Imaging & X-Ray Services
Imaging and X-Ray Services
At Gulf Coast Health Center, patients and doctors have access to state of the art radiology and imaging departments. Doctors use the images gathered during a radiology, x-ray or other imaging appointment to assist in the diagnosis and treatment of a variety of medical conditions.
What Is an X-Ray?
An x-ray is a type of radiation with a specific wavelength and amount of energy. X-rays have been used since before the start of the twentieth century for medical diagnosis. Thanks to computer technology, radiography of today uses digital – rather than analog – imaging to quickly capture much more detailed images with fewer exposures. These exposures, called x-ray images, reveal internal structures such as:
- The skeletal system (bones)
- Soft tissues
- Intestinal structures
- Urinary system
Several types of x-rays exist including:
- Chest
- Lung
- Abdomen
- Bone
- Kidney
- Bladder
- Ureter
What Types of Medical Conditions Are X-Rays Used to Diagnose?
X-rays can assist in the diagnosis of several diseases and medical conditions, including:
- Broken and fractured bones
- Arthritis
- Joint injuries
- Various lung conditions (tuberculosis, asthma, severe allergies, fluid in the lungs, cancer, etc.)
What Is Fluoroscopy?
A fluoroscopy uses x-ray radiation for doctors to image internal structures. An x-ray is like a picture, but a fluoroscopy is like a movie. A fluoroscopy shows internal structures in real time, which allows doctors to observe the actual function of certain anatomy inside the body, such as joints and organs.
Additional Diagnostic Imaging with Gulf Coast Health Center
In addition to digital x-ray and fluoroscopy, Gulf Coast Health Center also offers a variety of other imaging services. These include:
- Ultrasound/sonography
- Mammography
- Computed tomography (CT) scan
- MRI and MRI resonance angiography
- Bone densitometry scans
Your doctor will prescribe and recommend imaging based on your particular symptoms and medical history.
What to Expect During Your Gulf Coast Health Center Imaging Appointment
Depending on the type of imaging appointment your doctor has scheduled for you, you might have different requirements to prepare for the appointment. Be sure to talk with your doctor about how you should prepare before the day of your imaging appointment.
