Is It illegal for my MRI results to be withheld?

[Kurazia]

Okay so I got an MRI and other tests to see if I do have a tumor, and I expected the results to be told to me right away. But, they won't show me any of the images and are holding all the details and I won't know for a few days...Someone told me that for an issue like that, this is illegal. Is it?

 

[army judge]

Okay so I got an MRI and other tests to see if I do have a tumor, and I expected the results to be told to me right away. But, they won't show me any of the images and are holding all the details and I won't know for a few days...Someone told me that for an issue like that, this is illegal. Is it?

First of all, let's hope you get GOOD news when you do learn what the MRI revealed.

Let's say for discussion purposes the action is illegal.
By the time you went to court, the issue would be moot.

I suggest you await the release of the results and address any health issues that might be revealed.
If, after you learn what the tests told your physicians, you can calmly ask, "Why did it appear these results were being withheld from me?"

I suspect the answer will be a very sensible and innocent one, something along the lines of, "Your physician, DR. Jones, had a family emergency. She wanted ot make sure she was available to discuss this with you personally."

See, a very simple, honest explanation. Good luck.

 

[KatDini]

No, it's not illegal in the US to not hear test/MRI results the same day said procedures were performed. MRIs have to be read by a radiologist who is working as a consultant for the other physician; unless one is an inpatient either in a hospital or an emergency room, one usually will not have 'same day service'.

 

[Betty3]

Agree with the above responder. Many times test results have to be withheld from patient for a period of time & can't even be read/interpreted by the person performing the test - MRI, blood work, EKG, a biopsy etc. Also, they generally want your physician to discuss them with you. It isn't unusual at all.

 

[ElleMD]

Not even close to illegal for the tech doing the scan to give you results they are not trained to give. It must be read by someone trained to do so, then interpreted by a doctor who knows what that result means.