Clients often ask me: How do I get a copy of my MRI scans? And how do I get my MRI results?

These are important questions because having a copy of your brain scans can improve your treatment.

For example, if you have a copy of your brain scans, then you can share them with your treating clinicians, who may not have access otherwise. This can help your clinicians decide which rehab treatment to focus on.

What do people mean when they say CT/MRI scans and CT/MRI results?

The scans or results are made up of two parts:

  • The radiology reports, and
  • The brain images (the pictures of the brain)

In this video, I explain 7 simple steps for getting a copy of both.

How to get a copy of the scans from the hospital?

Your brain MRI or CT scans were probably taken in a hospital or private imaging service.

If they were taken in a hospital then you can get a copy of the scans from the radiology department of the hospital.

Alternatively, if the scans were taken in a private imaging service, then you’ll have to go there, to get a copy of your brain scans.

In other words, you can only get a copy of the brain images (CTs or MRIs) from the place where the scans were taken.

Some radiology services may give you electronic access to the images, but most of the time you’ll get a physical copy of the scans on a CD, DVD, or USB.

For step-by-step instructions on how to get a copy of your brain scans, read the section “The 7 steps for getting a copy of your brain scans”.

Will my GP have my scan results?

As I mentioned earlier CT and MRI scans have two parts: the radiology reports and the brain images.

The radiology reports

The GP will have access to the radiology reports but not necessarily the images.

This means that the GP can read the radiology reports and tell you if there is something abnormal in the scans. But if they don’t have access to the brain images, they won’t be able to show you the pictures of your brain, and what exactly is abnormal with them.

The GP can also give you a copy of the radiology reports if you ask for it.

The brain images

If the GP has access to your brain images, then they’ll be able to show you what is abnormal in the brain pictures. However, they won’t be able to give you a copy of the images.

Summary

To guarantee that your clinicians can view your brain images, ensure that you have a copy of the brain images. Head to the radiology service where the images were taken. Follow “The 7 steps for getting a copy of your brain scans” described below, and obtain a copy of your brain images.

Diagram of the structure of brain scans

Can I see my brain scans?

If your GP or neurologist has access to the CT or MRI brain images, then they’ll be able to show them to you.

Rehabilitation clinicians may also have access to your CT or MRI scans and therefore could show you the brain images.

Furthermore, whilst any of your clinicians can show you what is abnormal in the scans, only your rehabilitation clinician can interpret:

  • What it means for your recovery? and
  • What treatment approach you are most likely to benefit from.

If your clinicians don’t have access to the brain images, but you have a copy of your scans, then you’ll be able to share your copy of the brain images with them.

Sharing your copy with them will enable them to view your brain images and explain them to you.

To ensure that all of your clinicians can see your brain scans regardless of their access, make sure you have a copy of your own brain scans, by following the steps below.

7 spiral steps

Bonus 8th Step

Get Ettie to look at your brain scans and help you upgrade your personalised rehab plan.

The 7 steps for getting a copy of your brain scans

These steps describe exactly how you can get a copy of your brain scans. These steps are:

  1. Identify where the scans were taken.
  2. Ask for the brain images (and the radiology reports).
  3. If you are refused a copy then mention the “Australian privacy law”. You can find information about it in this link. (There will be a similar government resource in other democratic countries).
  4. Make sure you get a copy of both the actual images as well as the radiology reports.
  5. If they can’t give you the radiology reports, you can access them from your GP or neurologist.
  6. Get either a physical copy (CD/DVD/USB) or electronic access.
  7. Share your images with clinicians who treat you and can benefit from seeing the images – such as your rehabilitation clinicians.

For more details watch the video.

In conclusion

Getting a copy of brain images doesn’t have to be challenging. If you know and understand the health system, then you’ll know exactly what to do and how to get a copy.

When you have a copy of the brain scans, it gives you the freedom to share them with your treating clinicians who may not have access to your brain images otherwise.

Accessing the brain images will give your brain imaging-trained clinicians additional information to help optimise your rehab journey.