to give the radiologist different views to look at when he or she reads the films. The entire procedure takes only a few minutes.
After the x-ray is taken, you can resume your normal activities immediately. You will be able to drive yourself home or to work.
Saint Pete MRI offers x-ray services to uninsured patients
Many of our patients do not have health insurance coverage for radiography services. At Saint Pete MRI, we offer all services to both insured and uninsured patients. If you have insurance, please bring your card with you.
Keep in mind that having an x-ray and other diagnostic exams at Saint Pete MRI is less expensive than having the same test done at a hospital. Please call to find out about our fees and our payment policies.
Common patient questions and concerns about x-rays in St. Pete
If you have questions about your x-ray, your doctor will be able to tell you why you are being referred and what condition your images will be used to confirm, rule out, or monitor. Here are some common questions that patients often have:
- Will I be exposed to radiation? Yes, an x-ray uses a low dose of radiation to capture the image. The dose of a chest x-ray is approximately the same as the amount of environmental radiation you are exposed to over the course of 10 days. You will only be referred for an x-ray if your doctor feels that the benefits of the diagnostic imaging outweigh the potential risk of being exposed to the low dose of radiation.
- What if I am pregnant? It is important to let your doctor and your technologist know if you are pregnant or might be pregnant. In most cases, pregnant women can safely have x-rays. When possible, a lead apron will be used to protect your fetus. Remember that you will only have an x-ray if the benefit outweighs any potential risk.
- When will my doctor get the results of my x-ray? Your doctor will get the radiologist’s report within two business days.