After your imaging exam is complete — whether it’s an MRI, CT scan, ultrasound, or X-ray — the next step happens behind the scenes. You may wonder what happens to your images, how MRI results are interpreted, and when imaging results will be ready.
Here’s what happens between your scan and your follow-up appointment, and how radiologists interpret your images.
Key Takeaways
- A radiologist is a medical doctor specially trained to interpret imaging exams.
- After your scan, images are securely reviewed using advanced diagnostic software.
- The radiologist creates a structured document called a radiology report.
- The referring doctor — not the radiologist in most cases — discusses results and next steps with you.
- Most outpatient imaging results are available within 1–3 business days, depending on the exam and urgency.
How Often Are MRI and X-Ray Exams Performed?
MRI and X-ray exams are among the most commonly performed diagnostic imaging tests.
- In the United States, healthcare facilities perform approximately 40 million MRI scans each year, according to industry utilization data.
- X-ray exams are performed even more frequently. An estimated 126.8 million X-ray exams are conducted annually on fixed X-ray systems in the United States, reflecting how commonly this imaging method is used to evaluate injuries, lung conditions, and other medical concerns.
Every one of these imaging exams is reviewed by a radiologist — a physician trained to interpret image findings and communicate results to the referring provider.
What Happens Immediately After Your Scan
Once your exam is complete, your images are uploaded into a secure digital system called a Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS). This system allows radiologists to view high-resolution images and compare them with any prior studies.
According to PMC (PubMed Central), there are more than 34,000 active radiologists practicing in the United States. These physicians complete medical school followed by years of advanced training focused specifically on image interpretation and diagnostic medicine.
How Radiologists Read Imaging
Radiologists are trained to recognize normal anatomy, subtle abnormalities, and patterns that may indicate injury or disease. Depending on the type of study, they may review hundreds — sometimes thousands — of individual images.
Here’s how the process typically works:
1. Systematic Image Review
Each image and sequence is carefully examined. For example, an MRI includes multiple sequences that highlight different tissue characteristics.
2. Review of Clinical Information
Radiologists consider the reason your provider ordered the exam and any relevant medical history. This context helps focus the interpretation.
3. Comparison With Prior Imaging
If previous exams are available, they are compared side-by-side to evaluate for change over time.
4. Diagnostic Interpretation
The radiologist synthesizes imaging findings with clinical information to determine what the findings most likely represent.
This is how MRI results are interpreted — and the same careful analysis applies to CT scans, ultrasounds, and X-rays.
Radiology Report Explained: What’s Included?
After reviewing your images, the radiologist prepares a formal document called a radiology report. This report becomes part of your medical record and is sent to your referring provider.
According to RadiologyInfo.org, a patient education resource supported by the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) and the American College of Radiology (ACR), most reports include:
- Clinical Indication: Why the exam was ordered
- Technique: How the exam was performed
- Comparison: Reference to prior studies, if available
- Findings: Detailed description of what is seen
- Impression (Conclusion): A summary of the most clinically significant findings
The impression section is especially important because it directly answers the clinical question your provider asked.
When Will My Imaging Results Be Ready?
A common question is: “When will my imaging results be ready?”
Turnaround time depends on:
- Type of imaging exam
- Complexity of findings
- Whether prior imaging must be reviewed
- Clinical urgency
In many outpatient imaging settings:
- X-ray reports are often completed within 24 hours
- MRI, CT, and ultrasound reports are typically finalized within 1–3 business days
- Urgent studies are usually interpreted more quickly.
Once finalized, the report is sent to your referring provider. Your provider reviews the findings in the context of your overall health before discussing results and next steps with you.
Radiologist vs Referring Doctor: Who Explains the Results?
Patients often ask about the difference between a radiologist vs referring doctor.
The Radiologist
- Specializes in interpreting imaging studies
- Reviews the images
- Writes the radiology report
- Communicates urgent findings directly to providers when necessary
The Referring Doctor
- Orders the imaging exam
- Reviews the radiology report
- Integrates imaging findings with your symptoms, exam, and medical history
- Explains results and discusses treatment options
In most cases, your referring provider is the one who discusses what the results mean for your care.
What Happens After the Report Is Complete?
Once your provider receives the report, next steps may include:
- No further testing if results are normal
- Follow-up imaging to monitor a condition
- Referral to a specialist
- Additional diagnostic tests
- Treatment planning
Imaging plays an important role in diagnosis, but it is one part of your overall clinical evaluation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for a radiologist to read imaging?
Interpretation time varies by exam type and complexity. Routine outpatient studies are often reviewed within one to three business days, while urgent exams are prioritized and interpreted more quickly.
Can I see my radiology report before my doctor calls me?
Many healthcare systems provide reports through secure patient portals. However, your referring provider is best equipped to explain what the findings mean in the context of your medical history.
What does “impression” mean on a radiology report?
The impression is the summary section of the report. It highlights the most clinically important findings and often directly answers the question your provider asked when ordering the exam.
Why doesn’t the technologist tell me the results?
Imaging technologists are trained to perform the scan and ensure image quality and safety. Only a radiologist is qualified to interpret and diagnose based on imaging findings.
If my report mentions an abnormality, does that mean something is serious?
Not necessarily. Some findings are incidental or clinically insignificant. Your referring provider will explain whether any findings require further evaluation or treatment.
Schedule Your Imaging at University Medical Imaging
If your provider has recommended an MRI or X-ray, University Medical Imaging (UMI) in Sacramento offers advanced diagnostic imaging services in a comfortable outpatient setting.
Our board-certified radiologists carefully review every exam and communicate findings promptly to your referring provider to support timely diagnosis and treatment planning.
To schedule an appointment or learn more about imaging services at UMI, contact our scheduling team or speak with your provider about sending your referral to University Medical Imaging.
Read More
Post-Accident Imaging: Why Timing Matters for Injury Detection
MRI and Imaging in Sacramento: A Better Experience from Start to Finish
The UMI Difference: An Imaging Center with Private Rooms and Personalized Care