Living in a rural area can be inconvenient at times, especially if you’re having health issues. Fortunately, St. George Medical Clinic believes that quality healthcare shouldn’t be limited just because of where you reside. One of the many resources available at the clinic is its radiology services. Folks with chronic pain can be diagnosed and treated in a timely manner without traveling miles or out-of-county to be seen by a provider.
Keep reading to find out information about St. George’s radiology services and more!
What radiological services are offered at St. George?
Standard outpatient X-rays for chest, abdomen, extremities, paranasal sinus and basically everything from your nose to your toes are available at the clinic. The clinic’s X-ray Technologist typically take X-Rays ordered by St. George’s providers for patients seeking surgery clearance, having chronic back pain, severe cough, or perhaps they had a fall.
What are some common misconceptions about the services?
Concerns about radiation are often voiced by patients; providers and the X-ray tech have been trained to keep a patient’s exposure to radiation as low as possible. Your provider has weighed your risk versus the medical benefit. They have decided you need this test to further your diagnosis and treatment over the potential risk. In fact, folks receive much more radiation from the environment (air, ground, sun) on a regular basis compared to one X-ray exam.
Are results available instantly?
Though the process of getting the patient’s X-rays “resulted” or “read” by a radiologist is all digital and quick, results are not readily available. It can technically take 24 hours, but St. George processes and reviews the X-rays as soon as possible.
When should someone seek the service?
If someone thinks they may need an X-ray they should schedule an appointment with a provider or seek emergency care.
The X-ray Technologist also receives orders from outside providers, including Tygart Valley Orthopedics, to evaluate new musculoskeletal injuries, rheumatologists to evaluate for arthritis and to review weight-bearing feet X-Rays for podiatrists. Orders for chest X-Rays are also sent in by pulmonologists or cardiologists.
What symptoms could result in an X-ray?
There are a few common symptoms that could mean a person should schedule an X-ray appointment.
- If the patient has unresolved acute or severe pain after having had an accident or a fall.
- If the patient has been dealing with chronic pain in their back, neck, or extremities.
- If the patient has potentially swallowed something other than normal food or drink. For example, small children often swallow coins or small toys.
- If the patient has severe abdominal pain, most often associated with difficulty urinating, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and/or constipation.
How do patients access radiology at St. George — by appointment, walk-in, etc.?
Unless you have a written X-ray order from a specialty physician, you will need to see and discuss having an X-ray with a St. George provider. We are always accepting appointments and walk-ins.
Patients are encouraged to ask questions and be active in their healthcare.
For more information on St. George and/or its radiology services, call 304-478-3339.