X-Ray: 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 X-Ray?
A specialist called a radiologist reviews x-ray images and shares the results with your provider. The x-ray itself is done in a hospital radiology department or in your health care provider's office. 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
An x-ray is a painless medical imaging test. It sends a small amount of radiation through your body to create pictures of bones and organs. X-rays are a type of electromagnetic radiation, just like visible light. The pictures show shades of black, white, and gray because different tissues absorb radiation differently. Bones absorb the most radiation and appear white. Fat and other soft tissues absorb less and appear gray. Air absorbs the least radiation, so areas like the lungs appear black. The image is recorded on film or sent to a computer.
Why a doctor might recommend it
X-rays are commonly used to check for fractures, which are broken bones. Chest x-rays can detect pneumonia, a lung infection. Mammograms use x-rays to look for breast cancer. X-rays are also used as part of other imaging tests, such as CT scans. Health care providers use x-rays to find health problems and to check how well certain treatments are working.
How to prepare
- In most cases, little or no preparation is needed.
- Tell your health care team if you are pregnant or may be pregnant.
- You will need to remove all jewelry, because metal can cause unclear images.
- You may need to wear a hospital gown.
- You may be asked to wear a lead apron to protect certain parts of your body.
What happens during it
Depending on the part of your body being examined, you may be asked to stand, sit, or lie down. Several different x-ray views may be needed. You need to stay still, because motion can cause blurry images. You may be asked to hold your breath or not move for a second or two when the image is being taken. X-rays are painless. Some body positions may be uncomfortable for a short time.
Recovery
After an x-ray, you can return to normal activities right away. A radiologist reviews the images and shares the results with your provider. Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you have trouble breathing, chest pain or discomfort lasting two minutes or more, fainting or loss of consciousness, or bleeding that will not stop.
Risks and side effects
X-rays are monitored and regulated so you get the minimum amount of radiation needed to produce the image. For most x-rays, the risk for cancer is very low. So is the risk for birth defects in an unborn baby if you are pregnant. Most experts feel that the benefits of appropriate x-ray imaging greatly outweigh any risks. Young children and babies in the womb are more sensitive to the risks of x-rays. Always tell your provider if you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant.
Who performs it
A specialist called a radiologist reviews the images. The test is done in a hospital radiology department or in your health care provider's office.
Common questions
Is an x-ray painful?
No, x-rays are painless. Some body positions may be uncomfortable for a short time.
Is an x-ray safe during pregnancy?
For most x-rays, the risk for birth defects in an unborn baby is very low. Babies in the womb are more sensitive to the risks of x-rays, so tell your provider if you think you might be pregnant.
How much radiation does an x-ray use?
The amount of radiation from an x-ray is small. For example, the radiation from a chest x-ray is about the same as the natural radiation you get from the environment over about 10 days.
Can an x-ray show a broken bone?
Yes, x-rays are commonly used to check for fractures, which are broken bones. Bones absorb the most radiation and appear white on the image.
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.
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.
