Questions to Ask Doctor About MRI's and Radiologists

Random Radiology Information  

1.  If your MRI imaging report is sparse, you have questions or are not satisfied? You can request a second opinion and have the scan read by another radiologist. 
2. Radiologists are often generalist while others have specialty fields.
3. The best doctors that I've had are very picky on where tests are performed and who reads the results.  
4. Machines, techs and radiologist are not created equal. 
5. Bigger facilities are not always better, but the radiologists read more films and see more obscure conditions, however, the reports may or may not be as detailed due to the work load.

What to Ask When Being Sent for a Scan 

1. If you are being sent to a specific radiology clinic, ask why? 
2. Is this the best place to have the scan done, or is the facility being chosen for convenience or location?
3. What size and type of imaging machine do they have and is it the best to diagnose the possible ailment? 
4. Would contrast "such as Gadolinium" be of benefit in the scan...why or why not? 
5. Notify the doctor and imaging center, if you have metal implants. Special arrangements may have to be made.
6. If you are claustrophobic, notify the doctor so he can prescribe a sedative during the scan. I'm claustrophobic, I shut my eyes and keep them closed, well before they place contraptions on me, and being slid into the mri machine. I think about being on the beach looking at the wide open sky. I also let them know it helps if they talk me through the exam while in the machine. I had a very bad experience when they didn't say a word for an hour and the tech didn't respond to the squeeze ball that he gave me for emergency communication. 

What to ask the Radiology Technician

1. When will my scan be read and when should my doctor expect the report?
2. Have the technician provide a disc of your mri. Bring it to your f/u doc appointment, but always get it back after they are finished with it. 
3. Be pro active and pick up your reports from the imaging centers, even though the imaging center sends them to your physician. It's terrible how often the ball gets dropped, even on abnormal test results.  Bring the disc and the report to your next appointment. 

Finding A Good Radiologist

1. Ask your doctor, family and friends if they have a preference and why. 
2. Call radiology centers and ask who they prefer and why. 
3. Research radiology centers and their credentials on the net. 
4. If you've had many scans, look at the radiologist name on the "well written" detailed reports, and request that your images be read by that person. Be aware that this could slow down the report processing time.