You can walk into SMI without an appointment to get an x-ray if you have a doctor’s requisition.
How does digital radiography work?
Digital radiography is a fast, safe and easily tolerated diagnostic imaging test that does not require any preparation. In this test, a very small dose of electromagnetic radiation (X-rays) is directed at the body in the area of interest and a picture is captured digitally. A radiologist, who is a physician specialized in interpreting medical imaging, analyzes the images at a computer, and provides a report to your physician.
Why is my doctor requesting a digital radiograph for me?
Digital radiographs are used to diagnose many different conditions. Some commonly examined areas are the chest, abdomen, bones, joints and spine. In the chest a radiologist can diagnose pneumonia, emphysema, heart problems or lung cancer. X-rays of the abdomen can look for kidney stones or blockage of the intestines. In the bones, joints and spine, we can evaluate for fractures, arthritis and other musculoskeletal diseases.
What happens when I get an X-ray?
A technologist will guide you through the test. You will be positioned at the X-ray table and a digital recording plate is placed in the table next to you. Sometimes positioning aids will be used to help keep you in proper position. A lead apron may be placed next to the part of you being examined to protect it from radiation.
You will be asked to keep still while the X-ray is taken. This will ensure that a good quality image is taken. Additional X-rays at different angles are taken to complete the test.
It only takes a few minutes to do the entire test.