Diagnostic Testing

Diagnostic testing helps identify the cause of unpleasant or harmful symptoms. For patient convenience, Tyler Internal Medicine Associates P.A. provides on-site imaging and lab work at offices in Tyler and Lindale, Texas. You can benefit from the practice's cutting-edge diagnostic testing, including heart echocardiography, stress testing, lung function tests, and MRIs. Call Tyler Internal Medicine Associates P.A. to learn more about the services available, or schedule a consultation online today.

What is diagnostic testing?

Diagnostic testing helps your provider determine what’s causing the symptoms you describe when visiting Tyler Internal Medicine Associates P.A. Common problems that cause people to seek medical care include:

• Abdominal pain 
• Joint pain 
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Chronic fatigue
• Shortness of breath
• Headaches and migraines
• Chest pain
• Palpitations (rapid, pounding heartbeat)
• Back pain
• Exercise intolerance
• Acid reflux (heartburn)
• Unusual lumps or lesions
• Claudication (leg pain when walking)
• Heavy, painful, or irregular menstruation

Diagnostic testing is also vital in screening for potentially life-threatening conditions before you develop symptoms. 

What diagnostic testing might I need?

Many diagnostic tests are available. Most are either lab tests or imaging procedures. Diagnostic testing at Tyler Internal Medicine Associates P.A. includes:

X-Rays

X-rays are best for bone problems like fractures and lung disorders like pneumonia.

Electrocardiogram (EKG)

An EKG records your heart’s electrical activity, providing an overview of how well your heart’s functioning.

Echocardiogram

An echocardiogram is a heart ultrasound. It uses sound waves to construct moving images.

MRI

An MRI uses large magnets to create cross-sectional images of your body. CT scans produce similar results using X-ray technology.

Lung function tests

You might need a lung function test if you have breathing difficulties or asthma symptoms. Spirometry is a standard lung function test that measures how much air you exhale. 

Nuclear stress test

Stress testing involves having an EKG or echocardiogram while exercising. It can highlight problems a resting test doesn’t. Nuclear stress testing uses a radioactive tracer to show the heart’s blood vessels clearly.

HbA1c

HbA1c is a diabetes test. It measures average blood glucose levels over three months.

Doppler

Carotid, venous, and arterial Doppler procedures are blood vessel ultrasounds.

Mammograms

A mammogram is a breast X-ray that identifies and screens for cancer.

Is diagnostic testing painful?

Most diagnostic testing is noninvasive and causes little to no discomfort.

You have sticky pads on your chest and over key arteries for an EKG. For ultrasounds, your provider uses a handheld device to pass over the affected area. Lung function tests typically involve breathing in and/or out to see how well your lungs work.

MRI and CT scans use cutting-edge machines that encircle your body. The MRI is a long cylinder, while a CT scanner is donut-shaped. Lab tests use samples like blood and urine.

Call Tyler Internal Medicine Associates P.A. to learn more about benefiting from diagnostic testing, or schedule a consultation online today.