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Medical Imaging: Understanding X-rays, MRI, and Ultrasound

Aptiva Health Editorial Team

2 min readLast reviewed June 11, 2026

Imaging tests create pictures inside your body to help diagnose injuries and conditions. Knowing the basics — and the costs — helps you make informed choices.

Written by Aptiva Health Editorial TeamMedically reviewed by Thomas Huhn, MD and Robert Williams, MDEditorial & review standardsHow we research

What is medical imaging?

Medical imaging uses different technologies to create pictures of the inside of your body. These pictures help a providerAnyone licensed to give you medical care — a physician, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant. Clinics use "provider" as a catch-all for whoever is caring for you. confirm a diagnosis and plan treatment. Common types include:

  • X-rayA quick imaging test that uses a small amount of radiation to show bones and check for fractures or alignment problems. — a quick test that shows bones well; good for spotting fractures
  • MRIMagnetic Resonance Imaging — an imaging test that uses strong magnets and radio waves (no X-ray radiation) to make detailed pictures of soft tissues such as muscles, ligaments, and spinal discs. (magnetic resonance imaging) — uses a strong magnet and radio waves (no radiation) to show soft tissues like discs, ligaments, tendons, and nerves in detail
  • UltrasoundAn imaging test that uses sound waves (no radiation) to view soft tissues, tendons, and blood flow in real time. — uses sound waves to show soft tissues in real time; often used to guide injections
  • Fluoroscopy (C-arm) — live “X-ray video” used to guide certain procedures

Where you have imaging affects the price

The same scan can cost very different amounts depending on where it is done. Outpatient imaging centers are often significantly less expensive than hospital-based imaging for the same test. It is reasonable to ask the price before scheduling and to compare options.

What to expect

  • X-ray: fast, usually a few minutes.
  • MRI: you lie still in a scanner for 20–60 minutes; it can be loud. If small spaces make you anxious, ask whether an open or wide-bore MRI is available.
  • Ultrasound: a technician moves a small wand over the area with gel.

Smart questions to ask

  • Why doA medical doctor — "MD" or "DO" — with four years of medical school plus a multi-year residency in a chosen field. I need this scan, and will the result change my treatment?
  • What will it cost here versus at a hospital?
  • Is there radiation involved? (MRI and ultrasound do not use radiation.)
  • Can my results be shared with my other providers?

Sources