Accepted Answer

Typically, the results are release to the PHYSICIAN who ordered them, rather than the patient. HOWEVER, under federal HIPAA regulations, patients generally have a right to access their medical records unless there is a specific reason that a physician has determined that the release of information would be harmful to the patient. (Example: a unstable psychiatric patient)

The radiology/imaging center would be on shakey grounds in refusing the results being given to the patient if a formal request were made by the patient. The potential problem with patients getting results - they may not fully understand the reports - often written in medical language - and then choose to not follow up with the ordering physician because they incorrectly believe the results to be normal.

Expert:	FamilyPhysician
Pos. Feedback:	100.0 %
Accepts:
Answered:	12/21/2006

MBA, MD

Legal-medicine issues, business law principles, lecturer in medical-legal issues