Identifying what is causing your symptoms or concerns is a crucial component of treatment because, without a proper diagnosis, your doctor would not be able to identify and correctly treat any medical conditions you may have.
Internists use a variety of diagnostic tools not only to diagnose and treat injuries and diseases but also to monitor your condition to see how you are responding to treatment.
At SC Internal Medicine Associates & Rehabilitation, we are proud to offer a variety of on-site comprehensive diagnostic services to help us determine the best type of treatment and care for your condition.
The diagnostic tests and procedures we offer include:
Bone Density (DEXA) Scans
A bone density scan is an enhanced form of X-ray technology that utilizes dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). This diagnostic tool can accurately measure bone loss and bone mineral density (BMD) and is usually recommended for use on the lower spine and hips.
Ultrasound
An ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to create a sonogram, which is an image of the internal organs. It is safer in that it doesn’t rely on radiation. It is usually ordered by doctors for pregnant women to stage pregnancy and check for abnormal fetal development. But an ultrasound may also detect abnormalities and tumors in the abdomen, cervix, and prostate, to name a few.
Pulmonary Function Testing
Pulmonary function tests check how the lungs are working and measure lung volume, lung capacity, flow rate, and gas exchange. It is a noninvasive diagnostic procedure that helps your doctor deduce if you have a lung disorder.
Echocardiogram
An echocardiogram or echocardiography, just like an ultrasound, uses high-frequency sound waves to take pictures of your heart, its walls, valves, chambers, and blood vessels. An echocardiogram can determine the size of your heart and the movement of the blood through it. You may think of it as a heart ultrasound and it can reveal heart abnormalities and heart disease.
Colonoscopy
A colonoscopy is a test used to diagnose any abnormalities in the colon and rectum. It utilizes a colonoscope with a tiny camera on one end that is inserted into the rectum. It allows your doctor to see the inside of your colon and rectum and remove any suspected precancerous growths that are discovered for laboratory testing.
Diabetes Screening
Type 2 diabetes screening involves measuring blood sugar levels with a blood test. The American Diabetes Association advises that all patients be screened for diabetes once they reach the age of 45, especially if there are risk factors such as genetics and obesity.
X-Rays
An X-ray is one of the most common types of diagnostic methods. It is a quick and painless test usually recommended for diagnosing bone and tissue conditions and disorders. X-rays diagnose lung infections, arthritis, osteoporosis, fractures, and bone cancer.
CT Scans
A computed tomography (CT) scan produces images that are more detailed than an X-ray by combining data from X-rays taken from different angles. CT scans can detect tumors in the lungs, brain, and liver, and can detect bone problems such as dislocations and fractures. It can also detect swelling, blood clots, and infections. CT scans help us determine if the disease or injury is responding to treatment.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a diagnostic tool that utilizes magnetic fields and radio waves to produce extremely detailed images of organs and tissues. It is usually recommended to produce images of the spinal cord and brain. Some examples of what an MRI can detect are bone and tissue tumors, injuries, and infections, plus aneurysms, signs of dementia and stroke.
Diagnostics in South Carolina
At SC Internal Medicine Associates and Rehabilitation, we have a wide range of on-site diagnostic tools – including the above tests and much more – that allow us to get an accurate picture of your health. You can find out more by calling our office at (803) 749-1111 or requesting an appointment now. We look forward to serving your health care needs.
