X-ray referral in Patong

You came off a scooter, landed badly on your wrist, and now you cannot tell whether it is a bad sprain or a break. They can feel identical for the first day. An X-ray referral in Patong settles the question quickly, and we arrange it from our clinic on Prachanukroh Road without you needing to work out where to go.

Walk in, get examined, and if imaging is needed we send you to a trusted partner nearby with a written request. The doctor then reviews the films with you afterwards, which is the part that actually matters.

When an X-ray is worth doing

Not every injury needs one, and we will tell you when it does not. The examination usually gives a strong steer. We look at where exactly the pain sits, whether you can put weight on it or move it, whether there is bruising or deformity, and whether the tenderness is over bone or over soft tissue.

Tenderness directly over a bone, inability to bear weight, obvious deformity, or pain that is not settling after a couple of days all point towards imaging. A sprain that is improving day by day usually does not need it.

The injuries we see most in Patong

Wrists and forearms top the list, because that is what you put out when you fall. Ankles come next, from scooters, kerbs and steps in the dark around Bangla Road. Then shoulders and collarbones, ribs from heavier falls, and fingers and toes.

Chest X-rays are the other common request, usually when a cough has hung on and we want to know whether it has become pneumonia rather than a lingering chest infection.

How the referral works

The doctor examines you and writes a referral stating exactly which area needs imaging and what we are looking for. That detail matters, because a vague request produces a vague report. You take it to the imaging centre, which is a short ride away, and the scan itself takes only a few minutes.

You bring the films and report back to us, or they are sent through, and the doctor goes through them with you in plain language. If there is a fracture, we explain what kind, what it means and what happens next.

If it is broken

Simple, stable fractures can often be managed with a splint or cast, pain relief and follow-up. We arrange that and give you the written documentation your insurer will want.

Fractures that are displaced, unstable, involve a joint surface, or need pinning are orthopaedic work. We refer you on to a hospital specialist, having already established what the problem is, so you arrive with a diagnosis rather than starting from scratch.

Flying home with a fracture

Airlines are usually fine with a simple fracture, but many ask for a letter confirming you are fit to travel, and some have rules about full casts on long flights due to swelling at altitude. Tell us your flight date and we will assess you and issue a fit to fly certificate where appropriate, along with advice on managing swelling and pain in the air.

Common questions about X-ray referrals in Patong

Can I go straight to an imaging centre myself?

You can, but without a referral it is easy to have the wrong area imaged, and you will still need a doctor to interpret it. Being examined first usually saves time and money.

How much does an X-ray cost in Patong?

The imaging centre charges for the scan and we charge for the consultation and review. Message us and we will explain both.

How fast can it be done?

Usually the same day. Most people are examined, scanned and back with results within a few hours.

Will my travel insurance cover imaging?

Generally yes when it was medically needed, though scooter exclusions may apply. We provide the report and itemised receipts either way.

What if the X-ray is normal but it still hurts?

Some fractures do not show initially, and soft tissue injuries never show at all. We reassess, and where needed arrange repeat imaging or a specialist opinion.