One of the common indicators that you may need an x-ray image of a part of the body is if that affected body part is becoming swollen, as that often develops around a fracture in a bone, or if fluid has started to build up around a joint. It is, however, a misconception that swelling around a joint or bone can make it difficult to read an image provided through an X-ray, as bones can be seen through an X-ray image regardless of the presence of swelling or inflammation. The swelling can sometimes be difficult to distinguish from surrounding health tissues, as the contrast between inflamed and healthy tissues is often fairly minimal, but the surrounding fluids or tissues will not impede an x-ray image of a bone.

X-rays are a non-invasive diagnostic imaging tool that can be used to diagnose, assess, and monitor several health conditions. There are several types of X-rays available for use to provide visuals throughout the entire body. They are most frequently used to evaluate joints, bones, or specific injuries within both the bones and the soft tissues. Common reasons why a patient should consider visiting a physician to receive an x-ray or for which an x-ray will be recommended for a patient include:

• To assess the structure or damage within a bone or joint following an injury (fractures or breaks in the bones are commonly assessed through an x-ray);
• To identify the cause of symptoms that the patient has been experiencing localized to a specific joint or part of the body (such as swelling, inflammation, or pain);
• To check the lungs for signs of tuberculosis or pneumonia after displaying other related symptoms;
• To identify or determine the presence of foreign objects in the body;
• To screen for a variety of diseases, such as cancer; and
• To plan, monitor, and evaluate treatments for specific injuries or illnesses.

While it is most common for physicians to recommend that their patients receive an x-ray depending on their experienced symptoms or concerns, if you are confident that you require an X-ray due to an injury or illness that should be diagnosed, it is possible to request a referral for an x-ray from your physician. Some clinics that offer x-ray services will not require a referral from a physician, but this is a common requirement. If you receive a referral from a physician, it is typically up to you to find a clinic or to schedule the x-ray appointment yourself, with walk-in clinics or urgent care clinics being some of the more convenient options available if you live near one that offers x-ray services. It is also very common to seek medical attention from an urgent care clinic or walk-in clinic following an accident or injury and be recommended by the available health care provider to receive an x-ray or to request an x-ray during these appointments. They often have the capacity or time to provide you with x-ray services during your visit.

To be seen promptly and to receive an x-ray within the same appointment, a great option is to visit an urgent care clinic during times of the day when the clinic is less busy. Typically, you can expect an urgent care clinic to be busier first thing in the morning as patients try to get their visit in before work or school, as well as mid-to-late afternoon as patients get off from work and school. If possible, one of the best times to go to a clinic to receive services such as an x-ray is mid-to-late morning or early afternoon. It is also sometimes an option to call the clinic ahead of time to determine when they would recommend coming in for an x-ray, depending on how busy they are or how available their staff is that day, and to also schedule an appointment to ensure that there will be a health care provider available during your visit.

At PrimeHealth Urgent Care, Dr. Alfonso Espinal, MD, and our dedicated team prioritize your health with advanced X-ray diagnostics. Experience compassionate care and precision imaging tailored to your needs. Trust PrimeHealth Urgent Care for excellence in healthcare today. For more information, please call us or request an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 20321 Grand Oaks Shoppes Dr. unit 308 Estero, FL 33928. We serve patients from Estero FL, Stoneybrook FL, Cascades FL, El Dorado Acres FL, and surrounding areas.