Have Doctor’s Orders for Imaging? Visit an Imaging Center

July 28, 2022 – 2 min read

Share this post:

A medical provider handing a doctor's order to a patient, used to explain why it's important to visit an imaging center

Have Doctor’s Orders for Imaging? Visit an Imaging Center

If you have had an injury or are experiencing unexplained or chronic pain, a prompt, accurate diagnosis is essential. Your doctor might order diagnostic imaging to help determine the cause of your pain and develop the right treatment plan. After you receive a doctor’s order, visit an imaging center, like American Health Imaging.

Types of Imaging

Based on the type of pain you have and where it is located, your doctor will choose imaging technology that will best help make an accurate diagnosis. Different types of scans are used to look at different parts of the body, such as joints, organs, and muscles. Imaging techniques include:

  • Computed tomography (CT) scans create cross-sectional images inside the body using specialized x-rays. Doctors use CT scans to view bones, muscles, organs, blood vessels, blood clots and tumors. In addition to diagnosing injuries and diseases, this imaging technique can help doctors determine cancer stages and see how well treatments have worked.
  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) creates detailed pictures using radio waves and magnets. MRI scans show clear views of soft tissues and help doctors in evaluating issues involving blood vessels, the brain, the heart, breasts and the abdomen. They can also help your doctor determine the extent of arthritis and injuries in the spine and confirm if surgery will be effective for knee injuries.
  • Digital X-rays use sensors instead of traditional film and require less radiation than traditional X-rays. Doctors most frequently use X-rays to view bones and evaluate fractures, but they also use them to view internal organs in certain cases.
  • Ultrasound imaging uses sound waves to produce images called sonograms. Doctors order ultrasounds to diagnose conditions in the abdominal organs, including the liver and kidneys.

Medical Imaging at American Health Imaging

American Health Imaging offers leading-edge imaging technology performed by highly trained, board-certified technologists, and then interpreted by radiologists. When you visit one of our many locations throughout Alabama, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and Texas, you will receive compassionate care and timely, precise results your doctor can rely on to make an accurate diagnosis.

Not only is imaging at American Health Imaging hassle-free, it’s also fast, convenient, and affordable. To accommodate busy schedules, same-day appointments are often available, as are evening and weekend times. Costs are 40%–60% lower than imaging costs at hospitals. American Health Imaging is also in-network with almost every major health plan, with financial assistance programs available. In addition, the time and hassle of navigating a complex hospital are no longer necessary.

After receiving an order for diagnostic imaging from your doctor, don’t wait to request an appointment at an American Health Imaging location near you.