Radiology Reports Are More Accessible to Patients — But Not More Understandable
Patients today can access their radiology reports almost immediately. In this webinar clip, Adam E. Flanders, MD, RSNA Board Member and Professor of Radiology at Thomas Jefferson University, discusses what that shift has changed — and what it hasn’t.
As he explains, the removal of information blocking means patients can now see everything in their medical record, including imaging reports and results. While access has improved, usability hasn’t.
Radiology reports are still written for clinicians. They include technical terminology, detailed descriptions and disclaimers that may not be meaningful to patients. In some cases, that can create confusion and worry. Patients may see unfamiliar terms or AI-generated results without clear context. Disclaimers are often included, but they don’t necessarily help patients understand what the information means.
As Dr. Flanders explains, this can lead to situations where patients are presented with complex findings without guidance. One area being explored is how AI can help address this gap. Instead of requiring patients to interpret reports on their own, tools could highlight key terms and guide them through relevant questions.
For example, rather than asking “What does my report mean?,” a patient could be prompted with more specific options — such as learning what a particular finding is or what it may indicate.
Dr. Flanders points to examples where systems can surface keywords, offer explanations and guide patients through follow-up questions based on their report. The goal is to provide structured, relevant information that helps patients better understand what they’re seeing.
At the same time, these tools would need to operate within clear boundaries. As discussed, there’s a need for guardrails to ensure that information is accurate and doesn’t replace clinical judgment.
This clip is part of a broader discussion on how radiology is evolving, including changes in workflow, technology and patient interaction. To hear the full conversation, access the on-demand webinar.
