How to Get Your Imaging Results and Second Opinions

You had your imaging exam and now comes the hardest part: waiting for results. Here is how the results process works, how to access your images, and when it makes sense to get a second opinion.

How Imaging Results Are Delivered

After your scan at Advanced Medical Imaging, here is what happens:

1. Your images are reviewed — A board-certified radiologist carefully examines every image
2. A report is created — The radiologist dictates a detailed report with findings and recommendations
3. The report is sent to your doctor — Electronically, usually within 24 to 48 hours
4. Your doctor contacts you — They review the results and explain what was found

Important: Radiologists send results to your ordering physician, not directly to you. Your doctor provides the clinical context needed to explain what the findings mean for your health.

How Long Do Results Take?

Turnaround times vary by urgency:

• Emergency (STAT) results — Within 1 hour (for ER and urgent cases)
• Urgent results — Same day
• Routine results — 24 to 48 hours at AMI

At AMI, we prioritize fast turnaround because we know that waiting for results is stressful. If your case is urgent, your doctor can request a STAT reading.

Can You Access Your Own Results?

Yes. Under the 21st Century Cures Act and HIPAA, you have the right to access your medical records, including:

• Radiology reports — The written interpretation
• Images — The actual scan pictures (on CD or through a portal)
• Prior exams — For comparison purposes

To get copies at AMI: - Ask the front desk for a CD of your images - Request a copy of your radiology report - We can send records to another physician or facility at your request

Understanding Your Radiology Report

A radiology report includes several sections:

Exam Type and Technique What scan was performed and how (with or without contrast, specific protocols used).

Clinical History Why your doctor ordered the exam — your symptoms and clinical question.

Findings A detailed description of everything the radiologist observed. This is the most technical section and may include medical terminology.

Impression The summary and conclusions — the most important part for your doctor. This is where the radiologist states their diagnosis or differential diagnosis and recommends any follow-up.

BI-RADS or Other Scoring (if applicable) For mammograms, a BI-RADS score (0 to 6) indicates the level of concern. Other exams may use similar standardized scoring systems.

According to the Radiological Society of North America, patients should feel comfortable asking their doctor to explain any part of the report they do not understand.

When to Get a Second Opinion

A radiology second opinion means having another radiologist independently review your images. Consider one if:

• The diagnosis is uncertain — Your report says "cannot exclude" or "further evaluation recommended"
• Surgery is being planned — A second read can confirm findings before an invasive procedure
• You want peace of mind — Especially for serious diagnoses like cancer
• Findings do not match symptoms — If the report seems inconsistent with how you feel
• You are considering a different treatment — Additional expert input can help

How to Get a Second Opinion

1. Request your images — Get a CD or digital copies from the imaging center
2. Choose a subspecialty radiologist — For brain imaging, choose a neuroradiologist; for breast imaging, choose a breast imaging specialist
3. Contact the second-opinion facility — Many academic medical centers offer teleradiology second opinions
4. Provide clinical context — Include your symptoms, history, and the original report

Is a Second Opinion Covered by Insurance?

Some insurance plans cover radiology second opinions, especially when they may change the course of treatment. Check with your insurer. Even if not covered, second opinions typically cost between $100 and $400 — a small price for confidence in a major medical decision.

Tips for Getting Results Faster

• Ask for your report delivery timeline when you schedule
• Provide your doctor contact information so results reach them without delay
• Follow up if you have not heard from your doctor within 3 to 5 days
• Check patient portals — If your doctor uses an online portal, results may appear there

We Are Here to Help

At Advanced Medical Imaging in Seminole, FL, we deliver results quickly and are available to answer questions about your images and reports. Call (727) 398-5999 or schedule online.

Sources: - RSNA — Understanding Your Radiology Report - HealthIT.gov — 21st Century Cures Act - ACR — Patient Resources