How Long Does an Ultrasound Take & What Should You Expect?

Ultrasound Imaging at TrueCare Medical in Suwanee

Ultrasound imaging is available at TrueCare Medical's Suwanee location and is one of the most versatile and widely used diagnostic imaging services in medicine. It works by using high-frequency sound waves to create real-time images of the inside of your body. Because it doesn't use radiation, it's considered very safe and is commonly used to evaluate a wide range of organs and tissues.

Your provider may recommend an ultrasound to get a better look at your abdomen, pelvis, thyroid, kidneys, gallbladder, or other soft tissue structures. Ultrasound is particularly useful for investigating symptoms like abdominal pain, bloating, or swelling, and for evaluating lumps or masses that can't be adequately assessed from the outside. It's also used to guide certain procedures and to follow up on abnormalities found in other types of imaging.

An ultrasound is a non-invasive, painless procedure. You'll lie on an exam table while a trained provider applies a small amount of clear gel to the area being imaged and moves a handheld device called a transducer across your skin. The transducer sends sound waves into your body and receives the echoes that bounce back, which are then translated into images on a screen. The whole process is comfortable and typically takes between 20 and 45 minutes, depending on the area being examined.

Most ultrasound appointments at TrueCare Medical take between 20 and 45 minutes, including preparation. The imaging portion itself is often completed in 15 to 30 minutes. After your scan, the images are reviewed, and your provider will follow up with you to discuss the findings and next steps. If you have questions about what to expect at your specific appointment, our team is happy to walk you through it beforehand.

Diagnostic Radiology Services: What to Know About X-Rays

X-Ray Imaging at TrueCare Medical in Suwanee

X-ray imaging is available at TrueCare Medical's Suwanee location and is one of the oldest and most commonly used forms of diagnostic radiology services. It works by passing a small, controlled amount of radiation through the body to create images of internal structures, particularly bones and dense tissues. X-rays are fast, widely available, and highly effective for evaluating a broad range of conditions.

Your provider may order an X-ray to evaluate a suspected fracture or bone injury, assess joint pain or swelling, screen for lung conditions like pneumonia, or investigate other concerns involving the chest, abdomen, or skeletal system. X-rays are often one of the first steps in a diagnostic workup because they're quick to perform and can provide valuable information that guides further testing if needed.

An X-ray is a quick, non-invasive procedure that typically takes just a few minutes to complete. You'll be positioned by a trained technician, either standing, sitting, or lying down, depending on the area being imaged, and asked to stay still briefly while the image is taken. You may be asked to hold your breath for a moment during a chest X-ray to help produce a sharper image. There's no discomfort involved, and the level of radiation exposure used in a standard X-ray is very low.

After your X-ray, the images will be reviewed, and your provider will discuss the findings with you at a follow-up appointment. If your results point toward a condition that requires additional evaluation, your provider will walk you through the next steps, which might include further imaging, lab work, or a referral to a specialist. Having your imaging handled at TrueCare Medical means your provider already has context about your health history, which makes interpreting your results and planning next steps much more seamless.

What Is a Mammography Test & Who Should Get One?

Our Mobile Mammogram Program at TrueCare Medical in Lilburn

TrueCare Medical's Lilburn location is proud to be part of a mobile mammogram program that brings breast cancer screening directly to our patients. A mammogram is a specialized X-ray of the breast tissue designed to detect signs of breast cancer, often before a lump can be felt or any symptoms appear. It's one of the most effective screening tools available for breast cancer, and catching changes early makes a significant difference in treatment options and outcomes.

Current general guidelines recommend that women at average risk begin discussing testing with their provider at age 40 and start regular annual screenings by age 50. Women with a family history of breast cancer or other risk factors may benefit from starting earlier. Your TrueCare Medical provider can help you determine the right screening schedule based on your individual health history and risk profile.

The mobile mammogram unit visits our Lilburn location on a regular schedule, roughly every two months, as part of a partnered program designed to bring breast cancer screening directly to our community. The program is available free of charge for Vietnamese-speaking patients and includes a Vietnamese-language interpreter throughout the process, removing both the financial and language barriers that can prevent patients from getting the screening they need.

During a mammogram, you'll stand in front of a specialized imaging machine while a technician gently positions each breast between two flat plates. The plates compress the breast briefly while an X-ray image is taken, which helps produce a clearer picture of the tissue. The compression lasts only a few seconds and may feel slightly uncomfortable, but the procedure itself is very quick. Most mammograms are completed in under 20 minutes.

Once your imaging is complete, the results will be reviewed, and your provider will follow up with you to discuss the findings. If the images show anything that warrants a closer look, your provider will explain what was found and what the next steps look like. In many cases, a follow-up finding is not cause for alarm, but rather a prompt to gather more information. Having a provider at TrueCare Medical who knows your health history means you won't be navigating that conversation alone.