Most of us have heard the advertisements promising immediate imaging results for patients. The “preliminary results” marketing campaign exaggerates the typical wait time for results to be issued to a referring M.D. It infers that every patient should disregard their doctor’s order and go straight to the center that gives them instant gratification, which they describe as “peace of mind”. What the ad campaign does not tell patients is that a preliminary report may not lead to “peace of mind”. It may lead to unnecessary worry and concern. An abnormal finding that the primary physician knows to be benign from a previous exam, may be reported to the patient as a positive finding. Since preliminary results provide only an abbreviated outcome of “normal” or “abnormal,” based upon a very brief clinical history, the patient may receive an inaccurate outcome. Comparison to previous films may not be made before issuing a preliminary report. The campaign also fails to mention that a radiologist cannot provide treatment if a patient’s exam is positive, so the patient may have to deal with bad news which they can do nothing about… until they see their primary care physician.

In the June 11, 2008, issue of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, reporter Mary Jo Feldstein addressed the pros and cons of providing patients with preliminary results.

...Dr. James H. Thrall, chair of the American College of Radiology Board of Chancellors, said most radiology clinics nationally are not giving preliminary results. Questions about how to handle patients with life-changing results and other concerns of referring physicians are reasons the practice isn't prevalent. The process can lead to fragmented and disorderly communication between patients and physicians, said Thrall, who is a radiologist in chief at Massachusetts General Hospital....

Gynecologist and obstetrician Dr. Ravi Johar remembers the phone call of a terrified patient. Johar had sent her to Metro Imaging for a radiologist to take an image of an ovarian cyst.… ... The radiologist told her she had tumors growing around her uterus and she needed to get in and see her doctor immediately. She frantically called Johar's office as she left Metro Imaging. Johar thought the radiologist was referring to some benign fibroid tumors he discovered years ago, but he wasn't sure because Metro Imaging hadn't yet given him films or results.

Eventually, he tracked down the results and told her there was no need for concern. But Johar said the case shows why Metro Imaging should allow referring physicians to give the results to patients... "It's a lot easier for it to come from someone they know and trust," Johar said. "And, more important to the patient, is to know what's the next step. They want to know the treatment options."

Johar is one of several area physicians who have expressed concerns with the policy. Others say it helps them get results to patients more quickly and with less hassle...

The above excerpts reinforce The Imaging Center’s policy on not giving preliminary results. Several physicians agree with our policy and agree that preliminary results do not improve patient care. Our test results are always faxed to offices within 24 hours, and in most cases 2-5 hours after the exam is performed.