X-ray
Reviewed by board-certified emergency physicians. Walk in or call (713) 660-0001 anytime.
Bellaire ER offers walk-in digital X-ray on-site, 24/7, with no appointment needed. X-rays are commonly used to check for broken bones, chest problems such as pneumonia, and swallowed or embedded foreign objects. Images are taken and read on-site by a board-certified emergency physician, so you get answers and a treatment plan in a single visit.
Symptoms
- Suspected broken bone: Pain, swelling, bruising, deformity, or an inability to bear weight or use a limb after a fall, twist, or direct blow often warrants an X-ray to check for a fracture.
- Joint injury: A swollen, painful, or unstable joint after trauma can be X-rayed to look for fractures or dislocation.
- Chest symptoms: Cough, fever, chest pain, or shortness of breath may call for a chest X-ray to check for pneumonia, fluid around the lungs, or a collapsed lung.
- Abdominal complaints: Persistent belly pain, bloating, severe constipation, or vomiting can prompt an abdominal X-ray to look for bowel obstruction or other problems.
- Swallowed or embedded object: A swallowed coin, battery, or bone, or an object lodged in tissue, can often be located on an X-ray.
- Persistent or worsening pain: Pain from an injury that does not improve or gets worse over several days may need imaging to identify the cause.
When It's an Emergency
Visit the ER for x-ray if:
Your symptoms are severe, sudden, or getting worse. Don't wait — walk in to Bellaire ER or call (713) 660-0001.
Come straight to Bellaire ER — open 24/7 — for signs of a serious injury: an obvious deformity or bone pushing against the skin, an open wound over a possible fracture, heavy bleeding, numbness, or loss of pulse or color in a limb. Call 911 if bleeding is uncontrolled or you cannot travel safely.
Seek emergency care right away for severe difficulty breathing, chest pain, coughing up blood, or a high fever with a cough, which may need a chest X-ray and prompt treatment.
Go to the ER for sudden, severe, or constant abdominal pain, a swollen rigid belly, or repeated vomiting, which can signal a bowel obstruction or another serious problem.
A swallowed button battery or magnet, or an object stuck in the throat, is an emergency for both children and adults and needs immediate evaluation. When an injury or symptom is severe, do not drive yourself; call 911.
When It's Not an Emergency
Minor aches, longstanding joint pain, or routine follow-up imaging are usually better handled by your primary care doctor or an orthopedic or urgent care clinic during regular hours.
If you are unsure whether an injury needs imaging, our telemedicine service can help you decide whether to come in. A virtual visit cannot perform an X-ray, but it can guide next steps for mild, stable symptoms.
When in doubt about a possible fracture, chest problem, or severe pain, it is safer to be seen in person.
What Happens at Bellaire ER
A board-certified emergency physician first examines you and decides whether an X-ray is needed. Because Bellaire ER has on-site digital X-ray, no appointment or outside referral is required.
The X-ray itself is quick and painless. A technologist positions the body part and captures the images, which are available within minutes.
Your physician reviews the images on-site and explains what they show. If more detail is needed, we also have on-site CT, ultrasound, and a full lab.
Most patients receive a diagnosis and treatment plan in a single visit, including splinting or care for a fracture, without a transfer to another facility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a walk-in X-ray without an appointment?
Yes. Bellaire ER offers walk-in digital X-ray 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, with no appointment needed. The images are captured and read on-site by a board-certified emergency physician, so you do not need a referral or a separate radiology visit.
What does an X-ray show?
X-rays are best for viewing bones and are commonly used to detect fractures and dislocations. A chest X-ray can show pneumonia, fluid around the lungs, or a collapsed lung, and an abdominal X-ray can help identify a bowel obstruction or swallowed objects. Soft tissues such as ligaments and organs show up less clearly, so your physician may recommend an ultrasound or CT scan if more detail is needed.
How long does it take to get X-ray results at Bellaire ER?
Because our X-ray is digital and read on-site, results are typically available within minutes. A board-certified emergency physician reviews the images with you and discusses the next steps during the same visit.
Is an X-ray safe? How much radiation is involved?
X-rays use a small amount of ionizing radiation, and the dose for a standard exam such as a chest or limb X-ray is low. The benefit of an accurate diagnosis generally outweighs this small risk. If you are or may be pregnant, tell the staff before your X-ray so precautions can be taken.
Do you offer X-rays for children?
Yes. Bellaire ER can perform X-rays for both children and adults, and staff take steps to use appropriate settings and shielding. If you are concerned about a child's possible fracture, breathing problem, or a swallowed object, our team can evaluate and image them promptly.
Sources & Further Reading
Medical information on this page is consistent with guidance from these trusted organizations:
People also ask
When should I go to the ER for x-ray?
Go to the ER for an X-ray when an injury or symptom is severe, worsening, or after hours, such as a suspected fracture, a hard fall, trouble breathing, or a swallowed object, since an ER can image, read, and treat you in one visit.
Read full answer →