Mri and other scan results.

[SILLY]

When do you get to see the reports of scans ?Before,during or after follow-up visits with your doctors? I am wondering if it depends on the policy of the people doing the scans or the doctor. I have always received them in the mail after seeing the doctor. By then there is no opportunity to discuss what's written unless the doctor raises the issue. Next time ,and I have thought this for a long time ,I want to see the report first so I can prepare any questions. I may even raise the issue with my doctors.

[Pamela]

Hi Silly When your doctor orders the scan, ask him to include on that paper a request for the radiologist to send a copy of the report to yourself (and maybe your GP if you want) as well as to himself. There is a box marked 'Copies to..." and they simply write 'Patient". They will then all be posted out on the same day, giving you time to prepare before your appointment. On some occasions, I have known my results before my doctors because I read them immediately, but the doctors only tend to look at them after I enter their rooms.

[SILLY]

When I get them done they ask me to whom I want copies sent . I say to my ENT,oncologist ,gp and they post one to me. Next time I will ask the doctor to write on the form that I am to receive my copy at the same time . Maybe I would get it sooner from my gp who is in my street. Thanks ,Pamela.

[Rubes1984]

Hi Silly I have never thought about asking for a copy to be sent to myself - what a great idea. I ask for a copy to be sent to my GP however he usually receives a wk or so after I have had the tests. Usually I am the one telling him the results and then he gets the hard copy stuff later. I have asked him for copies but don't always remember. I hope your results go well :) Thanks Rubes

[wombat4]

Its a good idea to get copies sent to you so you can discuss the results on your next appointment, and you should receive them a few days after the scans or blood tests. Sometimes though the results may not be what you would have wished for, but at least they will give you an insight as to what is happening with your body, and as you say, you can prepare questions. Wombat4

[SILLY]

When I had my last MRI recently they didn't mention that they'd post me a copy like they usually do . I saw the doctor 24 hours later so I really need to organise it better next time and will do .