Why won’t my imaging technician tell me what they’re seeing on my test? (2024)

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Why won’t my imaging technician tell me what they’re seeing on my test? (2)Why won’t my imaging technician tell me what they’re seeing on my test? (3)

Why won’t my imaging technician tell me what they’re seeing on my test?2019-09-12T13:54:22-06:00

The last time you had an x-ray, mammogram or similar test, did you ask your imaging tech if everything looked OK?

If the answer is yes, you’re not alone.

Why won’t my imaging technician tell me what they’re seeing on my test? (6)

Imaging techs are experts at giving tests – but it is your doctor you should ask for a diagnosis.

It’s human nature to want the results of medical tests as soon as possible.

Susan Edwards, manager of Regional One Health’s East Campus Imaging Center, said her imaging technicians get asked for a diagnosis all the time.

All of the center’s imaging techs are trained and licensed to administer exams like x-rays, CT scans, MRIs and mammograms.

They are also trained to politely decline requests for test results.

The Imaging Center’s protocol is to tell patients their results must come from their doctor.

“Plenty of patients ask, but techs should not give information and should not even react to what they’re seeing on the image,” Edwards said. “They aren’t doctors, and while they do know how to get around your anatomy, they aren’t qualified to diagnose you.”

That is true even though the tech likely knows the answer to your question.

Imaging techs administer thousands of scans a year. They know if what they’re seeing on the screen is a cause for concern, Edwards acknowledged.

Why won’t my imaging technician tell me what they’re seeing on my test? (7)

Imaging scans are read by a diagnostic radiologist, who then provides the information to the physician who ordered the test.

And, if they see something that is not just a concern but a medical emergency, they will have a radiologist read your test immediately.

If the radiologist confirms the emergency, you’ll be sent for emergency care.

But it’s simply not their position to share diagnostic information with a patient.

“Your test needs to be read by a diagnostic radiologist, and the results go back to your physician. Your physician reads the report and then discusses it with you,” Edwards said.

The biggest reason for that policy is that only a medical doctor has the training and experience to make a diagnosis.

There are other reasons too:

Patients are more likely to have a pre-existing relationship with their doctor than their imaging tech. Therefore, patients tend to be more comfortable getting difficult news from their doctor.

Why won’t my imaging technician tell me what they’re seeing on my test? (8)

Your doctor will discuss the results of your test and any followup treatment that is required.

Doctors also know the patient’s entire medical history, which impacts diagnosis. The tech only has an isolated set of images at their disposal.

Finally, patients who get a difficult diagnosis will undoubtedly have follow-up questions. A tech can’t answer these. Only your doctor can discuss your prognosis, treatment options, etc.

Edwards said the East Campus offers quick turnaround on tests. Most patients have their results within 48 hours.

Also, Edwards said, patients can request a copy of their results after the radiologist reads the test. “People do have a right to see their reports,” she said. However, she stressed the reports should always be discussed with a doctor to create an appropriate treatment plan.

For more information or to make an appointment at the East Campus Imaging Center, visit them online hereor call 901-515-3600.

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Why won’t my imaging technician tell me what they’re seeing on my test? (2024)

FAQs

Why won’t my imaging technician tell me what they’re seeing on my test? ›

But it's simply not their position to share diagnostic

diagnostic
A diagnostic test is any kind of medical test performed to aid in the diagnosis or detection of disease. Diagnostic tests can also be used to provide prognostic information on people with established disease.
https://en.wikipedia.org › wiki › Medical_diagnosis
information with a patient. “Your test needs to be read by a diagnostic radiologist, and the results go back to your physician. Your physician reads the report and then discusses it with you,” Edwards said.

Can a mammogram technician tell if something is wrong? ›

They cannot, however, read aloud what they see or diagnose. Often women will ask the technician, “Do you see anything?” “I really cannot answer that,” Fisk said, “The doctor gets the report and follows up within two to three days.” “I am not the doctor,” Shipe said, “ The radiologist reads the image.”

Are radiologists allowed to tell you results? ›

In the case of radiology reports, this means that once a radiologist has signed off on their final interpretation of an imaging test (e.g., an x-ray, mammogram, MRI/CT/ultrasound scan, etc.), that report will typically be uploaded to the patient's health information “portal” and become immediately available for the ...

Can MRI techs see if something is wrong? ›

If your results reveal an emergency, your radiologist will get you emergency care immediately. Your technician is not qualified to tell you if something is wrong – you can ask, but they will decline to answer.

Will a radiologist tell you if something is wrong? ›

During and after your scan, your radiologist will not tell you if something is wrong based on your images. If your radiologist notices something on your scan that requires emergency treatment, they will get you that treatment immediately. Your doctor will receive your CT scan results within 24 hours of your scan.

How long does it take to get abnormal mammogram results? ›

You'll likely get your mammogram results within a few days, although this can vary. A radiologist looks at your mammogram and then sends the results to you and your healthcare provider. Contact your provider or the facility where you got your mammogram if you don't receive your results within a month.

How quickly do you get MRI results if something is wrong? ›

Sometimes, a doctor may consult with other neurologists, radiologists, or oncologists if you have a brain tumor. Getting results back: In a non-emergency setting, you may wait 1 to 2 weeks for results. In an emergency setting, such as a brain bleed, you will usually receive results as quickly as possible.

Do MRI techs know what they are looking at? ›

Imaging techs administer thousands of scans a year. They know if what they're seeing on the screen is a cause for concern, Edwards acknowledged. Imaging scans are read by a diagnostic radiologist, who then provides the information to the physician who ordered the test.

What are the common mistakes in MRI? ›

The four common interpretive errors were the following: 1) failure to detect the lesion because of misleading clinical information, 2) rejection of a clinical diagnosis because an expected imaging abnormality was absent, 3) assumption that a striking imaging abnormality accounted for the clinical abnormality, and 4) ...

Do doctors call you if test results are bad? ›

Remember there are many reasons why a healthcare provider will contact you after a medical test. If results are concerning, they may call you or have a receptionist call to schedule an appointment. 15 A healthcare provider may also call to assure you everything is okay or discuss any needed follow-up tests.

Why would a mammogram tech take extra pictures? ›

“A diagnostic mammogram is done just like a screening mammogram,” says Ajegba, “but more pictures are taken of the area in question so that it can be looked at more closely. Another difference is that there is a radiologist on hand to make sure that all the needed images are taken.”

How often do radiologists make mistakes? ›

In fact, despite the tremendous advancements in radiological science, data suggests that radiologists still misread X-rays 3-5% of the time. The likelihood of errors also increases during the night shift hours of the day versus a lower chance during the day shift hours.

Can a mammogram detect other problems? ›

The only type of cancer mammograms are used to detect is breast cancer. However, they can detect signs of breast health that go beyond the masses and lumps that can indicate breast cancer, according to the American Cancer Society . These include: Microcalcifications.

Can a mammogram be read wrong? ›

False positive results are common. While around 12% of 2D screening mammograms are recalled for more work-up, only 4.4% of those recalls, or 0.5% overall, conclude with a cancer diagnosis. “To detect breast cancer early, we need to be careful and investigate any potentially abnormal findings.

Can the sonographer tell you results? ›

You may be told the results of your scan soon after it's been carried out, but in most cases the images will need to be analysed and a report will be sent to the doctor who referred you for the scan. They'll discuss the results with you a few days later or at your next appointment, if one's been arranged.

What happens if they find something during a mammogram? ›

It means that the doctors have found something they want to look at more closely. If you get called back, it's usually to take new pictures or get other tests. Fewer than 1 in 10 women called back for more tests are found to have cancer.

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