Do Primary Care Physicians Have X-Ray? (We Do!)

When you have a broken bone or a severe illness, the last thing you want your physician to do is refer you to another location for imaging. When patients are in pain, they only want relief and fast. It is common for primary care physicians to send individuals elsewhere for diagnostic imaging as most physicians lack the necessary equipment to perform X-rays on-site.

At Colorado Primary Healthcare , nothing is more important than the health of our patients, so we have invested in on-site X-ray diagnostic services. We want our patients to get the swift diagnosis they need so they can feel better fast.

X-rays use tiny amounts of ionized radiation to photograph the body’s internal structures and produce images. Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen first discovered X-rays in 1895. Within a year, his discovery was already being used in clinics, creating significant medical advances and quickly becoming an established part of the medical profession.

X-rays use invisible electromagnetic energy to produce pictures of tissues, bones, and internal organs.

Soft tissues will appear dark gray on radiographic film , while denser structures like tumors or bones appear white. When a person has a broken bone, the break will appear as a dark line within the white bone.

Physicians now use X-rays as an essential tool in diagnostic testing, allowing an inside view of their patients without requiring more invasive procedures. The information gathered from an X-ray can help diagnose, monitor, and treat many medical conditions.

X-rays provide significant benefits for patient care, including:

There are several reasons why a primary care doctor may order an X-ray of a patient. For instance, a provider might use an X-ray to get a closer examination of an area where an individual is experiencing pain or discomfort. If a person has a chronic condition , a physician may use imaging to monitor the progression of a diagnosed disease or to see how well a prescribed treatment is working.

While doctors commonly use X-rays to confirm a fracture or a bone break, they also use them to investigate other medical conditions such as digestive tract problems, heart failure, cancer, and more.

In addition, patients may also need an X-ray to supply to their employer or insurance provider as proof of good health.

X-rays are not just for broken bones. Primary physicians also use imaging to diagnose and monitor numerous health issues, including but not limited to the following:

The technician will instruct the patient to either stand or lie down for the procedure. During imaging, individuals must hold their breath and remain still to avoid blurring the picture. The X-ray machine then produces a small burst of radiation that passes through the body, creating a radiographic image.

The procedure is typically short in duration; however, the exact length will vary based on the patient and the amount and type of diagnostic imaging requested by their physician. Patients can immediately resume normal activities after the imaging is complete.

A diagnostic X-ray does not require any special advanced preparation; however, patients should remember a few things when getting imaging services.

Please tell your doctor or imaging technologist if you are pregnant or might be pregnant. Also, be sure to tell them if you have any metal implants. Last, avoid wearing metal objects like jewelry or hair clips, as you may be asked to remove them before imaging.

Colorado Primary Health Care believes in providing comprehensive, quick, and convenient care. Thanks to our on-site X-ray imaging, we treat patients when most other providers are still waiting on offsite imaging results.

We are proud to offer the broadest range of X-ray services and are equipped to provide imaging services to adults and children. We leverage technology to provide our patients with the greatest level of care and convenience, as we know most people live busy lives.

Since our imaging services are managed in-house, our patients never have to travel for an X-ray and receive their results much faster than if they went to an offsite provider. Getting results quicker means your primary care doctor will have the information needed to formulate an accurate diagnosis and quickly provide you with the best possible treatment plan.

Colorado Primary Healthcare provides medical care for individuals of all ages and offers primary care , family medicine , and even urgent care services. Our full-service pharmacy, on-site laboratory, and X-ray imaging allow us to care for your immediate needs and manage any chronic conditions.

We offer convenient hours and are centrally located at 20 W Dry Creek Circle, Littleton, CO 80120. If you need diagnostic X-ray services or are looking for a primary care provider, book an appointment using our quick and easy online form or call our office at (303) 703-8583.

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