Radiology Q & A

What are the benefits of on-site X-rays and ultrasounds?

X-rays, ultrasounds, and other diagnostic imaging tests are useful tools to help doctors understand what’s going on inside your body. We have technicians and staff available at all times to perform these tests quickly and efficiently, so you don’t have to make and attend another appointment.

Our doctors use these painless tests to confirm the diagnosis of fractures, dislocations, chest conditions, pregnancies, and more. By providing these essential services in the convenience and comfort of our own practice, we offer our patients a number of benefits including nearly instant turnaround for results, which leads to quick and effective treatment.

What is an ultrasound?

An ultrasound is a diagnostic imaging test that uses sound waves to create an image of the organs and tissue inside the body without the need for surgery. For example, ultrasounds are common tests for pregnant women as the doctor can monitor the development of the baby and check for any signs of abnormalities or potential complications.

Ultrasounds are also used to “see” organs like your heart, blood vessels, lungs, kidneys, liver, and more. The doctor can evaluate the images or videos created with the ultrasound to gather more information for a full and accurate diagnosis.

How Is an ultrasound performed? 

An ultrasound is painless and performed by a trained technician. The technician begins by placing a gel on the area being examined. The gel helps the sound waves to pass through your body. Then, the technician slowly moves a transducer over your body to send the sound waves and receive the waves as they bounce back. This information is sent to a computer when an image or video is created, showing the inside of your body.

What should I expect during an ultrasound? 

You should wear loose clothing so the technician can easily access the part of your body to be examined. Depending on what body part is being examined, you may be asked to drink water before the test to allow for more a comprehensive scan. The scan itself is painless and takes about 30 minutes to complete.

What is an X-ray? 

An X-ray is another kind of diagnostic imaging test that allows the doctor to see the bones inside your body. During an X-ray, low levels of radiation are sent through your body. The radiation is blocked by your bones and the remaining radiation passes right through your soft tissues to create an image of your bones. A skilled X-ray technician uses an X-ray to see if the bones are fractured, split, or dislocated. An X-ray is painless and lasts only seconds.

What is an X-ray used for?

The doctors and technicians at DOCCS use X-rays to diagnose fractures in the bones and to identify the cause of pain and discomfort. A doctor can order X-rays and have almost instant feedback related to the prescription and diagnosis of a patient’s discomfort. The doctors at DOCCS are experienced in reading and treating any issues discovered via X-ray and able to give the patient the best treatment to allow them to return to full functioning.