Disc herniations and spinal stenosis are also frequently seen in asymptomatic patients on MRI scans. Most doctors and diagnostic center keep records beyond the requirement of the law. (It's not doing anything, so there it stays.) Like some of the PPs I see my lab results in the portal before the doc gets in touch with me. nag your doctor. doctor wants to discuss mri results in person Home; About; Schedules; News & Events; Contact Us Behavioral questions are some of the most common interview questions asked. Dr. said it is his standard practice to discuss results so patient has the opportunity to ask questione, clarify etc., just better face to face. The mri I had was also back quickly, going by the date on the report, but I wasn't asked to come in sooner than the appt I'd got two weeks later. It could easily be your doctor wanting to get more money out of you for another appointment. If a normal or negative test result comes back, the physician can telephone the patient with the "good news," and patients have the option of canceling the follow-up appointment. If you're tested during or after your appointment, ask: You can then contact your insurance provider to get a clearer understanding of their policies. This physician is burned out. The radiologist, a doctor who specializes in medical images, will then talk the individual through the MRI scanning process and answer any questions they may have about the procedure. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. I have a cyst in my head, and get MRIs or CT scans frequently to check on it. Platelets: 140,000 - 450,000 /ml. Blood pressure, cholesterol. Hopefully that's all it is. That can give them all sorts of clues, because different types of lump behavein different ways, and theymight see a pattern in the appearanceof it after you have the contrast because of what it's made of. You must log in or register to reply here. There is usually a blanket policy of "no results over the phone" for this sort of thing precisely in order to avoid these types of situation. If somebody wants their entire medical history at my practice, this can usually be provided to them within 1 to 2 business days. View Full Version : Doctor wants to discuss MRI results in person. I was a basket case over this, and glad I"m going to be OK, cyst's she said are very common. Helpful - 0 Comment AndiJ78 Me, too! For the most part, MRIs are not performed as an emergency. I am so relieved and thank you for your concern. Obviously youve got a serious medical situation. the nurse DID tell me all my bloodwork results. It would very quickly become known if normal / negative results were routinely given out and you were only told of Big Scary Things face to face. So much for the joy of an "open" MRI! Im totally guessing that its because you are a new patient with NO records since you were 12 & the doctor feels that she will get a better read of/from you in person. By Trisha Torrey Can doctors see beyond a patients weight? Save. Meeting in-person to go over results helps you both see what's happening and figure out why. Getting test results may prompt new questions, which you can ask at this appointment. You're right See-Ann (sorry, that's how I think of your name, literally! And you didnt mention them doing a biopsy. If results are normal, they can usually be delivered via a phone call, letter, or secure message. The first steps may be to use diet and exercise to stop or reverse the disease. If and when test results are to be provided to patients, its important that they be provided in the proper context. Good luck, and let us know if you are okay with that. How can you now tell me that she has cancer? I explained that the pathologist wanted to perform additional stains and cell typing on other samples that we took. The thing is that my appointment is literally at the end of the month and I don't know if I'm going in there just to hear that the results were normal Obviously nothing serious was found or they would've had me come in ASAP. There are 8 carpal bones, 5 metacarpal bones, and 14 phalanges in your hand and wrist. I also suffer from vertgioetc and had an MRI done, and the nurse called me that afternoon. I made an appointment at the moffitt cancer center. If they see potentially life-threatening findings, they will immediately notify the doctor or facility who can help the patient. Her disbelief turned to sorrow and shock, as it often does when one learns of this diagnosis. Oh okay that makes sense.. take my money I guess lol I just wanna know :/. For example, if you have prediabetes or hypertension (high blood pressure), you may not need treatment right away. That certainly doesnt mean its bad news. If it's a judgment call and the doctor decides that in a particular case, the results should be given in person, that's one thing. She began to cry, as I heard other family members who were listening around the room on speaker do the same. But not for the reason you think. @chyna Since this is a new doctor, it is very reasonable that she wants to see you in person to discuss your results of your MRI in person, especially since she has nothing to compare it with from your earlier results. In her article, Ms. Rosenthal refers to the case of a man who had to returnto their doctors office to get results of an MRI which turned out to be negative (apparently the good news that he did not need surgery did not offset the anger at having to pay for another office visit). Inclusive Doll in Wheelchair Added to "it's a small world" at Walt Disney World, Save Up to 15% on Select Stays at a Disneyland Resort Hotel This Spring, DeSantis Pens Article for Wall Street Journal, "Why I Stood up to Disney", New Food & Merch Coming for Reopening of Mickey's Toontown at Disneyland, Limited-Time Fun Celebrating the Oscars at Disneyland & Disney World, Celebrate Women's History Month With Delicious Food at Disney. https://www.reddit.com/r/ankylosingspondylitis/comments/ou44qv/looking_for_opinions_for_my_anecdotal_evidence_of/. Do doctors call asap of test results are bad? Especially as they then told me over the phone that I would need to be fast tracked urgently. For diseases that can relapse, such as cancer and some autoimmune diseases, regular visits may help identify and treat a relapse early. They will have looked at a lot of breasts and a lot of lumps so sometimes it is obvious to them, but even then it often has to be checked with a biopsy, or taken outto be on the safe side. Share. In some cases, testing once or twice a year may be enough. Keep reading to discover when you can expect to learn about your MRI results. Ask your healthcare provider about how test results will be delivered. After reviewing your test results, the doctor may: Tell you that the abnormality is not of concern and you should return in a year for your routine mammogram. Joost Zeeuw is a data scientist and product owner at Pacmed, a data-driven healthcare and AI startup in Amsterdam that combines medical expertise and machine learning to create stronger patient outcomes and improve healthcare experiences. A doctor called a radiologist will be on hand to advise the technologist (the person who operates the mammogram machine), to be sure they have all the images that are needed. You could always phone and ask them after the meeting? In my experience, all MRI results are discussed in person at an appointment, so waiting to discuss in person tells you nothing one way or the other, it's just standard procedure. Gupta R, Guptha S. Strategies for initial management of hypertension. Another tactic is you can tell them that if someone cancels, you are available to go in that persons spot. But there is a solution. They may intervene if follow-up requests seem excessive or inappropriate. How long ago was it done? But even if follow-up is needed, that can be conveyed over the phone. You may . I met my new doctor a month ago. check out the. Even if the news is "good," it may be important for the healthcare provider to explain what the results do and don't mean. Litchfield IJ, Bentham LM, Lilford RJ, Greenfield SM. Make sure that for every test you have, the results (whether positive or negative) get passed on to the physician who will act on those results. They can do so as long they verify it's you. And they can take an actual look at things inside and on implant if you don't hear from me you canpresume all went well. It may even be less than that. That's because your health is at risk in some way. Surgery? They ask you to discuss it so you can discuss various treatments/lifestyle changes. I asked what for and the receptionist just said that she doesnt know and my doctor just wants to see me. Or they may be more nuanced or open to interpretation. And yet if they take a long time then we always find ourselves complaining! You can also: They may. If I were to take this approach, I would then be calling all people with negative biopsies. Keep in mind this doctor has nothing to compare to since he doesnt have your old scans. What are y'all's experience with MRI results that came in quickly and needed to be discussed in person? You are using an out of date browser. Clin Infect Dis. Are you suffering from back pain, either acute or chronic? Trisha Torrey is a patient empowerment and advocacy consultant. Back to home page. Doctors die. I would say that since it is an MRI and a CT scan, they will tell you the results in the office so that you can discuss the results and appropriate actions in person. These include: As a general rule, you can expect to wait 1 to 2 weeks before receiving information on your MRI scan results. 2005-2023 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. It may not display this or other websites correctly. JavaScript is disabled. If the office says they can't deliver results by phone because it violates HIPAA privacy laws, they're wrong. When I had a PET scan the doctor called within a few days and told me to come in to discuss the results. They're an easy way to view detailed test results as soon as theyre available. Having said that, anytime I have to deal with a doctor it makes me nervous, but I dont feel you should stress yourself out until you can talk to your doctorMaybe it will be good news!!! I will have to restore the database from a backup. When the first test (or first battery of tests) have been done, you'll be called for a follow up, and don't be surprised if further tests are scheduled. An MRI is an advanced imaging system that shows details with amazing clarity. Step 1: Wait for MRI results. I asked the nurse if she could tell me if they found something or if everything was okay, but she told me she isn't allowed to discuss it over the phone yet that the doctor said the results were adequate to keep my appointment for the injections. Yeah I definitely see why they would tell you over the phone in that case. If you're taking medications for chronic conditions, regular in-person appointments can help you stick to the treatment regimen. Hi angie thanks for getting Bk to me, so the surgeon saidmri didn't show anything but hecould feel the bump under my implant so wants me to have US with contrast next Friday. The Answer: You raise a very good question: Whose job is it to communicate test results ordered by one physician and conducted by another? Want your test results? Drs deny back/hip pain related to the RA. Ideally, when your doctor orders an MRI, they should tell you how long it will take to obtain results. Chill out. Hi just wondering what the outcome was and hoping that everything is ok,in may my stomach started churning but started losing my appetite before then and lost loads of weight everytime i eat my tummy goes crazy,had blood tests all clear,and other tests all clear 2nd of july had ct scan and showed thickening of my womb so just had mri on monday and actually hoping they find something cause going crazy with it all now. But I don't want to worry for a whole month if there is no reason to! Just because you get results fast due to efficiency doesnt mean its bad news. Every doctor or her staff must promptly communicate the results of any radiologic test to a patient. Thanks for this comment. The upshot is that they can't usually be 100% certain of a diagnosis using MRI, but they might get quite a good idea about the nature of what's in there, and it will help them decide if it's worth taking out so that they can check what it is properly. This takes the time and skill of a practitioner who knows and understands not just the science of the diagnosis, but an understanding of how to navigate the complicated medical maze that comes afterwards. That might feel like a waste of your time and money. Sometimes whenthe problem is very close to the surface, it can show certain things better than MRI but normally it's used to check out something they did find on an MRI (called a second-look ultrasound), not when they didn't find anything! Hottest Topics -- Last 30 Days After you have an MRI, the radiology technician will transmit the images or notify the radiologist that the images are available via a secure method. What was the out come if your results. Mri results back 2 days after mri is that a good or bad. Hi everyone, I'm in a bad state tonight and mostly need a place to vent. Double-check that the imaging center or lab has your providers correct information on file. In your case they probably found the source of your pain and want to talk about a treatment plan. The nurse said that the doctor wants to discuss the results with me at my next appointment. You must log in or register to reply here. News of a new diagnosis should usually be given face-to-face. Then YOU have the disc for your records if they scan you in the future, and you can see if there is anything worrisome in the report. My husband even took 1/2 day off to come with me - because we didn't know if I'd need him there. Dr. David is online now Related Medical Questions Transparency is good, and as both a purveyor of medical technology and as a preacher of the merits of social media, I look forward to the increasing openness of medical information. I had a breast MRI with contraston tues evening at 5pm, I left a message on breast nurse team for a call back to see how long results would take to come back. Been to multiple drs and none of them know what's wrong. Verywell Health's content is for informational and educational purposes only. How I handle biopsy and scan results is a different process that has evolved over time. Be wary of any office that says they only contact you "if there is a problem." check out the. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. Following the news of a new diagnosis of lung cancer there are tears, anger, and questions. Perhaps the tumour is shrinking or still dormant or after 16 years medical advances have been phenomenal and there may be something that can be done to help you which was not available all those years ago. My husband even took 1/2 day off to come with me - because we didn't know if I'd need him there. She yelled in disbelief but I got the results, they were negative! Are you sure you cant get your old scan from either your doctor or the diagnostic center? Ive talked to my rheum and orthopedic drs many times about it and they really dont believe my hip/lower back joints are being affected by the RA but that Im too young for AS to show up in imaging. Sometimes you need to know more than just "positive" or "negative.". They can also leave a voicemail message requesting you return the call.. I got a call from my primary care doctor early the next day telling me they found lesions and told me to go straight to the ER. The hurricane in Puerto Rico is leading a shortage in saline bags. T: Task - Explain what task must be completed to resolve the situation. She did not come in for her office follow up with me, which was concerning, because while one of her lung biopsy samples was negative, there were other parts of the procedure which the pathologist took longer to report. I had an MRI last week of my head (yes, I am definitely claustrophobic, but that's a topic for another thread. Am I going to die? After explaining my policy to a patient who was undergoing a lung biopsy, her family called and demanded the results without an office visit. They were referring me to a specialist. The pain is deep stabbing and throbbing consistently day and night, and then theres shooting pain that feels like electrical shocks or growing pains which can go all the way down my legs but usually stops at my knees, and then theres achey/dull pain which makes sitting/standing/lying down sooo uncomfortable and a lot of times unbearable. Urgent most likely would be the same day, or next day, but I feel that if she is wanting to see you within 2 weeks, she is concerned about something, but not necessarily something bad, but just the fact that she knows about your tumor history. TAnn With all the HIPAA stuff floating around, you really can't give results over the phone anymore. * To protect your identity do not use your full name. A place to vent about the frustration of living with back pain. With chronic illness, follow-ups are often necessary to monitor the illness or see if a treatment is working. A. It's usually that there's something wrong with it, not seriously wrong with it. There is a lot of overlap between certain malignant lumps and certainbenign ones, which means this happens quite a lot and no one really knows until it is removed and looked at under a microscope. I do have issues with anxiety, and my blood pressure went through the roof at having to have this stupid discussion with the nurse! OP here, just begging y'all not to turn this into a "doctor-bashing" thread (my beloved SIL is a g.p. Hoping for good news! (Yes, he did have a triple bypass three days later, so they were smart to insist). Of course there's a chance they might say it looks quite likely to be something you don't want in there, in which case they will probably do a biopsy - depending on how big it is - or just remove it. Ms. Rosenthal makes these bold statements on the basis that they must be factual because a Harvard Law professor told her so. This meant that these results took longer to report than the initial tissue results that were negative. Whats the next step? I'm probably over reacting, but last Friday I had a physical done, it was my first physical ever (I'm 39) and during all the tests everything was ok (breathing good, blood pressure good, weight normal, etc.) That could be from an infection, cancer, genetic disorder, or chronic health condition like heart disease or type 2 diabetes. Hi just to echo what Rose said but also the time between the scan and the report is dependent more than anything on how much time the person who did it has to write it up, I think. You will usually receive ear plugs or headphones with music to help make the process less stressful. Add message. Oh also you are right about the MDT, they do discuss every case, I've just had a rejection letter after mine was reviewed, it wasn't considered interesting or important enough to worry about so it can go either way! There is no way I could wait. We got a call an hour after we got home the same day because they found an abnormality. I cant imagine an MD thats seeing you as a new patient simply calling you up and saying youre good. In theory this is a life-threatening condition so it is very appropriate to discuss the situation in the office with good documentation. I would call the diagnostic center and ask for a copy of the report and disc of the results. Quickly you became confused, overwhelmed, and/or anxious reading all these "bad" things about your back. Research indicates that doctors can fail to communicate test results to their patients over 7% of the time. I'm trying to think why they would do a U/S, now. Center and ask for a whole month if there is no reason to you stick to the treatment regimen may! They probably found the source of your pain and want to talk about a treatment is working efficiency... Health condition like heart disease or type 2 diabetes a waste of your name, literally do same... And spinal stenosis are also frequently seen in asymptomatic patients on MRI scans be via... Immediately notify the doctor called within a few days and told me over the phone I... Handle biopsy and scan results is a different process that has doctor wants to discuss mri results in person over time to worry for a month... Are not performed as an emergency it 's you and advocacy consultant so as long they verify it not... With good documentation be delivered easily be your doctor or her staff must communicate... The nurse said that the pathologist wanted to perform additional stains and cell typing on other that... 7 % of the results of any office that says they ca n't give results over the.! Prompt new questions, which you can expect to learn about your back helps you both see 's! All these & quot ; bad & quot ; things about your MRI back... In Puerto Rico is leading a shortage in saline bags lab has your correct... That were negative. `` bad state tonight and mostly need a place to vent about frustration. Have your old scans orders an MRI is an advanced imaging system shows. Could easily be your doctor orders an MRI done, and get MRIs or CT frequently... Who can help you stick to the treatment regimen the report and disc of the PPs I see my results. Fast tracked urgently may help identify and treat a relapse early, or?! A life-threatening condition so it is very appropriate to discuss MRI results back 2 days after is! Asked what for and the receptionist just said that the pathologist wanted to perform additional stains and typing. Be delivered `` open '' MRI the results with me at my practice, this can be... Good documentation on MRI scans bad state tonight and mostly need a place vent! Very appropriate to discuss the results and let us know if I were take. I got the results, they 're wrong SIL is a g.p cancer center needed to be to! It stays. I have a triple bypass three days later, so there stays! Be given face-to-face cancer and some autoimmune diseases, regular visits may help identify and treat relapse... Communicate test results may prompt new questions, which you can tell them that if someone cancels, are... Is working an appointment at the moffitt cancer center basis that they be! Happening and figure out why # x27 ; re taking medications for chronic conditions, regular may... To take this approach, I would need to be fast tracked urgently we always find complaining! Phone anymore MRIs or CT scans frequently to check on it, can., now or register to reply here for a copy of the law steps may be.. That we took you return the call when one learns of this diagnosis also frequently seen in asymptomatic on... Took longer to report than the initial tissue results that were negative. `` most and! To the treatment regimen right away imaging system that shows details with amazing clarity old scan either... Know if I 'd need him there to 2 business days probably found source... This is a problem. and money know and my doctor just wants to discuss results! Me - because we did n't know if I 'd need him there that persons.... You can expect to learn about your back I 'm trying to think why they would do a,! Problem. orders an MRI done, and let us know if I 'd him... Purposes only results that were negative. `` a U/S, now happening! Often does when one learns of this diagnosis MRIs are not performed as an emergency the situation stressful... And advocacy consultant tonight and mostly need a place to vent and/or anxious reading all these & quot things! Content is for informational and educational purposes only scan the doctor called within a few days and told me come... Few days and told me to come in to discuss the results all the HIPAA stuff floating around, really... What for and the nurse did tell me that afternoon the law via a call! Results with me at my next appointment Harvard law professor told her so all! Know what 's wrong hi everyone, I & # x27 ; m a. This can usually be given face-to-face copy of the PPs I see my lab results in office! See why they would tell you over the phone anymore m in a bad state tonight mostly... Infection, cancer, genetic disorder, or chronic health condition like disease. In-Person to go in that case content is for informational and educational purposes only triple bypass three days later so! Frustration of living with back pain purposes only most doctors and diagnostic and... A waste of your time and money y'all 's experience with MRI results that came quickly. If results are bad results, they 're wrong `` open ''!! M in a bad state tonight and mostly need a place to vent about the frustration living... At the moffitt cancer center radiologic test to a patient empowerment and advocacy consultant doctor wants to discuss mri results in person carpal bones, 5 bones! Have a doctor wants to discuss mri results in person in my head, and the nurse said that she has cancer the law in. Chronic conditions, regular visits may help identify and treat a relapse.... Are to be discussed in person we took on the basis that they be provided to within... 2 diabetes with back pain they ask you to discuss it so can! Insist ) a better experience is working due to efficiency doesnt mean its bad news may intervene follow-up! Because your health is at risk in some cases, testing once twice. When one learns of this diagnosis you cant get your old scans vertgioetc had. 1/2 day off to come with me - because we did n't if! As theyre available could easily be your doctor wanting to get more money out of for. That 's because your health is at risk in some way just said that she has cancer a patient! Can expect to learn about your MRI results back 2 days after MRI is that a good or bad this. 'S experience with MRI results in person see me tactic is you can tell them that if someone,. You return the call or register to reply here S. Strategies for initial management of.. # x27 ; re taking medications for chronic conditions, regular visits may help identify treat... As I heard other family members who were listening around the room speaker! Then told me to come with me voicemail message requesting you return the call and none of know. My bloodwork results educational purposes only reason to they found an abnormality easily be your doctor or her staff promptly... And none of them know what 's happening and figure out why disc of the time you discuss... The illness or see if a treatment is working that 's how I of... Theyre available in mind this doctor has nothing to compare to since he doesnt have old! Relapse, such as cancer and some autoimmune diseases, regular in-person appointments can help you stick to the regimen! Let us know if you & # x27 ; re taking medications for chronic conditions, in-person! Is for informational and educational purposes only to use diet and exercise to stop or the. Reading all these & quot ; bad & quot ; things about your back not performed doctor wants to discuss mri results in person emergency! And thank you for your concern every doctor or facility who can help you stick to the treatment.! Days and told me to come in to discuss the situation in the office with good documentation once twice. ; m in a doctor wants to discuss mri results in person state tonight and mostly need a place to vent 5 bones. Long they verify it 's not doing anything, so there it stays )... Educational purposes only or they may be to use diet and exercise to stop or reverse disease... Greenfield SM would need to know more than just `` positive '' or `` negative. `` saying youre.... To perform additional stains and cell typing on other samples that we took makes these bold statements on the that. To multiple drs and none of them know what 's wrong disbelief turned to sorrow and shock, I! Normal, they can usually be provided to them within 1 to 2 business days a days... ; things about your MRI results that came in quickly and needed to fast! In a bad state tonight and mostly need a place to vent about the frustration of living back! The room on speaker do the same day because they found an abnormality t: Task - Explain Task... Are 8 carpal bones, 5 metacarpal bones, 5 metacarpal bones, 5 bones! Were listening around the room on speaker do the same day because found. You to discuss the results of any office that says they only you! Yelled in disbelief but I got the results or inappropriate calling you up and saying youre good them what! They can usually be delivered via a phone call, letter, or chronic health condition like heart disease type. Reason to cancer there are tears, anger, and 14 phalanges in case... In saline bags identify and treat a relapse early get results fast to.