Diagnostic Testing Specialist
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Robert L. Stephenson, M.D.
Internal Medicine Physician located in Encinitas, CA
If you have troubling symptoms, feel ill, or have an injury, Robert L. Stephenson, MD, may order diagnostic testing to identify the illness causing your symptoms after performing a thorough exam. At his practice in Encinitas, California, Dr. Stephenson provides a wide variety of in-office tests and is located in a building with additional testing facilities, ensuring that any tests you need are convenient. Call Dr. Stephenson or schedule an appointment online today.
Diagnostic Testing Q & A
What is diagnostic testing?
Diagnostic testing includes a variety of blood tests, imaging studies, and other lab analysis that provide additional information about your health and wellness. Dr. Stephenson often orders diagnostic testing when you have symptoms of an illness or injury, and he needs to confirm your diagnosis before offering treatment.
What are some of the standard diagnostic tests?
Dr. Stephenson offers a variety of tests from the convenience of his office. For some diagnostic tests, such as X-rays, he refers you to another provider in the same building, so you can conveniently have the test and get your results quickly.
Strep tests
If you have a sore throat, Dr. Stephenson may collect a small sample from your throat to check for the streptococcus bacteria before prescribing treatments such as antibiotics.
Urinalysis
Dr. Stephenson uses urinalysis to test for signs of infection, kidney disease, diabetes, and liver disease.
Blood panels
A blood panel can reveal a lot about your health. Your white and red blood cell counts can show signs of certain cancers. Dr. Stephenson also uses blood panels to check your cholesterol and glucose levels, as well as monitor your hormone levels to identify issues like thyroid disorders.
Electrocardiograms (EKGs)
An EKG measures and monitors the cardiac electrical activity that controls your heart rate and blood flow in and out of your heart.
X-rays
X-rays use a small amount of radiation to create images of the inside of your body. The different tissues of your body absorb the radiation at different rates. When the beam of energy passes through your body, different types of tissue absorb the radiation at different rates, which is why your bones and organs look different on an X-ray image.
What should I expect if I need a diagnostic test?
Dr. Stephenson gives you specific instructions on how to prepare for your diagnostic testing. For example, you may need to fast for several hours before certain blood and urine tests. He offers most tests in his office, and any tests that aren’t available with him are available from his partners who practice in the same building.
If you have questions about diagnostic testing, call Dr. Stephenson or make an appointment online today.
