Bruce Bielfelt MD
Radiologist | Diagnostic Radiology
4300 N Access Rd Suite D Chattanooga TN, 37415Rating
5/5
About
Dr. Bruce Bielfelt is a radiologist practicing in Chattanooga, TN. Dr. Bielfelt specializes in diagnosing and treating injuries and diseases using medical imaging techniques such as X-Rays, magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography exams. These techniques offer accurate visibility to the inside of the patients body and help to detect otherwise hidden illnesses so that they can be treated quickly and efficiently.
Provider Details
Bruce Bielfelt MD's Expert Contributions
How many CT scans in a span of one month are considered safe?
I am not sure why you add the CT scans twice during one month. You have to always weigh the risk versus benefit. If the scan was absolutely necessary to either follow a condition or diagnose a condition, two scans in one month is not a critical situation. READ MORE
Is a CT Scan safe during pregnancy?
A CT scan of the head of course puts out a fair degree of radiation but your daughter can be totally wrapped in the lead from the abdomen down and even chest if she wants. This will shield the unborn from most radiation. I’m sure that her doctor has thought of this. Any reputable outpatient or inpatient imaging group will do everything they can to minimize radiation to the unborn. Safe, is a loaded question. The safety of the mother must also be taken into account. READ MORE
I am having numbness in my right leg. What test do you recommend? I am worried if it is an early sign of a stroke.
Numbness in extremity is not necessarily due to a stroke. It could be secondary to a “pinched nerve”. My first choice would be an MRI of the lumbar spine. If nothing explains your problem there, then you would probably be a candidate for an MRI of the brain. READ MORE
I have persistent cough, however my doctor says there is no need for a X-ray. Should I still go for one?
If you are or have been a smoker or have been in trades that might cause lung disease, it might be a good Idea. Exposure to asbestos might also warrant a chest study. Chronic exposure to smoke as in fire fighting could also trigger a need. A chest x-ray is a screening study. I don’t know your age either. READ MORE
My sons's lung X-ray shows a different condition than it originally did. Why?
Without seeing the films myself, that’s difficult to determine. You don’t mention as to whether there is an expansion of the infiltrate or whether the infiltrate is becoming smaller and more condensed. Pneumonia can change very rapidly in its appearance on the chest x-ray. READ MORE
What deformities in the growing baby can be confirmed in an anomaly scan?
There are many types of anomalies which can be seen on this type of ultrasound scan. This is referred to as a level III evaluation. Physical deformities are many times with some exception a manifestation of congenital/genetic problems. If a fetus has anencephaly, this could also be detected. In addition there are certain blood test which could be utilized to detect congenital issues. READ MORE
Can MS be confirmed through an MRI scan?
MRI is probably the best means of detecting MS noninvasively. READ MORE
My abdominal X-ray look a little hazy. What could this indicate?
An abdominal X-ray is merely a screening study. A hazy appearance could mean several things. Your doctor is best consulted regarding follow-up. READ MORE
By when in a pregnancy can the radiologist see any deformities in the growing fetus?
That is rather loaded question. Certain things will show up earlier than others. One of the most important things you can do is to stop worrying. This releases hormones which are probably not really great for the baby. Tranquility in motherhood is probably one of the best Defenses that you can personally have. Genes are going to do what genes do, But genes are somewhat controlled by stress as well. READ MORE
What could the stone-like appearance in my abdominal CT be?
It could be a gallstone or could be kidney stones. You could also have calcifications in lymph nodes. Actually, I would have to look at the films in order to tell you. Those are the could be’s. READ MORE
Can radiation therapy increase one's chances of getting melanoma?
You should have this checked out by a dermatologist. READ MORE
My father has developed enteritis after his radiation therapy. What should we do?
Although I am not a radiation therapist, and it might be good to discuss this with your radiation therapist, you may try items like yogurt and other probiotics to try to calm things down. It certainly should not hurt. READ MORE
My X-ray showed a 3mm stone in the right kidney however it was not seen in the following x-ray. Why did this happen?
Frequently we can see things on CT that we cannot see on plain film. This has to do with the density and type of the stone. READ MORE
Would a USG help in understanding the cause of my lower abdomen pain?
I’m assuming you are referring to ultrasound. If you’re a woman, this might be a good choice. If you’re a man, you may want to defer to CT scan. READ MORE
Can cancer show up in a CT scan?
If there are no comparisons available, it is likely there will need to be a biopsy. READ MORE
Why is my lung X-ray looking hazy?
Most likely pneumonia, but follow up is necessary to make sure it clears with standard treatment. READ MORE
Can an X-ray indicate the kidney functioning level?
A nuclear scan test could be performed, but the lab values above pretty much tell the story. READ MORE
Can an X-ray detect cancer?
You could undergo PET/CT first if you are worried about the biopsy. READ MORE
My son is working in the hospital as a radiologist. Will the waves from the machines cause him any harm?
Well ma’am, that’s an interesting question. I think your son has probably made the choice in medicine, which he enjoys. Frankly, I have been experiencing exposure to radiation since 1977 and I’m still here to answer your question. That being said, we are exposed to radiation every day on this earth. Those of us who perform procedures in Radiology are more exposed than some, however. READ MORE
I have undergone about 5 X-rays in the last 2 months for my spinal problem. Are there any risks?
Risk is age related. It is also exposure related. If you are a young person, it is more likely that exposure to radiation could affect you at a later date even though that is a minimal increase in risk. There is nothing that we do in life that is without risk, including eating. READ MORE
Bruce Bielfelt MD's Practice location
Practice At 4300 N Access Rd Suite D
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PARKRIDGE MEDICAL CENTERl
2333 MCCALLIE AVE CHATTANOOGA TN 37404