Radiology Clinic in Rocky Mount, NC

Radiology refers to the discipline of medical care that uses imaging to see inside the human body to diagnose diseases and other medical conditions. Through the use of different types of radiology, doctors can see signs of diseases that aren’t visible through a standard physical exam. The use of medical imagery will be dependent on the part of the body being examined, as well as what the patient is being tested for. 

Radiology is often used to help doctors and radiologists diagnose things like broken bones, blood clots, heart conditions, respiratory issues, and gastrointestinal conditions, among many other uses. Radiology can also be used to screen for various types of cancer. As part of an ongoing treatment plan, doctors can use radiology to monitor the success of the treatment in their patients.

When people hear the word radiology, they are likely to think of medical imagery used for diagnostic purposes. X-rays, ultrasounds, MRI, and CT scans are some of the most common types of images under radiology used by doctors and radiologists to show signs of diseases, abnormalities, and other issues beneath the surface of the skin. 

These conditions often impact the bones, organs, or systems of the body and can’t be diagnosed through a physical exam alone. However, radiography can also be used to treat some diseases and medical conditions through the use of interventional radiology. Procedures that use interventional radiology include angioplasty, fluoroscopy, angiograms, and biopsies. Using interventional radiology, doctors can treat their patients without having to perform typically invasive surgical procedures. With this technique, the procedures are just as effective as traditional surgery, but without the long recovery times that patients need following a surgical procedure.

People are typically referred to a radiologist by their primary care physician or an attending physician at a walk-in clinic or urgent care. Depending on the patient’s symptoms, and as a result of a physical exam, the doctor will determine the need for further diagnostic testing to help make a complete and accurate diagnosis. Radiology covers many different forms of diagnostic imaging such as X-rays, ultrasound, CT scans, and MRI that can be done to diagnose diseases or medical conditions.

Diagnostic imaging tests are typically performed by a radiographer, who is a trained specialist in the technical use of the equipment used to perform the diagnostic tests. The radiologist is a trained medical doctor that can choose the best diagnostic test for the patient based on the condition or disease that they are being tested for. They can also interpret the results of the test and then consult with your primary care physician on the best course of action for treatment. Patients can also consult with their doctor on an ongoing basis when radiology techniques are used as part of a treatment plan to monitor the success of an existing treatment method.

Radiologists are medical professionals who have completed the necessary medical school education and testing to be licensed physicians. For that reason, radiologists can write prescriptions for medications for their patients. Although they are licensed physicians and can write prescriptions, many radiologists have chosen to focus on radiology as opposed to general medicine, and therefore don’t often write prescriptions. 

They are expected to remain current on techniques related to radiology, but not prescription medications and so may not be aware of the newest and most appropriate medications for more complex medical conditions. Radiologists will work closely with their patient’s primary care physician to come up with a comprehensive treatment plan that may use a combination of prescribed medication, radiology monitoring, and alternative therapies.

At Rocky Mount Family Medical, we have a team of medical professionals, including radiologists, who work with our doctors to provide our patients with their medical needs all under one roof. For more information please contact us or book an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 804 English Rd, Suite 100 Rocky Mount, NC 27804.  We serve patients from Rocky Mount NC, Nashville NC, Westry NC, Dortches NC, Red Oak NC, and Sharpsburg NC.