WHAT ARE X-RAYS?
At Concierge Medicine of Columbus, our team has many tools to help us accurately assess and diagnose your medical issue. X-rays are especially reliable when we need an internal view of your bones and tissues to look for anything abnormal. X-rays are a type of electromagnetic radiation that utilizes energy waves to generate a clear picture of your internal body structures. While this technique does subject the patient to a very low level of radiation, x-rays have been shown to be generally safe for patients of nearly all ages. Special considerations are often taken for those who are pregnant, and our team takes every precaution to ensure your safety throughout your medical care journey. If you're experiencing mysterious pain or other notable symptoms, contact our Columbus, GA facility and schedule an appointment at your earliest convenience.
What are the benefits?
At Concierge Medicine of Columbus, our Columbus, GA patients who receive X-rays receive convenient and timely care that includes benefits such as:
- Ability to receive scans without being referred out
- Day-of appointments that get you answers quickly
- Quick, painless procedure that our skilled techs will guide you through
- Diagnosis for your acute or chronic pain
Who Is An Ideal Candidate For An X-Ray?
People of all ages are possible candidates for x-rays at Concierge Medicine of Columbus. However, small children should have limited exposure to x-ray radiation, and they should only be conducted on these patients when medically necessary. Some conditions that may be investigated or diagnosed with an x-ray in Columbus, GA include:
- Bone weakness
- Osteoporosis
- Arthritis
- Lung, heart, and digestive health concerns
- Circulatory issues and blood clots
- Tumors or cancerous masses
How does an x-ray work?
X-rays are a beneficial medical tool for many situations and can be used for any area of the body. To provide a clear image of your internal structures, an x-ray source and x-ray detector are used. Once the device is powered on, x-rays travel through the body and are absorbed by the bones and tissues, casting lights and shadows for our physicians to view clearly. The X-ray images can be captured on special film or with an electronic receptor that creates a digital image that can be viewed on a computer.
Why Are X-Rays Important?
Even though it's more than 100 years old, x-ray imaging is still the most widely used imaging technology in health care. Why? Because it is highly effective at allowing doctors to peer inside the body, identify problems, and make a diagnosis for treatment. X-ray imaging can detect a wide variety of health issues, including broken bones, fluid in the lungs, cancers and tumors, blood clots and blood vessel blockages, infections, dislocated joints, and more.
X-Rays FAQ
Are x-rays safe?
Yes, x-ray imaging is widely considered safe for patients of all ages. While any type of radiation, even the radiation you get from sunlight, carries a risk for cancer, the amount of radiation a patient receives during an x-ray diagnostic is very low. For example, one chest x-ray is about the same amount of radiation as a few days of normal background radiation you would receive walking around outside.
What are the most common diagnostic uses for x-rays, and what can x-rays detect?
- Broken and fractured bones
- Foreign objects
- Mammograms
- Infections (pneumonia, tuberculosis)
- Tumors
- Masses
- Kidney stones and other calcifications
- Arthritis
- Bone loss (osteoporosis)
- Dental issues
How many x-rays can you safely get?
Every person's sensitivity to radiation exposure is unique, but the American College of Radiology recommends that patients limit their lifetime exposure to radiation for diagnostics to 10,000 chest x-rays or 25 chest CT scans.
COMPREHENSIVE MEDICAL CARE
Medical technology has come a long way, especially in recent years. Our team at Concierge Medicine of Columbus uses only the latest and greatest techniques to properly assess your health and determine the best course of action. X-rays are a great resource when it comes to diagnosing a number of conditions. To get the attentive care you deserve, reach out to our team in Columbus, GA to schedule an appointment with one of our highly trained physicians.
