X-rays use invisible electromagnetic energy beams to produce images of internal tissues, bones, and organs on film or digital media. Standard x-rays are performed for many reasons, including diagnosing tumors or bone injuries.
X-rays are made by using external radiation to produce images of the body, its organs, and other internal structures for diagnostic purposes. X-rays pass through body structures onto specially-treated plates (similar to camera film) or digital media and a "negative" type picture is made (the more solid a structure is, the whiter it appears on the film).
When the body undergoes x-rays, different parts of the body allow varying amounts of the x-ray beams to pass through. The soft tissues in the body (such as blood, skin, fat, and muscle) allow most of the x-ray to pass through and appear dark gray on the film or digital media. A bone or a tumor, which is denser than the soft tissues, allows few of the x-rays to pass through and appears white on the x-ray. At a break in a bone, the x-ray beam passes through the broken area and appears as a dark line in the white bone.
X-ray technology is used in other types of diagnostic procedures, such as arteriograms, computed tomography (CT) scans, and fluoroscopy.
If you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant, it is important that you notify your physician before you have an x-ray.
Our Patient Access Coordinators are available to assist with scheduling your appointment from Monday through Friday 8AM to 7PM ET and Saturday and Sunday 9AM to 5PM ET.
(212) 746-6000
If you have seen a Weill Cornell Medicine doctor and have been referred for an imaging exam, you may receive a notification in Connect or an email from us prompting you to schedule your appointment online.
If your provider is not affiliated with Weill Cornell Medicine but you would like to online schedule, please use the "Request an Appointment" link below. As long as you have a copy of your prescription, you will be able to online schedule your appointment with us.
Whether you are using the computer or our Connect app on your smartphone, we are sure you will find we have made it easy for you!
By logging in to Weill Cornell Connect, eCheck-In makes it easy to save time and complete all safety forms required for your upcoming appointment.
Please notify our staff when scheduling and checking in for your appointment if any of the following apply to you:
If you received IV or oral contrast during your exam, you will be instructed to drink 10 glasses of fluids within 24 hours to help flush the contrast out of your system.
You may resume all regular activity unless otherwise directed by your physician.
While uncommon, if you experience any symptoms of an allergic reaction, please contact us at (646) 962-7057.
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
Your report will be automatically share 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.
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.
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 a RRC, visit this link.