Whether you’ve received a referral for an X-ray or are exploring your options on your own, we’re here to help you understand what comes next. This page covers everything you need to know about X-ray— from how to prepare beforehand, to what to expect during the exam, and how to proceed afterward.
What is an X-ray?
X-rays use invisible beams of energy that pass through the body to take images of bones, organs, and tissues. Different structures in the body absorb X-rays to varying degrees, helping to diagnose a wide range of injuries and conditions.
Before Your Appointment
SCHEDULING YOUR EXAM
There are several easy ways to schedule your exam, choose the option that works best for you.
1. Schedule Online
If you're a Weill Cornell Medicine (WCM) patient and an imaging exam has been ordered for you, you will receive a link to schedule online.
2. Request Online
Not a WCM patient? Request an appointment to schedule by securely uploading your prescription.
3. Call Us Directly
Call 212-746-6000.
Mon-Fri: 8AM to 7PM ET
Sat-Sun: 9AM to 5PM ET
Our Locations that Offer X-ray scans
- David H. Koch Center (Upper East Side)
- Monday-Friday: 8:00 am – 12:30 pm, 1:30 pm – 5:00 pm
- Starr Pavillion (Upper East Side)
- Monday-Friday: 8:00 am – 8:00 pm | Saturday: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
- Weill Greenberg Center (Upper East Side)
- Monday-Friday: 8:00 am – 12:00 pm, 1:00 pm – 6:00 pm
- Iris Cantor Women’s Health Center (Midtown East)
- Monday-Friday: 8:30 am – 1:00 pm, 2:00 pm – 5:30 pm
- The Spiral at Hudson Yards
- Monday-Friday: 7:30 am – 8:00 pm
- Upper West Side
- Monday-Friday: 8:00 am – 12:00 pm, 1:00 pm – 8:00 pm
- Lower Manhattan
- Monday-Friday: 8:00 am – 1:00 pm, 2:00 pm – 8:00 pm
- Long Island City
- Monday-Friday: 7:30 am – 5:30 pm
Complete Your Forms Easily
There are no safety forms to complete for this exam. Just arrive on time, and we’ll take care of the rest.
Preparing for Your Exam
When scheduling and checking in for your appointment, please let our staff know if any of the following apply:
- You may be pregnant.
- You need an interpreter in your language.
FAQ
During Your Appointment
How is an X-Ray Performed?
You will be comfortably positioned—either lying, standing, or seated on an X-ray table, depending on the area being examined.
The X-ray beam will be carefully focused on the part of the body that needs imaging. In some cases, images may be taken from different angles to get a complete view.
After the Scan is Completed
The technologist will escort you to your locker to collect your belongings.
Our staff will assist you with checking out.
After Your Appointment
Aftercare
You may resume all regular activity unless otherwise directed by your physician.
Imaging Review
Once the technologist has taken your images, a radiologist will review the images and write a detailed report. Our radiologists specialize in imaging for specific areas of the body, ensuring you receive the highest-quality, expert interpretation every time. Our specialties include:
- Abdominal
- Breast
- Cardiothoracic (Heart and Chest)
- Molecular
- Musculoskeletal
- Neuroradiology (Brain, Head, Neck and Spine)
- Pediatrics
Receiving Your Results
Your report will be automatically shared with you and your referring provider within 24-48 hours. You can view your images and reports through Connect. Use this guide to get started.
Sharing Your Results
All imaging exams performed at Weill Cornell Imaging will be available to you in Connect. If you'd like to keep other members of your care team informed, you can easily share your results with any additional providers.
For other medical records requests, visit our Medical Records page.
Understanding Your Results
Please contact your referring provider to discuss your results. They will help explain your imaging report and answer any questions you may have.
If you or your provider have additional questions, our Reading Room Coordinators (RRC) will help connect you with a radiologist.
For more information or to contact an RRC, visit this link.