X-ray (Diagnostic Testing Procedure)
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When one of the physicians asks you to have an x-ray film taken, he will specify the type of x-ray and its position. The doctor will also give you a written order with this information on it to give to the technologist at the x-ray facility. It is very important if you are pregnant, or suspect you may be, to tell the doctor this before he orders x-ray diagnostic tests.
At our local hospitals, you do not need to be scheduled with a hospital x-ray department to get a plain x-ray taken. This does not include MRI, CT, or myelogram studies. You may go to any hospital or any x-ray center of your choice. Please let us know when and where your x-rays are taken.
Check in at the hospital’s testing center 15 minutes prior to the x-ray. This time is used largely to fill out paperwork. The entire process takes about an hour.
After the x-ray films have been taken and given to you, return to see your physician. This may occur all on the same day if the timing is fortunate, or you may have to arrange another time to see the doctor. When you return, please do not fail to bring the actual x-ray films (not just the radiologist’s report) for the doctor to review.
The way billing for x-rays is handled varies from place to place. When you first have your x-rays taken, you may wish to ask at the reception desk of the x-ray facility or department how you will be billed.
Your neurosurgeon, as well as a radiologist, will read and interpret your x-ray films. Federal law requires that a radiologist read and interpret x-ray films. You will not receive a bill from our office concerning the x-ray reading. Rather you will simply be billed for the office visit following the x-ray. But you will receive a separate billing from the radiologist for reading and interpreting your x-ray.
A. X-ray
B. Computerized tomography scan (CT scan)
C. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
D. Electromyography (EMG)/Nerve conduction velocity (NCV)
E. Myelogram
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