Getting copy MRI

[Shellshack]

I went to hospital records and got a copy of the written MRI report, but didn't actually see the 'film', and I'm not sure if my nuero. looked over them or just read the typed report??  How do I get a copy of the actual MRI disc?? And do most nuero's look at the disc themselves, or just go by the typed report?

[latte224]

Some places charge for patients to have their own copy.  The place I go to just burns me a copy of the CD.  The previous place, I had to fib and say I was taking them to another doctor.  I say fib because I knew I would take them to doctors as needed, there just wasn't a specific need at that time.  

My neuro told me to check them out and never take them back.  He told me to keep them in a safe place because they can get lost.  This was a place that kept them on actual film.  I think there is much less risk of them getting lost when it is all digital.

However, everyone here should realize that these places don't necessarily keep your films forever.  They do get rid of stuff after a certain number of years.  So, if you think you may need an original MRI film 7 or 10 years from now for comparison, I would suggest you get a copy in your possession and keep it safe.

This happened to someone on another board.  She had been told her MRI some 8 - 10 years ago showed lesions, but she never got a copy.  Then, she moved and saw a new neuro and the lesions are now not showing up, so she had no previous films to show that they had been there because the hospital disposed of them.  Now, she has no dx.

[doublevision1]

I'm sure every place does it differently.  In my case, I ask my GP to fax a requisition for a CD, and I pick it up a few days after the procedure.  I do not have to pay for it. The explanation on the req is so that I can bring it to my next neurologist appt, which I do, but also because I want to keep a record of EVERYTHING.  My neuro looks at the films as well as reviewing the report.

If I didn't have my GP request it on my behalf, I would have to pay for it.  I'm not sure how much.  Luckily I have not had to do so thus far as my GP is very accommodating with my requests.

Good luck!

db

[Momzilla]

Well....it may be their policy.  It would be very time-consuming and a little expensive to make copies for EVERY patient.  AND I think they don't want patients to get all worried about their images, seeing things that aren't there, like jen said.

BUT ~~ Just say it's for your appointment.  It is.  Your doctor will not want the cd.  Hopefully they will look at it, instead of just wanting to see the report.  But, they don't have room for everyone's cds, either.  So, you would get to keep the cd.  It IS your Personal Health Information. Your PHI, as we say so coolly in the healthcare biz.

Go get that cd, girl!

Good luck,

Zilla*

[Rena705]

Hi honey...I don't see why they would not give you a copy...perhaps the woman you talked to doesn't have a clue...surprise, surprise! tee hee

What I would do is call the records department and ask them about it.  You normally wouldn't get the copy directly from the radiology department anyway so she really may not know that you are to have access to your records.  I was charged $35.00 for mine of my brain but when I had my pelvis and spine done and paid for it myself they gave me a copy no questions asked.

Just give the records department a call and they can probably help you.

[Shellshack]

When I went to radiology for my NRI today and asked about getting a copy of my films, she told me only if I was getting them to take to one of my doctors or else they wouldn't give them to me???  Is this correct??

[jensequitur]

ShellShack, a good neurologist will look at the films as well as read the report.  There's no telling what your neuro did.

You won't find out much by looking at the films.  There's some obvious problems that you can pick out with some experience, but most of what the radiologist sees will be completely over your head - unless you're a trained radiologist.  That's not meant to be insulting, it's just true.  There's a lot of weird-looking stuff in your brain that will look suspicious if you don't know what it is.  So the best advice is not to worry about it, and just look at the radiologist's report.  

If you really want to mess around with it, you can look at the report, then figure out your brain anatomy, and then look at the films and try to figure out which part they're talking about it.  This is what I did...  but aside from identifying the one on my right cerebelllum, I haven't had much luck.

[Shellshack]

Thank you very much!  I actually am going back to radiology Friday for another MRI, so, I'll ask them while I'm there.  But, thanks for the info!!!

Do you know if nuero's look at the film or just read the results?

[Momzilla]

Hi, Shell~

It's a good idea to have a cd copy of your images.  The way I got mine, was to go back to the Radiology Dept. where my images were taken, and ask for a cd.  They actually have a "film pick-up" area where they just crank the cds out.

To be sure, I'd phone the radiology dept. (or imaging center) first, and ask for a cd copy.  Then ask where and when to pick it up.

Good luck!

Zilla*