Patients often call our clinic asking to be seen for new injuries.

Common examples include:

• Falling and hurting your back, hip, leg, shoulder, or wrist.
• Twisting your ankle or knee.
• Motor vehicle accidents.
• Sports injuries.

If there is a concern that you have broken a bone, then you need an x-ray.

If you come to the Family Doctor:

• We do not have x-rays in the clinic.
• We can order an x-ray, but it will likely take 1-3 days for you to actually get the x-ray done and for the doctor to get the result. (Longer if it’s a Friday, because it won’t get done until the following week).
• If there is a broken bone, the Family Doctor cannot do a splint or cast in clinic.
  • So, you’ll need to go to the ER anyway for a cast/splint.
  • Or, the family doctor can refer you to an orthopedic specialist, but that could take an additional week to be seen.
• The point is, if there is a broken bone, it will take A WEEK OR LONGER for you to actually get treatment!

If you go to the ER:

• You get an immediate x-ray and immediate result.
• If there is a broken bone, the ER doctor will cast or splint you right away.

YES -> then you need an x-ray.

• as above, it’s probably best you go directly to the ER.
• we defer to your discretion here.

NO -> then please think specifically, why do you need to see the doctor?

• many musculoskeletal injuries can be treated without seeing a doctor.
• see the webpage on General Advice for Musculoskeletal Pain to see if this answers your questions?
• the Family Doctor will be happy to see you if you are still worried there is something else going on.