X-Ray
When you need an X-ray, you deserve compassionate care.
X-rays (or radiographs) use safe amounts of radiation to create images of the inside of your body. These medical images help discover concerns that may need treatment. X-rays are safe for most people, including children.
Novant Health provides X-rays when and where you need them in a variety of settings, including clinics and emergency rooms. You can likely find an urgent care with X-ray near you.
Schedule Your Imaging Appointment.
What an X-Ray is Used to Diagnose
We often use X-rays to see if you have broken or dislocated bones and joints (such as foot X-ray and shoulder X-ray). However, X-rays can check for concerns just about anywhere in your body, including your internal organs. In particular, your care team may recommend an X-ray to diagnose conditions like:
- Abnormally curved spine (scoliosis)
- Arthritis
- Blockage
- Cancer, particularly lung and bone
- Injury
- Infection
- Lung problems, such as pneumonia and lung cancer (chest X-ray)
- Presence of a foreign object
What to Expect
- 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.
- Unless your care team tells you otherwise, you:
- Generally don't need to take any steps to prepare for this procedure
- May eat and take your medications normally on the day of your scan
Basic X-rays are typically very quick:
- You stand or lie still.
- The technologist aims the X-ray at the part of your body we need to study.
- The radiograph image is captured. You won't feel anything from the radiation.
- 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.
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.
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 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.
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.
The Importance of Mammograms
Getting a mammogram is one of the easiest, yet most important, steps you can take to protect your breast health. Did you know you can schedule your routine screening mammogram online in minutes, without a referral from your doctor?
Use the following links to view locations near you and choose a convenient date and time for your mammogram. (Patients in the Wilmington area can conveniently schedule using MyChart.) Many locations offer extended hours, making it easy for you to take control of your health.
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.