Kickas.org Forums Ankylosing Spondylitis General Discussion #1 AS Web Support Group MRI report - what do I need?

I rang the hospital this morning to try and get a copy of the results of the MRI scan I had a few weeks ago. I spoke to someone in the MRI department, and as I thought, the radiologists interprets the scan, then reports these findings the consultant. I was told that if I want a copy of this, I have to go through the consultant's secretary,

OK, I though, so rang them. The secretary told me that the the consultant has to interpret the radiologist's report, and then report this to the GP. She did say that once the consultant had seen it, she would forward me her interpretation of the radiologist's interpretation of my scan...

Now...is it just me, or is there a lot of interpretting going on here? Is it sufficient to have the results as they've suggested, or should I be pushing to get a copy of the radiologist's original report? A bit confused as to what's what!

David

I would ask for a copy of both. Here in the USA the radiologists report is faxed directly to the doc who ordered it. The "consultant" I'm not familiar with. You can ask for a copy of both. Here they charge you for copies. Or you could just wait until you next doc appointment and get a copy from you doc.
Cindy

Protocol in UK. You have a 'right' to ALL your notes.
You have a 'right' to copies f scans, X-Rays etc.
You have a 'right' to ALL reports

You will be asked to pay for copies of scans and possibly 'notes' from the hospital, but IF making the request within a three *month peeriod, the copies of notes 'should' be free - but, might have changed due to NHS saving every which way.

IF private, the radiologist can make you a copy of the MRI and a copy of his report and give straight to *you.

Go back to the patinets aadvisory service at the hospital itself and speak to them. They will send yu a form to fill out. Return form, then they will mae an appt for you to go to the hospital for the copies of notes etc etc. Or, they 'might' psot em to you after receiving payment - if payment is required.

Start with the hospital (am 'assuming' it was a NHS appt.)

Then take it from there.

SOunds a bit of a runaround, but stay cool, don't get frustrated. And *no, you are entitled to ALL the reports - as have ALL my reports and copies of scans, X-Rays, the lot. Piles of paperwork. Both NHS and private. From over the years right upto last Oct!

(Interesting comparing the notes from the French Drs to those from the English Drs. French ones make 'personal' comments and not much by way of 'factual' medical matter/input...!! Ho-Hum! <VBG>)

My Rheumy always included a CC to my GP and to me, sometimes to my GI also. When I got my MRI, I got a CD with the scan and a written report within a few days. I have never been charged for MRI or x ray reports or lab results. I really love this Rheumy, I didn't even ask.

As someone else from the UK, I'd say quite strongly to not just get the report but get a copy of the scan on CD as well. It shouldn't cost you more than £10 to do that, but you will have to fill in forms and request it formally. The reason I say to not just get the report is that NHS reporting of imaging is abysmally minimalist - I have heard that they spend as little as 5 minutes reporting MRIs so don't really take the time to examine them properly. In addition, the clinical information the radiology department get given is often also very minimal so the radiologist doesn't have many clues as to what to look for. If you actually have the CD of it yourself, you can take it along to any new appointments and get them to look at it in more detail. Its worth far more to have the right person look at it and see something than to have a two sentence report that says very little.

BTW, the easiest way I have found to get a copy of a report of any kind is to ask for it at the GP surgery. If it hasn't arrived, then again asking GP to chase it up usually helps.