PATIENT Resources
Information for patients

The radiologist needs to compare your new images with your old ones. A spot, shadow, or measurement on a single scan can mean very different things depending on whether it was there before, whether it has grown, or whether it is new. Without your prior images, your radiologist may not be able to give you a clear answer. Your prior images help us get it right the first time.

You don’t need to do anything. Your images and reports are already in your electronic record. There’s no CD to pick up and no wait. Just keep your appointment as scheduled.

We can, and we will if you prefer. But the timing is controlled by the facility that holds your records, not by us. When one facility requests records from another, it typically takes 15 to 20 days for the request to be fulfilled. That wait means moving your appointment out two to three weeks.

When you pick up a copy yourself, you can often get it the same day or within a day or two allowing you to keep your appointment as scheduled. Either way works. The choice is yours.

Our medical records team will let you know what’s required when you call or email, which typically includes a photo ID and a signed release form.

Call ahead first. Call the imaging or medical records department where your exam was done. Tell them you’d like to pick up a copy of your images on a CD and ask whether it can be ready while you wait or when to come back. A quick phone call before you go is the best way to avoid a wasted trip.

Ask what you need to bring. Most facilities require a photo ID and a signed release form. Ask if you can fill out the form ahead of time.

If someone else is picking it up for you, ask what they’ll need. This is usually a signed authorization from you and their own photo ID.

Bring the CD to your appointment. Keep it in its case, and don’t try to open or copy the files beforehand.

When you call and when you pick up, ask for:

· Your images on a CD in DICOM format. DICOM is the standard format for radiologic images. A disc of photos or PDFs won’t work.

· The written radiology report for each exam (a printed copy is fine).

· The exam dates and types written on the CD sleeve, if they’re willing.

Before you leave, check the CD label or sleeve for your name, the exam date(s), and the type of exam. Ask the staff to confirm it includes DICOM images and the report. If you have any doubt, call us at 805-682-7744 Ext 2005 before your appointment and we’ll help you sort it out.

That’s okay. Let us know at 682-7744 Ext 2005 and we’ll request the records for you. Your appointment will be rescheduled for after they arrive, usually two to three weeks out.

Patients can now have full access and control over their payment plans, insurance updates, statement download and more, all through our patient portal. Need a payment plan? Use our patient portal to set up the payment plan most suitable for you. Our bill looks like this form: