The Patient Is Reading, Too: How It’s Impacting Radiology Reports

Radiology reports were once written almost exclusively for referring physicians. Today, that audience has expanded to patients. The passing of the 21st Century Cures Act in 2016 made them immediately available, and with more patients reading their results — often before speaking with their healthcare provider — radiologists have started to think differently about reporting. 

In this video, Elias Kikano, MD, Director of Division Imaging Informatics at Emory University, discusses how radiologists are placing an even greater emphasis on writing reports that are clear, thoughtful and concise.

This evolution highlights an important reality: As healthcare becomes more transparent, every report carries an opportunity to improve understanding, build trust and support better conversations between patients and their care teams.