MRI films - Pain Management Message Board

Snails · 08-21-2004, 06:38 PM

Hi, I am wondering if anyone can give me advice. I have been seeing several different doctors at one big clinic, and none of them seem to have the films from my MRI anymore even though I know I left it with one of them. They are claiming they discharged them on a date before I had ever been to this clinic. I know I brought them there, so they aren't with any other doctors, and I know I don't have them. Does anyone know if the place that did the MRI originally has copies of the films, or if they give you the only copy? I would hate to have to pay for another one--I don't know if insurance would cover even part of it so soon after the last one--and I get extremely claustrophobic and panicky inside the machine. I'd really appreciate any insight...thanks!

injured betty · 08-21-2004, 08:28 PM

Call the place where you had them done, originally, they should have the true copy (origninal). If you had the original it would have had a huge sticker on it to return it to the place of origin.

It is my policy to always ask for a second one for myself. It costs $85 but you always have it.

Kissa · 08-21-2004, 08:32 PM

The place where I have one done usually will keep two sets, one for themself and one for the patient to take to the doctor. What happens after they give them to the patient is their responsiblity so they won't remake them unless you pay them. It's a real pain because like what you are going through, if your doctors office doesnt give you your films back you are out the films.

Call the place who did them, they may of also been returned to them.

Snails · 08-22-2004, 01:30 PM

Thanks so much for your responses--they really helped calm me down and think more rationally about this. Am I right to assume that if I contact the place that originally took the MRI pictures, they can make me another copy for a fee? I'd pay A LOT to avoid having to go back in that machine and either way I'd like to have the security of another copy, especially because the results were unusual. Thanks again and best wishes to all of you!

Kissa · 08-22-2004, 02:08 PM

Yes or sometimes they will give them to you for free if seeing a new doctor. Often all a new doctor is the report not the MRI, check and find out first.
Also if its been a while since you had it changes do occur and you might need another one. Make sure if you ever have one again they sedate you. Also go for an open ended one, both sides are open so it doesn't feel so much like a coffin in there