X-Rays are done on a walk-in basis. There is no need to schedule an appointment, as long as you have a signed order/referral from your physician. For questions, please call: 360.733.0430.
What is an X-ray?
An X-ray exam uses radiographic machines and film to produces images of the internal structures of the body. An X-ray is ordered by your physician for symptoms like pain, injury, fractures, arthritis, breathing problems, or heart conditions.
For instance, an x-ray examination of the abdomen produces radiographic images of the kidney, urinary bladder, gas patterns of the bowel and the lower outline of the liver. This examination is ordered when patients have experienced an injury to the abdominal area or are experiencing abdominal pain. Often X-ray is used in conjunction with other studies, such as MRI, to make a diagnosis. Your physician will order the appropriate examination according to your medical history and symptoms.
How do I prepare for my X-ray?
Wear comfortable cotton clothing without metal snaps, zippers or buttons; you may be asked to change into a patient gown.
You may be asked to remove all jewelry, eyeglasses, hearing aids, hairpins and removable dental work; metal objects may interfere with the magnetic field during the exam.
Please notify us for further instructions if you are pregnant, or may be pregnant
Before your examination, a radiographer will explain the procedure to you and answer any questions you might have.
A radiographer, also known as a radiologic technologist is a skilled medical professional who has received specialized education in the areas of radiation protection, patient care, radiation exposure, radiographic positioning and radiographic procedures. As part of his or her duties, the radiographer will determine the amount of radiation necessary to produce a diagnostically useful image.
What should I expect during an X-ray exam?
For the majority of exams, you will be asked to lie on a padded table on your back. For other exams you may be standing in different positions. The technologist will advise you as the exam progresses.
In order to see the area of interest, you may be required to lay or stand in different positions. Several images are generally produced to look at these areas at different angles. For instance, if you are having an X-ray exam of your lower back (lumbar spine), you will need to lay in several different positions to demonstrate your vertebrae, disc spaces, and other structures in the spine.
X-ray is very sensitive to excessive motion. You will need to be still during your exam. Some exams require you to hold your breath in order to reduce motion. The technologist will explain everything to you before your exam begins. It is important that you communicate any needs or limitations to the technologist so that he/she has an opportunity to make the exam as comfortable as possible while getting the diagnostic information necessary for your physician.
When will I get my results?
One of our board-certified radiologists will interpret the images and prepare a written report for your physician. Our goal is for all reports to be available within 24 hours. If your appointment with your physician is sooner than 24 hours, let us know and our reports can be faxed or called in as a priority.
