Why did my provider order an x-ray?Radiographs are a reliable and accurate means of obtaining information to help your provider diagnosis the cause of your illness or pain. |
Who performs and interprets my x-ray?A qualified Radiologic Technologist (RT) licensed by New York State and registered by The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists will perform your examination. A Radiologist at the NYU Medical Center will interpret your examination. |
How do I register for my X-ray?A clinical aide at the 3rd floor reception area will request your x-ray requisition and generate the necessary forms for you to have your examination. Additional information may be requested to update your files. |
How is an x-ray performed?The Radiologic Technologist will escort you to a dressing room where you will be given an examination gown if necessary and instructed to remove specific articles of your clothing that might interfere with the x-ray and to ensure the x-ray is free of any artifacts, e.g. clothing, snaps, buttons, clips, etc. You might be asked to stand, sit or possibly lie on the x-ray table depending on the area of interest. The Technologist also uses special equipment, positioning blocks and sponges to achieve an optimal image. |
What should I do to prepare for the examination?A routine x-ray examination requires no preparation. If you are pregnant or not sure, please notify the technologist prior to the examination so precautions can be taken. Most examinations using x-ray will not be performed on a pregnant woman unless the benefits of the examination outweigh the risks of radiation to the fetus. |
What are the risks?Technologists are experts in utilizing the minimal dose to achieve optimal results. Lead aprons and shields are used, and New York City and New York State routinely inspect all equipment for safety and adequate shielding. All examinations are well within the permissible levels of diagnostic radiation dosage. |
Why do you ask if I'm pregnant?We try to avoid any x-rays during pregnancy unless it is a potentially life-threatening situation. If x-rays must be taken, we take special precautions to limit exposure to the fetus. If a woman didn't know she was pregnant and was exposed to radiation, it could result in the fetal abnormalities and genetic defects. As a result we must have medical confirmation that a woman is not pregnant before performing any x-rays. |
What can I expect after my examination?You will be asked to stay in your dressing room while all films are developed and reviewed for diagnostic quality. After reviewing your films, additional views maybe necessary to ensure the examination completely demonstrates the area in clinical question. In some cases, your x-ray examination will be forwarded to the provider who ordered your films that day for review. Otherwise, your examination will be forwarded to the New York University Medical Center where a board-certified Radiologist will issue a final report. |
What happens to the results?The Radiologists will generate an official report, which will be forwarded to the provider who requested the examination. The radiograph and the report become part of your medical record. Copies of the x-ray report can be requested through Health Information Management Services. |
What is the procedure and fee for obtaining x-ray copies?All x-ray copies require 24-hour notice. All patients must sign an Authorization for Release of Health Information form. Requested copies will be available on the next business day. |