We've had an increasing number of patients asking for their radiologist report when it's ready.
In the patient's mind they've paid for the scan and the report belongs to them. I can't argue with this logic, and can only assume that we would create additional anxiety in the patient's mind if we decline.
I see a moral dilemma here in that sometimes a radiologist's 'diagnosis' points to a non-life threatening observation such as normal changes with age.
I assure patients if there are any serious issues that our reading radiologist observes, he would immediiately contact and consult with the referrer.
But this can understandably can cause great anxiety in the patient without proper explanation from their physician at time of prescription submittal.
We've always honored patient requests, but perhaps a 72-hour delay to provide the referring physician time to review would be a reasonable compromise.
Once we send the report to the referring physician via FAX or email link we have no control of the timing of this review by the referrer.
In my opinion, there's no clear single answer that would cover every scenario, and from a practical perspective the report is property of the patient at time of creation by our radiologist, and the patient's reaction to reading it
first is no cause for alarm
in most cases.
------------------------------
William Kisse
COO
Washington Open MRI, Inc.
Rockville, MD
bill@womri.com(301) 424-4888
https://www.linkedin.com/in/billkisse/------------------------------
Original Message:
Sent: 10-19-2020 17:23
From: Richard Fleury
Subject: 21st Century Cures Act
I agree with David. We do not see where the reg references immediate release but that is how many are interpreting this. If anyone has clarified, it would be helpful. We are also awaiting legal and compliance recommendations.
Immediate release will certainly impact referring providers as patients will potentially be reviewing their results (and contacting offices) before the ordering MD has had a chance to review the result and thought through treatment options. I have asked our Epic team if results release could be triggered when the report is "marked as reviewed" by the ordering MD in Epic. That could be possible but as stated above would be outside immediate release compliance.
Richard Fleury Vice President & Executive Director Department of Radiology & Imaging HSS | Hospital for Special Surgery 535 East 70th Street, New York, NY 10021 TEL 212.606.1233 CELL 646.584.2490  |
Original Message:
Sent: 10/19/2020 4:36:00 PM
From: David Smith
Subject: RE: 21st Century Cures Act
Thanks, Beth
I'm generally familiar with that material. What I don't see is something that implies a radiologist or imaging facility has to give the patient access to their radiology report as soon as it's signed...
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David Smith FACMPE
Executive Director
United Imaging Consultants
Mission KS
(785) 393-8387
Original Message:
Sent: 10-19-2020 16:22
From: Beth Williams
Subject: 21st Century Cures Act
Hi David and Beth - Two of our health systems are sharing this info with the medical staff, and making changes to MyChart.
Attached are a couple slides that address the Cures Act impact on releasing records.
------------------------------
Beth Williams MHA, FACMPE, FRBMA
Executive Director
Vantage Radiology and Diagnostic Services
Federal Way WA
(253) 661-1700 ext. 1105
Original Message:
Sent: 10-19-2020 16:03
From: David Smith
Subject: 21st Century Cures Act
Hi Beth
Someone else mentioned this the other day, but I hadn't heard about it, and could not find it mentioned in any authoritative summaries of the Act. Do you have a citation for this requirement?
------------------------------
David Smith FACMPE
Executive Director
United Imaging Consultants
Mission KS
(785) 393-8387
Original Message:
Sent: 10-19-2020 15:53
From: Beth Martz
Subject: 21st Century Cures Act
Has anyone given thought as to what impact distributing radiology reports to patients immediately after reading will have on their practice and the referring doctors as will be required under the 21st Century Cures Act?
------------------------------
Beth Martz RT(R), CT, MR
Imaging Operations Manager
Diagnostic Imaging Services, LLC
Hagerstown MD
(301) 714-4222
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