An X-ray, or radiograph, is a common, non-invasive diagnostic tool that uses electromagnetic radiation to create images of the internal structures of the body. This rapid imaging technique allows healthcare providers to visualize dense materials like bone as white areas, while less dense soft tissues appear in shades of gray, and air spaces are black. X-rays are widely used to diagnose conditions ranging from bone fractures and joint injuries to certain lung and abdominal issues. The process of getting this imaging requires specific steps, starting with a medical prescription and concluding with the interpretation of the resulting images.
Getting the Medical Order
The process of obtaining an X-ray begins with a medical order or referral because it is a prescription-based test. A physician, such as a Primary Care Provider, a specialist, or a doctor in an Urgent Care or Emergency Room setting, must determine the medical necessity of the procedure. This written order, sometimes called a requisition form, acts as a formal directive that specifies the exact type of imaging needed and the specific body area to be examined.
The order ensures the test is clinically justified, which helps prevent unnecessary radiation exposure. The requisition form provides the imaging facility with necessary clinical context and patient history for the technologist and the interpreting doctor. A medical order is a requirement for insurance coverage, as it confirms the procedure is necessary for diagnosis or treatment. The order is essential for the facility to schedule and bill for the service.
Preparing for the Imaging Appointment
Once the order is issued, the patient can schedule the X-ray at a hospital radiology department, an outpatient imaging center, or an urgent care clinic. The choice of facility often depends on the urgency of the need and the patient’s insurance network coverage. While some general X-rays require no special preparation, certain studies, such as those involving the abdomen, may require fasting for a few hours beforehand or the use of a contrast material.
Patients must remove all metal objects from the area being imaged, as metal interferes with the radiation and can obscure the image. This includes jewelry, eyeglasses, hairpins, and clothing with metal zippers or snaps. Patients are often asked to wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing or change into a gown provided by the facility. For safety, it is important to inform the technologist if there is any possibility of pregnancy, as a precaution against radiation exposure.
During the procedure, a radiologic technologist will position the patient on a table, stand, or chair to capture the necessary views. The technologist is trained to operate the equipment and ensure the highest quality image, sometimes using pillows or sandbags to help the patient maintain the required stillness. The actual exposure to the radiation is brief, and the patient may be asked to hold their breath for a few seconds to prevent motion blur in the image.
What Happens After the X-ray
Immediately following the procedure, the digital X-ray images are available for viewing on a computer screen, often within minutes. The radiologic technologist’s role is complete once they confirm the image quality and transmit the pictures to the appropriate medical team. The images are then sent to a radiologist, who is a medical doctor specializing in interpreting medical images.
The radiologist analyzes the images for abnormalities, injuries, or signs of disease, comparing the findings with the patient’s clinical history. They then generate a formal report that summarizes their findings and diagnostic impressions. The interpretation timeline varies; in emergency settings, a preliminary reading can be provided rapidly, and a final report follows soon after. For routine X-rays, the final report is sent to the ordering physician within a day or two, who is responsible for discussing the results and any necessary follow-up treatment with the patient.