Dealing with pain that just won’t go away? Medical imaging could help you get a clearer picture of what’s going on.

When Jane started experiencing a nagging pain in her lower back, she assumed it was just another ache from her busy lifestyle. But after several weeks with no improvement, she decided to talk to her doctor.

Many people aren’t sure how to bring up medical imaging with their doctor. The good news: You don’t need to be an expert to start the conversation. Here's how to start the conversation with confidence:

Begin by describing your symptoms, outlining exactly what you’re feeling, where it hurts, how long it’s been happening, and what makes it better or worse.

If you believe medical imaging could help, don’t hesitate to ask questions. You might say, “Would an X-ray or MRI help us understand what’s going on?” or “Are there any imaging tests that could give us a clearer picture?” When Jane asked her doctor these questions, she felt more in control of her health.

Your doctor can explain whether imaging makes sense and which option — such as an MRI, CT scan, X-ray, or ultrasound — may be right for you.

Once your doctor provides an imaging order, you can choose where to go.

Enter: Gateway Diagnostic Imaging, which offers high-quality imaging at a fraction of the cost of hospital-based care and is considered in-network with most major insurance plans. Read: Patients, like Jane, can save up to 93% compared to hospital imaging, with board-certified radiologists and state-of-the-art equipment.

Getting an appointment doesn’t have to throw off your schedule. Convenient same- and next-day appointments, along with early morning, evening + weekend options, are available.

Persistent pain doesn’t have to remain a mystery. Start the conversation with your doctor, ask questions, and take the next step toward getting the answers you need. Just like Jane, you deserve to feel confident and informed about your healthcare decisions.

Pro tip: Don't let the calendar get in the way of your care. Schedule imaging before your deductible resets on Friday, Jan. 1.