Having a copy of your medical images is important for a number of reasons. For example  if your condition requires monitoring over time, it’s good to have a copy to compare studies to priors. When you have images performed in a new facility or when you are seeking a second opinion on a study

When a doctor has access to you medical images and reports, it provides him with the opportunity to

• Compare new studies with prior medical images
• Monitor conditions and abnormalities over time
• Avoid repeating tests you’ve already had

Under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) you are guaranteed access to your medical images and reports. Images are kept and stored in the facility where you had your exams done. When  you request your images, the facility may ask you to sign a release form. Facilities can deliver the images to patients in different formats, but usually done by CD.

If you are having a follow up study done, in a new facility take the CD with you so the doctor can do a thorough follow-up.Always, just in case, keep a copy.

If you are looking for a second opinion. You can upload the images from the CD directly to the website when using www.secondopinions.com.