Can Patients See Their Medical Images?
Yes, patients can and increasingly do view their medical images, particularly through online patient portals, though the clinical utility and appropriateness depends heavily on the context, imaging modality, and whether images are accompanied by appropriate interpretation.
Patient Access to Radiology Images
Strong Patient Desire for Image Access
- 89.5% of surveyed patients want access to their radiology images through online portals 1
- 86.7% believe viewing images would help them better understand their medical conditions 1
- 81.0% report it would help them feel more in control of their care 1
- 70.5% say it would provide reassurance about their physician's decisions 1
Clinical Context Matters
Images should be accompanied by radiology reports to avoid confusion, as 23.8% of patients identify potential confusion as their biggest concern about viewing images alone 1.
The value patients place on different components varies:
Patient Preferences for Discussion
When patients access their imaging results, they prefer to discuss findings with:
- Their ordering clinician (65.7%) 1
- Their interpreting radiologist (29.5%) 1
- A small minority (3.8%) wish to share images on social media 1
Clinical Use of Images in Patient Care
Specialized Medical Imaging Contexts
In ophthalmology, ultra-widefield imaging can serve as an adjunct but cannot replace direct clinical examination 2. Images may be helpful for monitoring disease but have limitations:
- Very small lesions (<300 μm) may be missed 2
- Peripheral lesions can be difficult to capture 2
- Field of view limitations exist even with ultra-widefield technology 2
Ultrasound Imaging Standards
Standardized images should always be presented in ultrasound studies so readers can recognize anatomical structures and pathology 2. Images must:
- Never contain patient identifying information 2
- Be accompanied by clear legends and reference points 2
- Include drawings when helpful for interpretation by less experienced readers 2
Important Caveats
Image Interpretation Requires Expertise
The accurate interpretation of medical images relies on both technology and clinical expertise 3, 4. Errors in interpretation occur regularly, and decisions are not always conclusive 4.
Context-Dependent Appropriateness
While patients can physically view images, the clinical appropriateness varies:
- For rheumatologic ultrasound studies: Images are essential for scientific reporting and should be standardized 2
- For ophthalmologic surveillance: Images supplement but don't replace examination 2
- For general radiology: Patient portal access is desired and beneficial when accompanied by reports 1
Healthcare organizations with electronic health records should consider adding image viewing capabilities to patient portals, as this is a highly desired feature with anticipated benefits outweighing risks 1.