Patient Guide
MRI Results After an Online Order: What Happens After Your Scan?
You got your provider order, had your MRI done — now what? Here's exactly where your results go and what steps to take next.
Get Your MRI Order — $40The MRI Results Workflow
MRI is performed at imaging facility
A radiologist on staff at the imaging center reviews your MRI images and writes a radiology report describing their findings.
Radiology report sent to ordering provider
The report is sent to the provider whose name and contact information appear on the imaging order. For Diagnostic Orders Direct orders, this is the reviewing provider.
Get a copy of your report and images
Request a copy of your radiology report and a CD/digital copy of the images directly from the imaging center at your appointment. This is your right under HIPAA.
Follow up for interpretation
Share your results with your primary care doctor, the specialist you're seeing, or another provider who can explain the findings and recommend next steps in the context of your full clinical picture.
How to Get Your MRI Results: A Checklist
Understanding Your Radiology Report
Radiology reports can be difficult to read without medical training. Here's what the key sections typically mean:
Clinical History
What the ordering provider told the radiologist about your symptoms and reason for the scan.
Technique
How the scan was performed — field strength (1.5T or 3T), sequences used, with or without contrast.
Findings
What the radiologist observed. This is the detailed description of every structure examined. Medical terminology — your doctor can explain this.
Impression
The radiologist's summary and conclusions. This is the most important section — the clinical interpretation of findings.
Comparison
If prior imaging was available, how current findings compare to the prior study.
Frequently Asked Questions
For a general overview of the MRI process and what to expect when your results are reviewed, RadiologyInfo.org's MRI patient guide (published by the ACR and RSNA) explains the radiology workflow in patient-friendly language.
Ready to Get Your MRI Order?
$40 virtual provider review. Order within 1 business day when medically appropriate.
Start Consultation — $40Related Resources
Disclaimer: Diagnostic Orders Direct does not interpret MRI results. The reviewing provider issues orders when appropriate — result interpretation and clinical follow-up are the responsibility of the patient and their treating providers. Not an emergency service.