X-Rays for Kids As Part of Pediatric Care
Whether a pediatric patient is receiving attention at our clinic during an anticipated visit, such as a wellness check or immunization appointment, or is in the office for unexpected treatment due to an accident or illness, we want to provide compassionate, personalized care.
We offer a range of pediatric services, including setting kids up for X-rays from trained technicians.
What Are X-Rays?
X-rays are waves of electromagnetic radiation. These waves are used in medical imaging and can help healthcare providers make diagnoses.
Due to their high energy, X-rays can pass through muscle and skin. Bones absorb more X-rays than soft tissues and areas of air, allowing bones to show distinctly in X-ray images. In X-ray-generated images, bones show as white, soft tissues show as gray, and areas of air, such as lungs, show as black.
X-Rays in Medical Care
X-rays provide quality, still images with electromagnetic radiation useful for displaying bones, joints, and teeth. A healthcare professional may order X-rays to confirm a broken bone, a dislocated joint, or to render images of teeth malalignment.
By comparison, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) uses magnets and radio waves to produce 3D images, often in healthcare settings to present organs and muscles.
An ultrasound is another means of generating images for health purposes. Unlike X-rays and MRIs, ultrasounds display real-time images, including movement. Sound waves are used to generate ultrasound images.
X-ray images are usually faster and cheaper to generate than MRI and ultrasound images.
Are X-Rays Safe?
Receiving an X-ray involves ionizing radiation exposure, and The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) reports that ionizing radiation “can present risks to the person getting an X-ray,” but that “when used appropriately, the benefit of an X-ray imaging exam far outweighs any risk from ionizing radiation.”
According to the FDA, “efforts should be made to minimize risk by reducing unnecessary” ionizing radiation exposure due to cancer-related risks and reporting that X-ray “equipment and exposure settings designed for adults may result in excessive radiation exposure if used on smaller patients.”
While recognizing the risks, the FDA “recommends that X-ray exams be performed when the child's doctor determines the results would help in a diagnosis or treatment.”
X-Rays for Kids
At Rexburg Pediatrics, the safety of our patients is of utmost importance, and we want to make sure that X-ray imaging is the best treatment option before ordering X-ray services.
X-ray Services and Rexburg Pediatrics
If it is determined that X-ray services are appropriate for a child receiving care from Rexburg Pediatrics, those services will be referred to Community Care, a primary and urgent healthcare provider housed in the same building as our clinic, and, along with Rexburg Pediatrics, is a Mountain View Hospital affiliate.
The X-ray techs at Community Care are trained in administering X-rays for kids, and all Community Care X-ray techs are certified by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (AART). To ensure accuracy, a radiologist reviews all images taken by Community Care technicians for Rexburg Pediatrics.
Pediatric X-ray Services
X-rays can be used to help diagnose multiple conditions, including:
Abdominal: Abdominal X-rays can help identify blockages or kidney stones that may be leading to discomfort. If your child is experiencing stomachaches or vomiting, an abdominal X-ray may be recommended to determine appropriate care.
Bone and joint: Dislocations and breaks can be detected with X-ray’s imaging capabilities. Let us help you get clear evidence of whether or not your child has a broken bone or a dislocation. X-rays can be used to identify small to large fractures and dislocations of the elbow, wrist, shoulder, ankle, and more.
Chest: One reason for a chest X-ray is if your child has swallowed something potentially harmful. Other reasons include a doctor’s orders due to a suspected condition.
Dental: X-rays can be used for cases of jaw pain and improperly aligned teeth. Arranging for these types of dental X-rays is among our pediatric services.
Sports-related issues: After a child sustains an injury while participating in sports activities, it may be difficult to determine the severity of the condition. X-rays can be used to help determine the status of a sports-related issue and provide evidence of how to move forward with treatment.
Preparing Your Child for Pediatric X-Rays
Whether a child has questions about having X-ray images taken, is concerned about receiving X-ray services, or has confusion regarding X-rays, there are multiple ways to help prepare a child for pediatric X-ray services.
Check out our X-Rays page for ideas on preparing your child for X-rays, including suggestions for supporting an anxious child.
Providing Pediatric Healthcare in Rexburg
Rexburg Pediatrics provides pediatric healthcare services in Rexburg, including X-ray ordering. Our office is open Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Call (208) 346-8400 to learn more about X-rays for kids and other pediatric care services.