X-Ray

If you have signs of an injury, illness, or disease, X-rays let your primary care provider know for sure. At Colorado Springs Family Practice in Colorado Springs, Colorado, the experienced medical team offers on-site X-rays for your convenience to properly diagnose a medical problem and treat it. Call the office to learn more or book an appointment online today.

What are X-rays?

X-rays are imaging procedures that use electromagnetic waves to develop pictures of the inside of your body. Your bones appear white on X-rays, fat and other soft tissues look gray, and air in your lungs appears black. X-rays allow your doctor to diagnose medical problems and treat them properly.

Many primary care practices make you schedule a separate appointment for X-rays at a different facility. But on-site X-rays at Colorado Springs Family Practice save you time and hassle. You receive your X-ray results immediately.

Why might I need X-rays?

Your Colorado Springs Family Practice provider could order X-rays if they suspect you have:

• Arthritis
• Fractures
• Infections
• Bone cancer
• Osteoporosis
• Pneumonia
• Tuberculosis
• Lung infection
• Lung cancer
• Breast cancer
• Enlarged heart
• Blocked blood vessels
• Congestive heart failure
• Swallowed items
• Digestive tract problems

To determine if you’re a candidate for X-rays, your provider asks about your medical history, lifestyle habits, and symptoms. They complete an exam and may recommend blood tests or other diagnostic tests. 

How should I prepare for X-rays?

While there’s no special preparation needed before getting X-rays, you may need to change into a hospital gown. Some X-rays require a liquid contrast medium to make images on X-rays show up more clearly. You might swallow the contrast medium or receive it as an enema or injection.

What should I expect during X-ray procedures?

You lie or sit completely still during X-rays. An X-ray machine emits painless electromagnetic waves into targeted areas of your body to develop images of your bones, chest, or other body structures. The length of time each procedure takes varies, but it could last just a few minutes.

What happens after undergoing X-rays?

After you undergo X-rays, there’s no downtime. You can resume normal activities right away, but make sure to drink plenty of water if you receive a contrast medium. Your Colorado Springs Family Practice provider reviews the X-ray results with you and lets you know if you need further diagnostic testing, treatment like a minor procedure, or an evaluation by a specialist.

To take advantage of on-site X-rays at Colorado Springs Family Practice, call the office or use the online scheduler today.