6 Reasons You May Need X-Rays – Common Urgent Care Visits

Getting X-rays from an urgent care facility is an effective way to identify a variety of health conditions and concerns. Doctors at urgent care centers often use this method to confirm a diagnosis and know what treatment you will need. It is helpful to understand when a doctor may order this imaging test. Here are the details if you need to get an X-ray in an urgent care center.

The process

Doctors used X-rays to see inside patients’ bodies without having to sedate them and cut into their bodies. The process has been available since the beginning of the 20th century. The X-ray takes a picture of areas of the patient’s body that is causing pain or discomfort. It may also provide a view of how a disease is moving through a body or how well a medication or other treatment is working. A radiologist takes the pictures and will require that the patient remains motionless during the process.

1. To check for fractures

Urgent care centers often treat patients with suspected broken bones. X-rays can show the doctor whether there is a break and how severe it is. The patient will tell or show the doctor where the pain is, though swelling and discoloration may reveal the source of the discomfort. The severity of the injury will help the doctor know how to treat the break and how long it should take to heal.

2. Breast tumors

Whether cancerous or benign, breast tumors are a significant concern that women face. To check for early signs of these tumors, the doctor will take an X-ray called a mammogram. This picture can identify masses in the breast or other concerns. Doctors recommend that women over the age of 45 have this X-ray at least once a year.

3. Arthritis

This painful condition occurs when joints swell. It can affect one or multiple joints, including the fingers, hands, shoulders, hips, and knees. Urgent care X-rays help doctors see where the disease is occurring. This type of diagnostic exam can also detect the extent of its impact.

4. Lung problems

A patient may come to urgent care complaining of tightness, irritation, or pain in the lungs. An X-ray can reveal any damage or condition. The X-ray can help the doctor see signs of cancer. It can also detect other concerns, such as cystic fibrosis, emphysema, or infections.

5. Digestive issues

If a person complains of abdominal pain or gastrointestinal difficulties, the doctor may take X-rays. The imaging could show blockage in the digestive system. This test may also help the doctor see ulcers. It can help detect hernias as well.

6. Tooth decay

Patients would ordinarily see a dentist for a toothache. However, if the dentist was unavailable to care for an emergency matter, an urgent care clinic could take X-rays of the person’s mouth. Dental X-rays can spot decay and developing cavities in any tooth. The scans can also pinpoint the location of the infected tooth.

Preparing for X-rays

These imaging tests are standard procedures. Wearing comfortable clothes can help make the X-ray session go faster and smoother. The patient may need to wear a hospital gown. Taking off metallic items, such as jewelry, is necessary. The urgent care doctor must know if the patient has metal implants. These implants can prevent the X-rays from creating a crisp image.

Some patients need to have a contrast dye injection before the X-ray. The dye will help enhance the resolution of images. It may contain barium or iodine compounds. The urgent care doctor will give the contrast dye in the following ways:

• Enema form
• Liquid form that the patient will swallow
• Injection

The patient will need to fast for some hours before a gastrointestinal tract X-ray. The urgent care facility will instruct the patient to avoid eating. Limiting or avoiding specific liquids is also necessary. The doctor may also ask the patient to take some medications for clearing the bowels before the X-ray.

The procedure

A radiologist or X-ray technologist can perform the X-ray in the urgent care radiology department. It can also happen in a diagnostic or dental clinic. The radiologist will help the patient position the body. This is important in getting clear imaging results.

So many uses of X-rays

X-rays are among the most helpful diagnostic tools an urgent care doctor can use. If you have pain in any of these areas, come to a clinic today. X-rays can help the doctor confirm or rule out a condition. They will also guide the physician in making the right treatment plan to get you well.

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