Atleast for once in your lifetime, you might have gone for an X-Ray! It is one of the most common diagnosis tests. You get a hairline fracture, spasm or even a fracture, you would need an X-Ray to diagnose it. Although being so popular a test, laymen hardly know the science behind it.
We visit a clinic, book for an X-ray and it is done. Have you ever thought how does the X-ray happen? Should you actually need an x-ray for a particular issue? In addition to that, how much does an X-ray cost near me…
ZeaMed always believes in consumer awareness and heathcare price transparency. We want consumers to know about the services they opt for and the transparent costs. Heath is an invaluable asset and a good healthcare acts as a catalyst for life force. Therefore you must look for heathcare services that is consumer friendly. There is none other than ZeaMed when in this regard!
What is an X-ray?
You may be wondering what is behind the technology of an X-ray. It can be a bit confusing, but in its simplest terms, an X-ray is a type of radiation.
Radiation is the movement of energy in the forms of waves and particles. X-rays pass through soft tissue or air, and when they meet a solid structure like bone or metal, they stop. When the part of the body that is being looked at is placed in front of a plate of film, the X-rays interact with the silver molecules on the surface of the film and then the film is processed. Once it is processed, things like bones look like bright white structures, empty spaces show up as black, and the softer tissues show up as grey items. A radiologist (a person trained to interpret the scans) then checks it and reports back to your main provider with the results.
What is the purpose of an X-Ray?
There are many reasons why an X-ray might be recommended for you. One of the primary reasons you might need an X-ray is to check to see if you have a broken bone (called a fracture). Your doctor might also tell you that you need one for these main reasons:
- To examine an area of ache, discomfort or pain.
- To monitor the progress of a condition such as osteoporosis (deteriorating bone structure)
- To see how well a treatment is working.
What does an X-ray show?
When looking at your scan, your doctor will also take into consideration your age, race, weight, and other health concerns. They will be checking your X-rays, which can show:
- If you have cancer or a tumor
- If your heart is enlarged
- If there is fluid buildup in your lungs
- If your digestive system isn’t working properly
- If you have a broken bone
- If you have a blood vessel that is blocked
- If you have a joint (the place where two bones meet) that has come out of place
- If you have an infection
- If you have arthritis
- If you have Osteoporosis
- If your teeth are decaying
- If you have swallowed something that is now lodged in your body
What happens during an X-ray?
This procedure is simple and should be painless. Before preparing for your scan, be sure to ask your provider what specific instructions you need to follow.
In general, you will start by arriving at the clinic, hospital, or office, and will be asked to undress and put on a hospital gown if the technicians thinks your clothes will affect the image. You will also be asked about metal implants, jewelry or eyeglasses, and be asked to remove them because they will show up on the X-ray film. If you’re having an X-ray done with contrast, you will need to have contrast put inside your body. This is barium or iodine, and it is usually given as a drink, or in an injection or an enema.
You will then be asked to position your body. The technician will be there to help you. Depending on the part of the body that is being scanned, you may be asked to lay down or stand up, lift your arms, or lay on your stomach. You may have to change positions several times over the course of the scan, but they will give you clear instructions. The technician will move the camera over the part of the body that is being scanned.
For lateral view X-rays, you might be asked to stand up or lie sideways alongside the X-ray tubes. The process should take anywhere from a few minutes to longer amounts of time if you have an X-ray with contrast done. If you have had contrast put into your body, you may need to drink plenty of fluids to flush it out afterwards.
Then, you must wait for your results.
How much does an X-Ray cost?
The cost of an X-ray depends on the type that it is, and where it is being done. It can range from $100-$1000, depending on the part of the body. Patients whose insurance covers the scan can pay a co-pay of between $10 and $50. An X-ray of the lumbar spine could cost around $300, on average. If you have health insurance, the cost of a scan of your lumbar spine could be as little as $67 out of pocket. There is a very wide range of cost when it comes to X-ray, because there are so many factors: if you have insurance or are underinsured, where you are geographically, and where you have the scan done (office, clinic, hospital, etc.). Doctors can bill for X-ray cost using the CPT code 72110.
Using a healthcare provider like ZeaMed helps keep the surprises out of the process, by showing you standard prices in your area. With this price transparency, you can rest assured knowing your X-ray will be with a high quality provider and that it will be something you can afford.
References:
https://health.costhelper.com/x-rays.html
https://www.healthline.com/health/x-ray#followup
https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/x-ray/about/pac-20395303