X-Ray

An X-ray is a type of noninvasive imaging test that can help you get an accurate diagnosis of ailments like pneumonia or tumors inside your body. At Family Medical Clinic in Tazewell and Harrogate, Tennessee, John M. Robertson, MD, interprets your results right away, so you do not have to wonder about the status of your health. Call Family Medical Clinic, book an appointment online, or walk in for immediate care today.

What is an X-ray?

X-ray is a type of imaging test that produces a black and white image of your bones, organs, and tissues using low-level radiation. The radiation goes through your body, and some of it bounces off the various tissues. Some tissues absorb more radiation than others, which is why certain structures on your X-ray look lighter than others. 

Your bones absorb the most radiation of any tissues in your body, so they show up white on an X-ray image. The air in your lungs does not absorb any radiation, which makes your lungs appear black in the image. A radiologist analyzes your digital X-ray right away and can identify any abnormalities that might need a closer look. 

As you get an X-ray at Family Medical Clinic, your provider may give you a lead apron to wear. This protects certain parts of your body from radiation exposure. Despite this preventive measure, X-rays emit minimal radiation, and it’s safe for you to get an X-ray when you need one. 

What does an X-ray show?

X-rays can show many conditions and injuries. They are great for detecting bone fractures because your bones show up clearly in the image. However, X-rays can detect or monitor many other conditions and injuries too. 

You might need an X-ray to diagnose or detect:

• Pneumonia
• Tumors
• Benign masses
• Calcification
• Foreign objects

X-rays help locate these issues so your provider can plan treatment more effectively. An X-ray can also help you determine if a treatment is effective for one of these issues. 

When do I get the results of an X-ray?

You’ll know the results of your X-ray within the same visit to Family Medical Clinic. A radiologist performs the test on-site and interprets your results in real-time. Then, your medical provider discusses those results with you and tells you what they mean for your treatment. 

X-ray imaging can diagnose or rule out specific conditions. It can also be a valuable tool for tracking a condition over time as you go through treatment. Your provider tells you everything you need to know about your X-ray and why you need it in the first place. 

Call Family Medical Clinic or schedule an appointment online for X-ray imaging tests today. You can also walk in for care at Family Medical Clinic.