Why your symptoms might not tell the full story

You now have more ways than ever to research symptoms, compare treatments and track your health.

• But even with all that information, getting a clear diagnosis isn't always straightforward.

The landscape: The traditional care path often focuses on managing symptoms first, either by waiting to see if symptoms improve or through treatments.

• That approach doesn't always identify the cause of the issue, and without a clear diagnosis, care can become a series of short-term fixes instead of a targeted plan.

The solution: Diagnostic imaging, including MRI and CT scans, can help identify the source of pain or other symptoms.

• These scans give doctors a clearer view of what's happening inside the body, helping to guide next steps.

What you need to know: Medical imaging is often used for persistent pain, injuries or unclear symptoms, but many patients don't ask about it at the beginning of treatment.

• Bringing it up early, especially when symptoms persist or still don't have a clear explanation, can help doctors evaluate whether a scan makes sense — and move the process forward.

Okay, but: Where you get imaging can affect access, cost and timing.

Outpatient imaging centers like Touchstone Medical Imaging offer:

• 💰 Lower costs: Imaging can cost up to 60% less than hospital-based services.
• 📆 Faster scheduling: You can often book same- or next-day appointments, including evenings and weekends.
• ⏱️ Shorter scans: Faster Scanning MRI technology can reduce scan times by up to 50%, making the experience more comfortable and convenient.

Plus, plus, plus: Touchstone combines advanced imaging with subspecialized radiologists who focus on specific areas of the body.

• The expertise helps ensure findings are reviewed with a high level of precision, supporting more accurate diagnoses and clearer next steps.
• Touchstone also provides patient-friendly reports with plain-language explanations and visual guides to help patients prepare for conversations with their doctor, making it easier to understand findings and ask more informed questions.

The benefits: Touchstone provides a full range of imaging services, including MRI, CT, ultrasound, X-ray and screening mammography.

• Touchstone also accepts 99% of health insurers and maintains a 97% patient satisfaction rating.
• With four locations across North, Central and South Austin, as well as Round Rock, patients have access to same-day and next-day appointments and extended hours.

What patients are saying: "This report allowed me to understand in depth what my problems are and how to verbalize them to my neurosurgeon — a time saver for both the doctor and myself," said one patient, age 47.

The takeaway: Patients often move through care by trying what's available first, whether that's rest, medication or initial treatments.

But when symptoms persist, imaging early can make a difference.

• Identifying the source of a problem sooner can help patients and doctors move more quickly toward the right treatment plan, and diagnostic imaging can help.

Learn how to talk to your doctor about medical imaging.