Diagnostic x-rays help diagnose injuries to joints and bones, such as fractures, diseases of the chest, such as pneumonia or congestive heart failure, and diseases of the abdomen, such as kidney stones. Foundation Health Partners provides the most advanced X-ray imaging available.

PLAIN FILM

Digital radiography (DR) is an advanced form of x-ray which produces a digital radiographic image instantly on a computer. This technique uses x-ray sensitive plates to capture data during examination, which is immediately transferred to a computer without the use of a cassette. 

Advantages of digital radiography over conventional film:

• Decreased radiation exposure
• Increased image quality
• Cost savings
• Faster processing time
• The ability to apply special image processing techniques that enhance overall display quality of the image.

FLUOROSCOPY

Fluoroscopy is an imaging test that uses X-rays to make “real-time” moving pictures of the body. Fluoroscopy allows the doctor to see organs and tissues working on a video screen, similar to watching a movie. Fluoroscopy helps diagnose and treat many conditions of the blood vessels, joints, and digestive, urinary, respiratory and reproductive systems.

A fluoroscopy exam itself is a noninvasive medical test and is generally painless. However, fluoroscopy tests can also involve the injection of a contrast agent.  Most fluoroscopy procedures are performed as outpatient procedures while the patient is awake. 

A contrast agent, or dye, is sometimes necessary to create the fluoroscopy images. When imaging your gastrointestinal tract, you may be asked to drink an oral contrast to assist with expanding your intestines for a better look inside. The most common type of these exams are:

• Upper gastrointestinal exams (UGI)
• Small Bowel 
• Esophoagrams or Barium Swallows
• Video Speech Studies 

Additional Fluoroscopy Procedures Performed at FHP 

• Barium Enema
• Bowel transit studies
• Voiding Cystogram
• Drainages/ Aspirations
• Arthrograms
• Hysterosalpingogram
• Therapeutic Injections
• Myelograms 
• Lumbar Punctures
• Patency studies 
• Port-a Cath studies