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Digital X-Ray Imaging

What is a Digital X-Ray?

Digital X-ray (also called digital radiography or DR) is a modern imaging technique that uses digital sensors instead of traditional photographic film to capture X-ray images of the inside of your body. Like the difference between film cameras and digital cameras, digital X-rays produce instant, high-quality images that can be viewed immediately on a computer screen, shared electronically with your doctor, and stored digitally for easy access.

Digital X-rays use significantly less radiation than traditional film X-rays, up to 80% less in some cases, while producing clearer, more detailed images. The process is quick, painless, and non-invasive, typically taking just 5-10 minutes from start to finish.

Digital X-rays are commonly used to diagnose and monitor:

  • Bone fractures and breaks
  • Joint dislocations and arthritis
  • Chest conditions (pneumonia, lung infections, heart problems)
  • Dental problems
  • Digestive system issues
  • Infections and inflammation
  • Foreign objects in the body

Digital X-Ray Services at American Health Imaging

American Health Imaging is in-network with 99% of insurance plans and offers digital X-ray services up to 60% less than hospital-based imaging.
Request an X-Ray Appointment

Digital X-Ray Imaging Centers Near You

Find convenient digital X-ray imaging near you at any of our American Health Imaging centers. We offer same-day and next-day appointments with extended hours and weekend availability at many locations to match your schedule and needs.

Find Your Nearest X-Ray Imaging Center

View all Imaging Centers

What is a Digital X-Ray used for?

Digital X-rays help doctors see inside your body to diagnose injuries, detect diseases, monitor existing conditions, and guide treatment decisions. X-rays pass through your body differently depending on tissue density. Bones appear white (they absorb most X-rays), soft tissues appear gray, and air-filled spaces like lungs appear black.

Digital X-rays are particularly valuable when:

  • Your doctor suspects a broken bone or fracture
  • You have persistent pain without an obvious cause
  • Monitoring healing progress after an injury or surgery
  • Detecting infections like pneumonia or tuberculosis
  • Evaluating chronic conditions like arthritis or osteoporosis
  • Looking for foreign objects or swallowed items
  • Screening for certain diseases

Common Digital X-Ray Exams and Uses:

Bone and Joint X-Rays: Digital X-rays are the gold standard for evaluating bone and joint injuries, detecting fractures, breaks, arthritis, dislocations, bone infections, and tumors with excellent clarity.

Chest X-Rays: Chest X-rays diagnose pneumonia and lung infections, evaluate heart size and shape, and identify conditions like emphysema, lung cancer, collapsed lung, and tuberculosis.

Abdominal X-Rays: Abdominal X-rays help identify digestive system blockages, locate kidney stones, reveal swallowed foreign objects, and detect bowel obstructions.

Types of X-Ray Scans We Offer

A 1.2T High Field Open MRI is a type of Open MRI scanner that has a strong magnet (1.2 Tesla) and an open design, making it more comfortable for people who feel claustrophobic or have a larger body. The Open MRI has an open front and sides designed to provide increased comfort. The “high field” means it has a stronger magnetic field than some other MRI machines, which helps in getting more accurate images.

A 1.5T High Field MRI is a medical imaging machine that uses a strong magnetic field (1.5 Tesla) to create clear and detailed pictures of the inside of your body. The “high field” means it has a stronger magnetic field than some other MRI machines, which helps in getting more accurate images.

A 1.5T Wide Bore MRI is a type of medical imaging machine that uses a strong magnetic field (1.5 Tesla) to take detailed pictures of the inside of your body. The “wide bore” part means the opening of the machine is larger at 27 ½” wide, making it more comfortable for people who feel anxious or are larger in size. Many of our 1.5T Wide Bore MRIs feature faster scanning technology to reduce most exams to 15 minutes.

A 16-slice CT scanner is a medical imaging machine that takes detailed X-ray pictures of your body in thin slices, which are then combined to create a complete image. The “16-slice” part means it can capture 16 slices of images at once, allowing for faster and more detailed scans.

3D mammography, or tomosynthesis, is an advanced x-ray technology that takes multiple images of breast tissue to create a 3-dimensional picture of the breast. It differs from traditional mammography in that traditional mammography yields only a single image. A 3D image of the breast allows for better assessment of masses and reduces the likelihood of a false positive or an unnecessary biopsy.

A 3T MRI is a medical imaging machine that uses an even stronger magnetic field (3 Tesla) to take very detailed pictures of the inside of your body. Because of its high strength, it can capture clearer images and is often used for more complex scans. Often used for prostates and different types of brain imaging. The “wide bore” part means the opening of the machine is larger at 27 ½” wide, making it more comfortable for people who feel anxious or are larger in size.

A 64-slice CT scanner is a medical imaging machine that takes very detailed X-ray pictures of your body by capturing 64 slices of images at once. This allows for faster scans and even more detailed images, which is useful for diagnosing complex conditions. Our 64-slice CT features innovative technology that automates dose according to your size, weight, and anatomy, providing high-quality images with minimal radiation.

ABUS Breast Cancer Screening uses sound waves to create 3D pictures of the breast tissue. ABUS breast cancer screening technology is specifically developed and FDA-approved for women with dense breast tissue.

An arthrogram visualizes the inside of a joint, such as the shoulder, knee, hip, or wrist. A contrast dye is injected into the joint to make the joint structures, including ligaments, tendons, cartilage, and the joint capsule, more visible on X-ray or MRI images.

Coronary Calcium CT – also called Cardiac Scoring – measures calcified (hard) plaque inside the arteries that can grow and restrict blood flow to the muscles of the heart identifying potential Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) before you have symptoms.

A DEXA scan is a medical imaging technique used to measure bone mineral density. It is commonly performed to diagnose osteoporosis or assess the risk of developing fractures as we age.

Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) is a special type of MRI technique that helps doctors see the pathways of nerve fibers in the brain. By looking at these images, doctors can better understand how the brain’s wiring works and diagnose conditions like brain injuries, tumors, or diseases that affect these connections.

Faster scanning MRI technology reduces the time patients spend on the table for scans by up to 50% to an average scan time of less than 15 minutes providing a more comfortable imaging experience for anxious patients or anyone in pain. AI technology delivers high quality images with reduced motion artifacts and noise distortions for the diagnostic insights providers need to determine next steps in patient care.

Fluoroscopy uses injected contrast dye and an X-Ray machine to take a continuous series of X-rays instead of individual snapshots. It is most commonly used to evaluate parts of your body that are moving in order to create a short video of your body system in motion. It is particularly useful for observing the digestive, urinary, respiratory, and reproductive systems and their functioning.

A screening mammography is a specialized X-ray of the breasts that takes images from different angles. These images can reveal abnormalities in breast tissues. This exam is annually recommended for all women over the age of 40.

Our MRI machines use a powerful magnetic field, radio waves, and a computer to generate detailed images of organs, tissues, bones, and other structures inside the body. With a larger bore or tunnel-like opening compared to traditional MRI machines, our wide-bore MRI provides high quality images without compromising patient comfort.

Our MRI machines use a powerful magnetic field, radio waves, and a computer to generate detailed images of organs, tissues, bones, and other structures inside the body. With a larger bore or tunnel-like opening compared to traditional MRI machines, our wide-bore MRI provides high quality images without compromising patient comfort.

Myelogram imaging is used to evaluate the spinal cord, nerve roots, and surrounding structures in the spine with an injectable contrast dye to enhance the visibility of the spinal cord and nerves on X-ray images.

Specialty post processing technology used for brain MRI to assess brain volume and atrophy for neurological diseases including dementia, Alzheimers, seizures, MS lesions and Traumatic Brain Injuries.

The Open Upright MRI, also known as a stand-up MRI, is the only MRI scanner able to scan you in multiple positions, including sitting, standing, bending (for flexion and extension) or lying down. This unique MRI provides natural weight-bearing imaging and is helpful for your doctor to diagnose the area where you experience pain. The Open Upright MRI is open in front of you, behind you, and above you. This open design may be more comfortable for people who feel anxious or are larger in size.

A PET/CT (Positron emission tomography) is a non-invasive exam that uses small amounts of radioactive materials called radiotracers to reveal how internal organs are functioning. The scan takes about 60 minutes and images are captured via CT as your body processes the radioactive material. This offers great insight into the root of the disease process or the source of symptoms.

What to Expect During Your X-Ray Appointment

Your digital X-ray exam is quick and straightforward. Here’s what happens:

  1. Preparation: You’ll remove metal items like jewelry or belts, and you may change into a gown if your clothing contains metal.
  2. Positioning: The technologist will position you—sitting, standing, or lying down—depending on the area being imaged.
  3. During the X‑ray: You’ll stay still for a few seconds while each image is taken, and you may briefly hold your breath for chest images. The exam is painless.
  4. Multiple images: Most exams include 2–3 views, and you may change positions between them. Each image takes only seconds.

The entire appointment typically takes 10-15 minutes from start to finish.

Why Choose American Health Imaging for Your X-Ray

American Health Imaging (AHI) is in-network with 99% of insurance plans for digital X-ray imaging and offers fast scheduling combined with state-of-the-art technology for convenience and accuracy.

  • Significant cost savings up to 60% compared to hospital X-ray pricing
  • Same-day and next-day appointments available with convenient scheduling
  • Extended and weekend hours at many outpatient imaging centers
  • Board-certified radiologists provide accurate interpretations you and your doctor can rely on
  • Lower radiation exposure with modern digital X-ray technology
  • Instant digital images sent electronically to your doctor—no waiting for film development
  • With a 97% patient satisfaction score, patients love our friendly techs and fast, efficient service

Schedule Your Digital X-Ray Today

Getting started is easy:

  • Get a referral from your doctor (required for insurance coverage)
  • Choose your location from our centers across Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Texas, and South Carolina
  • Schedule your appointment online or by phone
  • Verify insurance coverage—we’ll handle pre-approval if needed

Common Questions About X-Ray Scans

What is a digital X-ray?

Digital X-ray (also called digital radiography or DR) is a modern imaging technique that uses digital sensors instead of traditional photographic film to capture X-ray images of the inside of your body. Like the difference between film cameras and digital cameras, digital X-rays produce instant, high-quality images that can be viewed immediately on a computer screen.

How digital X-rays work:
• X-ray radiation passes through your body
• Digital sensors capture the image instantly
• Images appear on a computer screen within seconds
• Results can be shared electronically with your doctor
• Images are stored digitally for easy access

Key benefits:
• Less radiation than traditional film X-rays
• Clearer, more detailed images
• Quick and painless—typically 5–10 minutes total
• Instant results—no waiting for film development
• Environmentally friendly—no chemicals needed

Digital X-rays are commonly used to diagnose:
• Bone fractures and breaks
• Joint dislocations and arthritis
• Chest conditions (pneumonia, lung infections, heart problems)
• Dental problems
• Digestive system issues
• Infections and inflammation
• Foreign objects in the body

Why did my doctor order a digital X-ray?

Your doctor ordered a digital X-ray to see inside your body and diagnose injuries, detect diseases, or monitor existing conditions. X-rays are excellent for visualizing bones and detecting many common medical problems.

Common reasons your doctor ordered this test:
• Bone and joint concerns
• Chest and lung evaluation
• Abdominal and digestive issues

Other reasons:
• Unexplained persistent pain without an obvious cause
• Pre-surgical evaluation
• Monitoring chronic conditions
• Routine screening (such as chest X-rays for certain occupations)

The benefit:
X-rays provide immediate, clear images that help your doctor make accurate diagnoses and create effective treatment plans quickly and affordably.

How do I schedule a same-day digital X-ray?

Scheduling a same-day digital X-ray at American Health Imaging is easy once you have your doctor’s referral.

Flexible scheduling options:
• Call your preferred American Health Imaging location directly
• Request an appointment online through our website
• Same-day and next-day appointments available at most locations
• Extended evening and weekend hours at select centers

Important:
Digital X-ray services are available only at select American Health Imaging locations in Alabama, Georgia, and Texas. When you call to schedule, confirm that your preferred center offers digital X-ray exams.

View imaging centers:
https://americanhealthimaging.com/location/

Do I need a referral for a digital X-ray?

Yes, you need a referral (also called a doctor’s order or prescription) to get a digital X-ray at American Health Imaging.

What your referral does:
• Specifies which body part needs to be X-rayed
• Provides relevant clinical information about your symptoms
• Is required for insurance coverage
• Ensures the correct exam is performed for your medical needs

Once your doctor sends the order to American Health Imaging, we’ll contact you to schedule your appointment and verify your insurance coverage.

Schedule your X-ray:
https://americanhealthimaging.com/request-appointment/

What imaging centers near me offer a digital X-ray?

American Health Imaging offers digital X-ray services at convenient locations near you in Alabama, Georgia, and Texas, including locations in San Antonio and Beaumont.

To find the imaging center nearest you:
• Call your desired imaging center to confirm availability
• Use our online appointment request
• Ask about convenient appointment times

All digital X-ray centers offer up to 60% cost savings compared to hospital-based imaging and are in-network with 99% of insurance plans.

View all imaging centers:
https://americanhealthimaging.com/location/

How should I prepare for my digital X-ray appointment?

Digital X-rays require minimal preparation.

Before your appointment:
• Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing without metal zippers, buttons, or snaps
• Remove jewelry before leaving home if possible
• Bring your insurance card and photo ID
• Bring any relevant previous X-rays

At your appointment:
• Arrive 10–15 minutes early for paperwork
• Remove all metal objects (jewelry, watches, belts, hairpins, hearing aids, eyeglasses, dentures with metal, bras with underwire)
• Change into a gown if your clothing has metal
• Remove cell phones and keys from pockets

Tell the technologist if you:
• Are pregnant or might be pregnant
• Have metal implants or joint replacements
• Cannot hold the required position due to pain
• Have had recent X-rays of the same area

Some specialized X-rays may require fasting or contrast—specific instructions will be provided if needed.

What should I expect during my digital X-ray appointment?

Your digital X-ray appointment is quick and painless.

What happens:
• Check-in and insurance verification
• Safety screening for pregnancy and metal implants
• Changing into a gown if needed
• Positioning (sitting, standing, or lying down)
• Lead shielding for areas not being imaged
• Remaining still for 2–5 seconds per image
• Brief breath-holding for chest X-rays
• Image review to ensure quality

Most exams include 2–4 images and take 5–10 minutes total.

How long does a digital X-ray take?

The actual X-ray imaging takes just 5–10 seconds per image, with most exams requiring 2–4 images.

Typical appointment times:
• Single area (hand, foot, elbow): 10–15 minutes
• Chest X-ray: 10–15 minutes
• Spine or multiple areas: 15–25 minutes

You can leave immediately after your exam—no recovery time is needed.

What should I expect after my digital X-ray appointment?

You can resume all normal activities immediately after your digital X-ray.

After your exam:
• No side effects from the X-ray itself
• Temporary soreness may occur if an injured area was positioned

Getting your results:
• Images reviewed by board-certified radiologists
• Report sent to your doctor, typically within 24 hours
• Patient-friendly report sent via text

Your doctor will contact you to discuss results and next steps.

How much will my digital X-ray cost?

Digital X-ray costs vary depending on the body area being imaged and how many views are needed. X-rays are generally one of the most affordable imaging tests.

Factors affecting cost:
• Body area being imaged
• Number of views required
• Insurance deductible status
• Hospital vs. outpatient imaging center

American Health Imaging offers transparent pricing up to 60% less than hospital X-ray charges.

Will my insurance cover my digital X-ray?

Yes, most insurance plans cover medically necessary X-rays ordered by your doctor.

American Health Imaging is in-network with 99% of insurance plans, meaning lower out-of-pocket costs for you. We verify coverage, obtain prior authorization if needed, and provide a cost estimate before your exam.

If you don’t have insurance, affordable self-pay options are available.

Are digital X-rays safe? How much radiation exposure will I receive?

Yes, digital X-rays are very safe. The radiation exposure from a single X-ray is extremely small and comparable to the natural background radiation you receive over a few days or weeks.

Digital X-rays use 50–80% less radiation than traditional film X-rays while producing higher-quality images. Modern equipment and trained technologists follow the ALARA principle (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) to minimize exposure.

What’s the difference between a digital X-ray and a traditional X-ray?

Digital and traditional X-rays both use X-ray radiation, but they differ in how images are captured and processed.

Digital X-ray:
• Captured on digital sensors
• Instant results on a computer screen
• 50–80% less radiation
• Images can be enhanced and shared electronically
• No film or chemical processing
• Environmentally friendly

Traditional film X-ray:
• Captured on photographic film
• Requires chemical development
• Higher radiation exposure
• Fixed image quality
• Physical film transport and storage

Digital X-rays have largely replaced film X-rays due to better quality, safety, and convenience.

Can I get a digital X-ray if I’m pregnant?

X-rays during pregnancy require careful consideration. Always tell your doctor and technologist if you are pregnant or might be pregnant.

Important facts:
• Most diagnostic X-rays expose the fetus to extremely low radiation
• No single diagnostic X-ray exceeds accepted safety limits
• Chest and extremity X-rays pose minimal risk
• Abdominal and pelvic X-rays are avoided unless medically necessary

Doctors will only perform X-rays during pregnancy when the medical benefit outweighs any theoretical risk.

Can children get digital X-rays?

Yes, digital X-rays are safe for children when medically necessary. Pediatric X-rays use lower radiation doses adjusted for the child’s size and age.

Pediatric safety measures:
• Adjusted radiation dosing
• Lead shielding
• Fast imaging to reduce motion
• Pediatric-trained technologists
• Parents may stay in the room with shielding

Common pediatric X-rays include chest X-rays, fracture evaluation, and swallowed object detection.

What can a digital X-ray show? What can’t it show?

What digital X-rays show well:
• Bones and fractures
• Joint alignment and arthritis
• Dense objects (metal, swallowed items, kidney stones)
• Air-filled structures like lungs
• Heart size and shape
• Certain lung conditions

What digital X-rays do not show well:
• Soft tissues (muscles, tendons, ligaments)
• Brain tissue
• Spinal cord
• Blood vessels
• Early-stage soft tissue cancers

Your doctor may recommend MRI, CT, or ultrasound if more detail is needed.

Can I get copies of my digital X-rays?

Yes. You can request copies of your digital X-ray images and radiology report from the American Health Imaging location where your exam was performed.

How to access your report:
• Receive a text message with a Scanslated® link
• View patient-friendly explanations
• Review results before seeing your doctor

Copies are helpful for second opinions, specialist visits, or personal medical records.

Why did my doctor order an X-ray instead of an MRI or a CT?

Your doctor ordered an X-ray because it is often the best first imaging test.

X-rays are ideal when:
• Bone fractures or breaks are suspected
• Quick results are needed
• Bone and joint issues are the primary concern
• Cost is a consideration
• Lower radiation exposure is preferred

MRI or CT may be ordered when soft tissue detail or more complex imaging is required.

What is the difference between X-ray and fluoroscopy?

Both X-ray and fluoroscopy use X-ray technology, but they serve different purposes.

X-ray (radiography):
• Static images
• Brief exposure
• Lower radiation dose
• Used for bones, joints, chest

Fluoroscopy:
• Real-time moving images
• Continuous X-ray beam
• Higher radiation dose
• Used during medical procedures

Think of X-rays as photographs and fluoroscopy as an X-ray video.

What happens if I move during the digital X-ray?

If you move during the X-ray exposure, the image may be blurred and need to be repeated.

If this happens:
• The technologist sees it immediately
• The image is repeated at no extra charge
• Positioning adjustments are made

Tips to stay still:
• Communicate discomfort
• Follow breath-hold instructions
• Use supports if needed

Modern digital X-rays are very fast, making it easier to stay still.

Can I eat or drink before my digital X-ray?

For most digital X-rays, you can eat and drink normally.

No fasting required for:
• Bone X-rays
• Chest X-rays
• Joint X-rays

Some specialized exams may require fasting, such as abdominal X-rays or studies using contrast. We’ll provide instructions if your exam requires special preparation.

Patient Reviews and Testimonials

With a 97% satisfaction score, we’re proud to deliver compassionate care, clear communication, and imaging you can count on.

I lost sleep since finding out I needed an MRI. I am extremely claustrophobic and anxious, just thinking about this appointment gave me massive anxiety. When I arrived to the office it was super clean, the staff was great but NAOMI… She was so patient. Absolutely sweet and cared that I was going through so much. She made me feel so secure. She played the music I wanted and talked me through every little session and also let me know how much time for each one. Thank you so much Naomi. I’ll never forget my experience and because of her, I don’t feel so afraid.
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Lynda A.
Excellent experience with the MRI Technologist, the staff and the OPEN MRI machine. For those of us who struggle with claustrophobia we can understand how much it means to be able to get the medical care we need because of the availability of open MRI machines. We also understand the humiliation and frustration of not being able to use a closed MRI. American Health and the excellent team made this possible for me. Thank you so much!!
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Leela D.
This place by far was my best imaging experience. I was in and out 10 minutes before my scheduled appointment. The front desk staff were very friendly and efficient, and my technician was super sweet and made me feel very comfortable. I definitely recommend this place for your imaging needs.
happy young woman in her 20s with natural make-up and brunette long hair smiling
Corina W.
This was such an awesome and relaxing visit. Front desk was so nice and polite when I arrived. Christie my ultrasound tech was super helpful and nice explaining everything to me. You can tell she really cared, and I appreciate that. It’s hard to fine genuine care these days in healthcare, so when I experience it I make sure to give a shout out and say Thank you!
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Marie B.
Best facility I have ever been to have an MRI or X-Ray done. They got me in when I was in need of a quick appointment in order for a consultation with the orthopedic surgeon to help with the pain and issues in my lower back and both feet and legs. Definitely the place to go for an MRI.
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Raymond L.
Talk about professionalism, I must say, American Health Imaging and its personnel it’s top notch! Even when things out of anyone’s control happen, they know how to help and support their patients. On our visit earlier this month, they made sure we were informed of the situation and next steps. And did it all with a smile and positive attitude. We need to appreciate more what they do and THANK them for it. With this said, Thank you!
Cesar G.

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Do you need to schedule a X-Ray?

American Health Imaging offers same-day and next-day appointment options to make getting an imaging scan convenient. Get a referral from your doctor, find the American Health Imaging center closest to you, and then call to schedule an imaging appointment.

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