How Quickly Will a Doctor Call With MRI Results?
How Long Does It Take to Get MRI Results?
You're likely eager to know the results if you recently had an MRI scan.
How quickly will your doctor call you?
The answer depends on various factors, including the type of MRI, the urgency of the findings, and your healthcare provider’s process.
In this blog, we’ll explain the timeline for MRI results, what affects how quickly you’ll hear back, and when you should follow up with your doctor.
Typical Timeline for MRI Results
1. Routine MRI Results (Non-Urgent)
📅 3 to 7 days
Most routine MRI scans (e.g., knee, spine, brain for headaches) are reviewed within a few days.
If no urgent findings are detected, results are typically sent to your doctor in 3 to 5 days.
Your doctor may call or discuss results at your next scheduled appointment.
2. Urgent MRI Results (Serious Findings)
📅 Same day or within 24 hours
If your MRI reveals a critical issue (e.g., a tumor, stroke, or serious injury), the radiologist will immediately notify your doctor.
Your doctor will likely call you soon to discuss the next steps.
3. MRI With Contrast (Additional Analysis Required)
📅 5 to 10 days
MRIs with contrast dye often require more time for analysis.
Radiologists may need to compare with previous scans or order additional tests.
Expect results within a week or so unless urgent.
4. Hospital vs. Outpatient MRI Wait Times
Hospital MRI: Results may be ready within hours if done in an emergency setting.
Outpatient MRI: If scheduled at an imaging center, results typically take several days to a week.
Why Do MRI Results Take Time?
Several factors can influence how quickly your doctor calls with your MRI results:
🔹 Radiologist Review: A specialist must analyze the images, compare them with past scans, and write a report.
🔹 Doctor’s Schedule: Your physician may wait to review results before your next appointment.
🔹 Clinic or Hospital Workload: A busy imaging center may have delays.
🔹 Need for Further Testing: If results are unclear, your doctor may request additional scans before calling you.
When Should You Call Your Doctor?
If more than a week has passed and you haven’t heard from your doctor, following up is okay. Call the office and ask:
✔ Has my MRI report been reviewed?
✔ Do I need an appointment to discuss the results?
✔ Can my results be shared through an online portal?
When to Call Sooner:
🚨 If you’re experiencing worsening symptoms (e.g., severe pain, neurological issues, loss of function), call your doctor immediately.
How Will You Receive Your MRI Results?
Doctors typically communicate MRI results in one of these ways:
✔ Phone Call – Used for urgent or unexpected findings.
✔ In-Person Appointment – If your doctor wants to discuss treatment options.
✔ Online Patient Portal – Many hospitals upload results within a few days.
✔ Mail or Email – Some imaging centers send reports directly to patients.
What to Do While Waiting for MRI Results
Waiting for results can be stressful, but here’s how to stay proactive:
✔ Check Your Patient Portal – Many providers upload reports online before calling.
✔ Prepare for Your Follow-Up – Write down questions for your doctor.
✔ Stay Informed, But Avoid Google Overload – Reading too much online can lead to unnecessary anxiety.
What If Your Doctor Doesn’t Call?
If your results are normal or non-urgent, your doctor may not call unless an appointment is scheduled.
If you’re concerned or haven’t heard back within 7-10 days, reach out to the office.
Some clinics have nurses or assistants call instead of the doctor.
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Most MRI results are available within a few days, but urgent findings are communicated faster. If you haven’t heard back within a week, don’t hesitate to call your doctor’s office.
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