Diagnostic Imaging

Diagnostic Imaging at FirstMed

We offer x-ray and ultrasound for patients for whom lab tests don’t give the full picture.  Choosing FirstMed means your personalized treatment plan will be laid out for you. We’ll take care of the details so you can focus on your health. Our customer care specialists are happy to assist you. Contact us today to book an appointment or to learn more!

Why choose FirstMed?

Ultrasound

As you probably know, ultrasound–also known as sonography–is a highly safe technology without the risks of radiation exposure that other imaging modalities carry. With this in mind, FirstMed tries to make full use of this excellent technology to enhance our patient care. Getting an ultrasound generates high-resolution images of different bodily regions such as the thyroid, breast, abdomen and pelvis*, as well as dynamic studies to check for problems with blood flow in arteries and veins.

*Prenatal, pelvic, rectal, or genital ultrasound will be performed by your gynecologist, urologist or proctologist, and may be requested at the time of your specialist visit.

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What can I expect?

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During your consultation, the doctor will begin by asking the reason for your ultrasound appointment. They may also ask about your medical history as it relates to your symptoms. Once you have expressed everything to the doctor, she will have you adjust or remove any clothing or jewelry that could block the area of examination.

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She will use a water-based gel to allow the transducers of the ultrasound machine to glide easily over the body. This will allow the doctor to attain the best images and understand the sonogram as clearly as possible.

Before my appointment...

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Many types of ultrasound do not require a specific preparation, but in some cases, fasting or a full bladder may be necessary to effectively undergo the procedure. If you need to have an ultrasound done, make sure to ask your doctor about any particular preparations necessary before your appointment.

What happens after my ultrasound?

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Ultrasound requires no recovery time, so following this procedure you can carry on with your scheduled activity. Once you have finished, the doctor will prepare your report and images and they will either be given to you before you leave, or the report will be sent to you via email. Should you need to repeat the ultrasound following treatment, you can also ask about scheduling your follow-up.

X-Ray

In some situations, x-ray imaging is essential. It is often used to help your doctor identify internal issues such as bone breaks or fractures, but that’s not all. X-rays can also be used to detect infections or locate ingested items. Bones, metals, and other dense materials appear as opaque white, air and other negative spaces appear black, and muscle and fat tissue appear a translucent white or gray. Some patients may worry about their exposure to radiation, but X-ray radiation produced by the machine is emitted at safe levels–so much so that they pose an almost negligible risk to your general health.

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What can I expect?

Knowing what to expect can help ease your mind and allow you to prepare in the best possible way. Depending on the type of x-ray necessary, you may need to remove glasses, hearing aids, jewelry, and other metal items that may interfere with the x-ray scanner. You may also need to undress and wear a gown to get views of the affected area. If this is the case, you will have access to a dressing room where you can securely leave your clothing and other personal items.

Why might I need an x-ray?

Generally your doctor may prescribe an x-ray for a suspected bone fracture or other orthopedic diagnostics, but they could also prescribe an x-ray for other reasons. We provide x-rays for urgent, non-emergency needs.

Bones

• Bone fractures and infections can usually be easily identified through x-rays.

• Joint imaging can highlight the presence of arthritis, and continuous imaging can help your doctor understand potential arthritic progression.

• Scoliosis and other spinal conditions are identified and managed through x-rays.

• X-rays can help identify tumors in or on your bones (benign and malignant).

Chest heath

• Pneumonia, tuberculosis and lung cancer can all be diagnosed with the help of x-ray images.

Abdomen

• If your child has ingested a solid object (like a coin or battery), an abdominal x-ray can help locate it.