Salem Radiology's X-ray services are 100% digital.

Digital X-ray offers higher quality images (and in turn, better diagnostic information) and the ability to get images from any site to a radiologist in virtually real-time. As a result, patients and their doctors can obtain a preliminary diagnosis from a Board-Certified radiologist within minutes. Diagnostic X-ray is available on a walk-in basis with a doctor's order at all three of our locations: Salem NH, North Andover, MA and Methuen, MA.

The Basics   Diagnostic X-ray imaging is one of the safest and quickest ways to examine the body's internal structures. X-ray imaging has been in use for over 100 years to detect and diagnose diseases and fractures. Radiographic imaging is a "still image" similar to a photograph, in which a picture is made of a bone or an organ, and shown on film or on a computer screen. Like most people's conversion to digital cameras, however, our conversion to digital x-ray has in essence eliminated the use of traditional film.

Patient Preparation   There is no physical preparation required for an X-ray but please remember to bring a copy of any related images, test results or reports as these are an important part of our radiologist's review of your exam. Also, please remember to bring a copy of your insurance card with you.

What Can I Expect?   You will be instructed to remove articles of clothing or jewelry that might interfere with the X-ray image being made. You may be asked to change into a hospital gown for the exam. If you are female, please inform their doctor or X-ray technologist if there is any possibility of being pregnant.

The technologist will position the body part being imaged on the X-ray machine. You will be instructed to remain still and, depending on the type of examination, may be asked to hold your breath. The technologist will step out of the room to take the picture.

X-rays are invisible and do not create sensation as they pass through the body. Technologists are trained to ensure maximum safety to the patient for X-ray examinations. Modern X-ray systems have tightly controlled X-ray beams with special dose control devices, which minimize radiation to parts of the body not being imaged.

Obtaining the Results   You should always consult with your doctor to obtain the results of your exam. The availability of those results depends on the nature of the exam, the findings of the radiologist and the specific needs of your doctor with respect to recommending a treatment plan.

Urgent and Complex Cases   When doctors request results quickly due to the nature of the case, our clinical team will provide the doctor with a "preliminary read" (sometimes called a "STAT" or "WET" read) either on a hand-written fax or via a telephone call to the doctor's office. We will also "call" preliminary results into your doctor's office even if not specifically requested if the radiologist deems that the findings may warrant more timely action by your doctor.

It is also common on these cases and in particular, on complex cases, for our radiologists to consult with your doctor directly. This direct line of communication provides your doctor with prompt and actionable diagnostic information which they in turn can use in recommending an immediate course of treatment. After the preliminary findings are reported to the patient's doctor, these cases follow the standard process described below for non-urgent cases, with a final report going to the doctor's office within approximately 24 hours.

Non-Urgent Cases   For those exams which are not urgent in nature, transcribed reports are typically available within 24 hours. Our radiologists review the images taken during an exam, consult prior images or other related clinical information, and dictate a report of their findings. Our onsite transcriptionists then type the reports which are faxed and / or mailed to your doctor's office based on your doctor's particular preferences.

Your doctors also have the ability to access your images and reports online via the Internet.