One team member is holding up and x-ray while pointing out some of the details. Another team member is standing alongside her discussing the imaging results.

Where Getting Better Begins.

Fluoroscopy

Advanced, moving medical images of your internal systems

Fluoroscopy is an advanced type of X-ray that provides real-time, moving images of your internal systems, especially your digestive (gastrointestinal, or “GI”) and urinary tracts. These medical images help check how well these organs are working. Rather than a static (non-moving) image, fluoroscopy lets you see a continuous image, much like a video.

Novant Health's imaging healthcare specialists use fluoroscopy procedures both on their own to discover conditions as well as as an accompaniment during other procedures to provide precise visual guidance.

Schedule Your Imaging Appointment.

Charlotte

Call to schedule or get help with scheduling imaging in the Charlotte area.

704-384-7226

Rowan County

Call to schedule or get help with scheduling imaging in the Rowan County area.

704-210-7762

Wilmington

Call to schedule or get help with scheduling imaging in the Wilmington area.

910-667-8777

Winston-Salem

Call to schedule or get help with scheduling imaging in the Winston-Salem area.

855-794-9729

Types of Fluoroscopy Procedures

Upper digestive system scans

Your upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract includes your throat (pharynx), esophagus, stomach, and duodenum (part of the small intestine). An upper GI fluoroscopy can discover conditions like:

Ulcers
Hernia
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
Tumors
Structural issues

An upper GI fluoroscopy procedure is also called a barium swallow test. The process is generally:

You lie on a moveable X-ray table.
Your care team takes X-rays of your chest and stomach area.
You drink a barium solution, during which images are taken of your upper GI tract.
You may be asked to change positions (such as lying your side, back, or stomach) or hold your breath at certain times during the test.

Lower digestive system scans

Your lower gastrointestinal (GI) tract includes your large intestine (colon), rectum, and sometimes your appendix. A lower GI fluoroscopy can discover conditions like:

Inflammatory bowel disease (including Chron's and ulcerative colitis)
Diverticulitis
Colon cancer
Structural issues

As part of a lower GI fluoroscopy, you will take a contrast solution called a barium enema to create detailed images of these organs.

After the procedure, you will experience a feeling of fullness, the need to go to the bathroom, and sometimes cramping.

Spine scans (myelography)

Myelography is a type of fluoroscopy procedure that evaluates your spinal cord, nerve roots, and spinal lining (meninges). Your care team may recommend a myelography:

If you cannot have a spine MRI
Following spine surgery
To diagnose:
- Abnormal discs
- Spinal infection and inflammation
- Damage to the spine or discs

Joint scans (arthrography)

Arthrography is a type of fluoroscopy that helps diagnose joint conditions, such as abnormal ligaments, labrum, tendons, and cartilage. This exam is often paired with other diagnostic imaging, such as MRI or CT scan, to provide enhanced images of your joint.

First, your care team will inject contrast into the joint to be studied. They will then take the needed images.

Urinary system scan (intravenous pyelogram)

Your care team may recommend intravenous pyelogram (also called IV pyelography, IVP testing, and intravenous urography) to check the health of your urinary system. Your urinary system includes your kidneys, bladder, and the tubes that connect them. An intravenous pyelogram can show if you have a condition like kidney stones or a urinary blockage.

What to Expect

Mature man sitting at a table reading the label on his medication bottle.

Remove anything that could have metal in it, including dentures, wigs, hearing aids, jewelry, belts, zips, hooks, buckles, hair ornaments, watches, studs, keys, and coins.
Wear loose, comfortable clothes. You may be asked to wear a hospital gown during your exam.
Follow any other instructions from your care team on how to prepare, including if you need to change your eating, drinking, or medication habits.

Grandmother and granddaughter in the living room having a good time together dancing.

This is exam is generally painless and non-invasive.
You will not be enclosed nor confined, nor your face covered, at any time.
Unless your care team tells you otherwise, you will not need to recover — you can go about your normal activities as usual right after the exam.

A man and his pregnant partner are sitting on their couch together reviewing information on a tablet.

Tell your care team if you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant, or are breastfeeding. They may suggest a different exam, such as an MRI or ultrasound.

A Novant Health nurse is holding paperwork as she explains information to a patient.

It is important that you keep your scheduled imaging appointment. If you will be late due to an emergency, please call our scheduling team as soon as possible to cancel or reschedule.

Bring the following documents to your appointment:

Referral form from your doctor
Current insurance card
Contact information
Payment (if applicable)

Be sure to take advantage of Novant Health’s many free healthcare cost planning resources, including financial navigators.

A health care provider is reviewing an x-ray while talking on the phone.

A radiologist will review your medical images and report their findings to your doctor 24 to 72 hours after your exam. Your doctor will contact you to discuss your results.

Take advantage of Novant Health MyChart to:

View your imaging results as soon as they’re available
Contact your doctor
Schedule appointments

For Your Safety

It's possible you may be given a contrast solution for this exam. This helps make your images as clear as possible. If a contrast solution is needed, it's possible you may:

Be given the solution through an injection or intravenous line (IV)
Need to adjust your eating and drinking habits before the exam
Have some mild side effects

When contrast is needed, it's possible the scan could have more risk for certain people. Make sure your care team knows:

If you have any allergies at all, especially to iodine or contrast solution
Your long-term and recent medical history
Any medications or supplements you take

Allergic reactions are extremely rare. If you do have a reaction, our expert providers are trained to provide the help you need.

A healthcare provider is resting her hand on a patients shoulder as she is talking and preparing her for an imaging scan.

Your Well-Being Is Our Priority.

If you have any anxiety about your imaging procedure, reach out to your care team. Novant Health's experienced providers are ready to listen and help put you at ease.

Find Imaging Centers Near You.

The care team referring you for imaging may help you set up your appointment at a particular location. You can also choose to schedule your imaging appointment at the imaging center most convenient to you. Visit individual imaging center websites to learn which specific types of imaging are offered at or to schedule at that location.

Referring a Patient?

If you're a referring physician or healthcare professional, we can help you find the right specialist, programs and services for your patient.