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.
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.
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.
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.
As a seasoned expert in the field of medical imaging and diagnostic procedures, I bring a wealth of firsthand experience and in-depth knowledge to shed light on the nuances discussed in the article. With a background in healthcare and a specific focus on diagnostic imaging, I can provide valuable insights into the roles and responsibilities of imaging technicians, as well as the protocols followed in medical facilities.
In the article, the author addresses a common concern: patients wanting immediate information about their test results from imaging technicians. The key concept highlighted is the distinction between the role of imaging techs and that of medical doctors in the diagnostic process. I'll break down the relevant concepts discussed in the article:
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Imaging Technician Expertise:
- The article emphasizes that imaging technicians, in this case, are trained and licensed to perform various diagnostic exams, including x-rays, CT scans, MRIs, and mammograms.
- These professionals are skilled in conducting tests and capturing images but are not qualified to provide diagnoses.
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Patient Queries and Tech Responses:
- Patients often inquire about their test results directly to imaging technicians, reflecting a common desire for quick information.
- The protocol outlined in the article emphasizes that technicians should politely decline requests for test results and redirect patients to their doctors.
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Role of Diagnostic Radiologists:
- Imaging scans are reviewed and interpreted by diagnostic radiologists, specialized medical professionals.
- Radiologists provide the diagnostic information to the physicians who ordered the tests, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the results.
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Importance of Doctor-Patient Relationship:
- The article underscores that only medical doctors are equipped to make a diagnosis, considering their training and experience.
- Patients are more likely to have a pre-existing relationship with their doctors, fostering a comfortable environment for discussing sensitive medical information.
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Patient Rights and Follow-up:
- Patients have the right to request and receive copies of their test results after a radiologist has reviewed them.
- However, the article emphasizes the importance of discussing these results with a doctor to formulate an appropriate treatment plan.
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Quick Turnaround and Patient Access:
- The East Campus Imaging Center mentioned in the article offers a quick turnaround on test results, with most patients receiving their reports within 48 hours.
- Patients can proactively request copies of their results for their records.
In conclusion, the article underscores the specialized roles within the diagnostic process, with imaging technicians playing a crucial part in acquiring accurate images, and medical doctors, particularly radiologists, responsible for interpreting and diagnosing based on those images. The emphasis on the doctor-patient relationship and the need for comprehensive discussions regarding test results highlights the patient-centered approach in healthcare.
