Not for emergencies. If imaging reveals an urgent finding or you develop new urgent symptoms, call 911 or go to the nearest ER immediately. DOD is not an emergency service.
After Your Imaging Exam: Where Do the Results Go?
Once you've completed an imaging study — MRI, CT scan, ultrasound, or X-ray — you may wonder where the results go, who reads them, and what happens next. This guide explains the typical results workflow for patients who used a DOD provider order to schedule their imaging.
Important: DOD does not automatically receive or interpret imaging results. Results are managed by the imaging facility and the radiologist who reads your study.
Quick Answer
When you complete an imaging exam, the imaging facility sends the raw images to a radiologist who writes a report. That report is typically sent to the provider address listed on the order (in DOD's case, back to DOD's secure fax or email) and to any other results destination you specify — such as a specialist or primary care provider. You can also request a copy of your results directly from the imaging facility. DOD does not routinely interpret imaging results.
The Typical Imaging Results Workflow
Exam is Completed
You complete your MRI, CT, ultrasound, or X-ray at the imaging center. The technologist captures the images and uploads them to the facility's PACS (picture archiving and communication system).
Radiologist Reads the Images
A board-certified radiologist employed by or contracted with the imaging facility reviews the images and writes a formal radiology report describing the findings.
Report is Sent to the Ordering Provider
The radiology report is typically sent to the provider address listed on the order. For DOD orders, this is DOD's secure fax or provider portal. Results may also be sent to additional providers if you request it (e.g., a specialist or your PCP).
You Receive Your Results
Most imaging facilities also make results available to patients — through a patient portal, by mail, or on a disc/CD. Ask your facility how and when results will be available to you.
Follow-Up With a Provider
It is your responsibility to follow up with an appropriate provider (primary care, specialist, or DOD if a follow-up consultation is appropriate) to discuss findings and determine next steps.
Confirming Your Results Destination Before Imaging
Before your imaging appointment, confirm with the facility where your results will be sent. Ask:
What DOD Does and Does Not Do With Results
DOD May
- Receive radiology reports at the provider address on the order
- Discuss results in the context of a follow-up consultation (when appropriate)
- Help patients understand the follow-up steps recommended in a report
DOD Does Not
- Interpret imaging results (radiology interpretation)
- Provide pathology or lab result interpretation beyond clinical context
- Serve as an ongoing treating provider
- Guarantee that all result-related questions can be answered
What to Do If Your Results Show an Abnormal Finding
If your radiology report describes an unexpected or abnormal finding:
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Guides
Need a Follow-Up Provider Review?
If your results suggest additional imaging or labs may be appropriate, DOD can provide a follow-up virtual consultation for $40 in supported states.
Start Your Consult — $40Not for emergencies. Orders not guaranteed.
DOD is not an imaging center, laboratory, radiology facility, or emergency service. DOD does not provide radiology interpretation. All clinical decisions should be made by qualified licensed healthcare providers. Results management is the responsibility of the patient and their treating providers.