Diagnostic Imaging: What It Is and What to Expect
Medically reviewed by Raghuveer Boddireddy, MD, Interventional Radiology. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor provides Diagnostic Imaging?
A radiologist, a doctor who reads imaging pictures, reviews the images and shares the results with your provider. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What it is
Diagnostic imaging means medical tests that create pictures of the inside of the body. These pictures help your health care provider see your organs, bones, blood vessels, and tissues. Different machines create the pictures. The type your provider uses depends on your symptoms and the part of your body being checked.
Common types include the following.
- X-rays.
- CT (computed tomography) scans, which use special x-ray equipment to make cross-sectional pictures that are like slices of the body.
- Nuclear medicine scans.
- MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scans, which use magnets, radio waves, and a computer.
- Ultrasound.
Why a doctor might recommend it
Imaging tests help providers understand health problems and make care choices.
These tests may be used to do the following.
- Find health problems early.
- Learn what causes pain or other symptoms.
- Plan treatment.
- Monitor a condition or see how well treatment is working.
Some imaging tests can also help guide medical procedures. An MRI is often used to diagnose conditions that affect soft tissues and to monitor treatment.
A CT scan may be suggested for the following reasons.
- Broken bones.
- Cancer.
- Blood clots.
How to prepare
Each imaging test is different, but preparation often includes the following steps.
- Some tests require you to change clothes or remove metal items, such as jewelry or glasses.
- Some tests use contrast material, a substance that helps some parts of your body show up more clearly on the images.
- For a CT scan, you may be asked not to eat or drink for a few hours, so ask your provider for instructions.
- Before an MRI, tell your provider if you have a pacemaker, an artificial joint, or other implants in your body.
- Before an MRI, also tell your provider if you feel anxious in enclosed spaces.
- Always tell your provider if you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant.
What happens during it
Some tests need you to stay still inside an imaging machine, which may feel uncomfortable. During a CT scan, you lie still on a table. The table slowly passes through the center of a large donut-shaped machine. The CT scan is painless. It usually takes a few minutes, though some last up to 30 minutes. During an MRI, you lie on a table that slides inside a large, tunnel-like machine. The machine makes loud noises as it takes pictures.
Recovery
After most imaging tests, you can return to normal activities right away. If you were given medicine to help you relax during an MRI, someone will need to take you home. After a CT scan with contrast, drinking fluids can help your body clear it.
Risks and side effects
Some imaging tests use a small amount of radiation. CT scans use more radiation than a standard x-ray, but the amount is kept as low as possible. MRI does not use x-rays or other radiation. Metal objects or implants can interfere with an MRI scan and may be unsafe.
Who performs it
The type of imaging your provider uses depends on your symptoms and the part of your body being checked. A radiologist reads the images.
Common questions
Can I go back to normal activities after an imaging test?
Yes, after most imaging tests you can return to normal activities right away.
Does an MRI use radiation?
No, an MRI does not use x-rays or other radiation. Because of this, it may be used when repeat imaging is needed.
Who explains my imaging results?
A radiologist reviews the images and shares the results with your provider.
How does a direct primary care or concierge doctor fit in?
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
Sources
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
