FAQs About Our New Radiology Department

We are so excited to offer our communities a new service here at Barbour Community Health Association (BCHA) – Radiology, AKA X-rays! This state-of-the-art department is equipped with a team of professionally trained and certified Radiology Technicians who put top-tier care and accurate diagnoses at the forefront of what they do.

During Radiology Technician Week, we want to shine a light on this department – what it is, who it serves, and what patients can expect from an experience here. Join us in this Q&A session by Sonja L. Mitchell, R.T.(R)(ARRT), the Radiology Director at Belington, to learn more about this advancement and how it can benefit you.

What is Radiology, and what role does it play in healthcare?

Radiology is the science of using physics and technology to create diagnostic medical images. The field of Radiology is vast – you will find R.T.s everywhere, from the operating room to the oncology center. Did you know that the person doing a heart catheterization (cath lab) along with the Cardiologist is also an R.T.?

What does a Radiologic Technologist (R.T.) do?

First and foremost, R.T.s prioritize patient care. We guide and conduct various types of X-ray exams. These exams are essential for obtaining critical medical information. R.T.s collaborate with Radiologists to provide reports to healthcare providers, ensuring that the information they need for diagnosis and treatment is readily available.

When should someone consider seeing a Radiologic Technologist (R.T.)?

To see an R.T., you need to work closely with your healthcare provider. A provider’s order is required for medical imaging. Some common reasons for X-rays at BCHA include:

• chest X-rays for conditions like pneumonia, cough, asthma or pre-operative clearance
• abdominal X-rays for long standing belly pain, kidney stones, or constipation
• Back and pelvis X-rays for lower back strain, sciatica, and falling injuries
• Extremity X-rays for arthritis, sports injuries, rolled ankles, joint pain, smashed fingers and toes, and carpal tunnel

What can patients expect during a Radiology appointment at BCHA?

At BCHA, we offer general X-ray exams. After discussing your condition or injury with your provider, they may determine that you need an X-ray. The Radiologic Technologist will escort you to the X-ray room, where the procedure will take place. Most X-rays are quick, typically lasting less than 10 minutes. Some may require you to change into a gown, and they can be performed while standing, sitting, or lying down.

How soon can patients expect to receive their X-ray results?

One distinct advantage at BCHA is that our providers can review your X-ray images almost immediately after they are taken, expediting the diagnostic process. However, official results may take a bit longer as the images are sent to a Radiologist for analysis. You may return to your exam room to await the results, or we may also choose to call you at a later time with your results. They will then review the results and determine your individual care plan based on the findings.

For all your Radiology needs, remember that this valuable service is now accessible at our Barbour Quick Care and Myers Clinics.