 Quality Imaging The registered radiologic technologists at OU Health Services, using radiation reducing diagnostic x-ray equipment and automatic film processing, help to expedite the diagnosis and treatment of illness and injury. Providers are able to interpret your x-rays shortly after exposure which allows prompt treatment or referral. Your X-ray Examination Your x-ray examination is initially reviewed by your provider and instructions for treatment based on this review will be given to you. Any questions about your examination should be directed to your provider during your visit. Your provider will give you an initial interpretation of your examination during your visit. All of the x-ray examinations performed at OU Health Services are interpreted by a board certified radiologist. These interpretations are available after 1:00 P.M. the day following your examination. You will be contacted if any additional or new treatment instructions are needed. X-RAY FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 1.Who takes my x-ray? 2. When can I get my x-ray taken? 3. Why do I need an x-ray? 4. Are x-rays bad for me? 5. What if I am pregnant? 6. Will this x-ray hurt? 7. Can you tell if the muscle or ligament is damaged? 8. How long will it take? 9. Did you see anything on my films? 10. Can my friend accompany me into the exam room? 11. Can I have my mammogram at OU Health Services? 1. Who takes my x-ray? OU Health Services employs Radiographic Technologists who are registered with the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. ^ X-ray FAQ | ^ Top 2. When can I get my x-ray taken? Generally, your provider will want you to complete your exam immediately so he can expedite your treatment. In some cases, you may be asked to return to the X-ray Department before your next visit. If so, the X-ray Department is open from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 P.M to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. ^ X-ray FAQ | ^ Top 3. Why do I need an x-ray? Your provider may order an x-ray examination for one of two reasons: 1) to rule out fractures or other pathology or 2) to confirm a diagnosis. Both of these reasons will assist your provider in determining the best course of treatment. ^ X-ray FAQ | ^ Top 4. Are x-rays bad for me? X-radiation is also ionizing radiation and there is always some danger with any radiation exposure. New technology incorporates high-speed film with high-speed intensifying screens producing diagnostic films while utilizing minimal amounts of radiation. In addition, new high-frequency equipment coupled with restricting the area exposed, reduce the amount of radiation to the patient even more. Your provider will weigh the danger of x-ray exposure against the value of the examination. ^ X-ray FAQ | ^ Top 5. What if I am pregnant? First, you should inform your provider of your condition or the possibility that you may be pregnant. Your provider will then determine if the x-ray exam is still indicated and if so, may instruct the technologist to add additional shielding and/or to abbreviate the exammination. ^ X-ray FAQ | ^ Top 6. Will this x-ray hurt? There are no discernible sensations during the actual exposure to x-radiation. However, some of the positions the technologist may instruct you to assume may aggravate or intensify existing pain. The technologist may incorporate pillows, sponges and other positioning devices to alleviate as much discomfort as possible. ^ X-ray FAQ | ^ Top 7. Can you tell if the muscle or ligament is damaged? Normally no. Most diagnostic x-rays demonstrate the bony structures. However, often times swelling and fluid in the joint space can also be demonstrated on the films. As a rule, muscle and/or ligament damage are diagnosed during the provider's examination of the injured part. ^ X-ray FAQ | ^ Top 8. How long will it take? The actual exposure takes only a fraction of a second. Most of the time spent is in preparing the patient for examination and then positioning the patient for different exposures. Once the examination is completed, it only takes a few minutes to develop and prepare the films for viewing by your provider. ^ X-ray FAQ | ^ Top 9. Did you see anything on my films? The technologist will review each of your films for technical quality to ensure that optimal information is available for your provider's initial interpretaton of your examination. Most providers prefer to inform the patient of the x-ray findings themselves. This is because the patient, depending on what those findings are, will have some additional questions that only the provider can answer. ^ X-ray FAQ | ^ Top 10. Can my friend accompany me into the exam room? No. Although the technologist uses shielding and minimal amounts of radiation to the patient, any unnecessary radiation exposure is strongly discouraged. ^ X-ray FAQ | ^ Top 11. Can I have my mammogram at OU Health Services? No. The OU Health Services X-ray Department only provides "Diagnostic" x-ray services. However, we have made arrangements with other speciality clinics that offer mammograms, ultrasound, fluoroscopy, CT scans, MRI imaging and other "Special Radiologic Procedures" at a reduced rate. ^ X-ray FAQ | ^ Top |