Agape Chiropractic in Pompano Beach offers in-house x-rays as a service

X-rays were discovered for diagnostic purposes by Wilhelm Rontgen in 1895. X-rays are primarily used to diagnose conditions of the bones and joints of the body. Soft tissues do not show up well on x-rays. For soft tissues, other imaging techniques are available including ultrasound and MRI. But for the evaluation of bone and joint conditions, X-ray continues to be the most popular diagnostic imaging tool.

X-rays are often available at diagnostic imaging centers as well as in many physicians’ private practices. You don’t have to go the hospital to have x-rays taken. Many doctors offer x-rays as a service independent from the treatments they render. That is, you don’t necessarily have to be a patient at an office to have your x-rays taken. However, a physician’s prescription for x-rays is probably required. Laws vary from state to state. Each state makes their own determination regarding what kind of health care professionals can perform x-rays. In the absence of a prescription, most x-ray facilities will have a physician available to determine if x-rays are appropriate.

Plain film x-rays have “evolved” to digital images. But digital imaging has not replaced plain films. Both have their advantages and disadvantages. Properly exposed plain films still produce more detailed images. But digital x-rays are usually a little faster and more convenient. Digital images can be easily manipulated to improve the image quality when improper exposure factors were used. Sharing and copying digital images does not reduce the image quality and the quality of the images does not degrade over time. Digital images are easier to archive and take less storage space. The digital imaging comes with a larger price tag to the physician which may drive up the costs of the images. Both plain film and digital x-ray machines expose the patient to about the same amount of radiation.

Although the plain film x-ray and digital x-ray systems both have their strong points, in the end, it should not affect the diagnosis and healthcare a person receives. Either system can produce excellent diagnostic images providing the techniques were correct and the equipment was functioning properly. In the case of films, the processing chemicals must also be fresh.

X-rays are usually covered by health insurance plans. Upon request, we provide free health insurance verification prior to your service so that you can know exactly what costs you will have, if any.

Dr. Michael Haley
Chiropractor, Pompano Beach, FL