Seetharam C. Chadalavada MD, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Tessa S. Cook MD, PhD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Curtis P. Langlotz MD, PhD, Abstract Co-Author: Shareholder, Montage Healthcare Solutions, Inc Advisory Board, General Electric Company Advisory Board, Reed Elsevier Advisory Board, Activate Networks, Inc Spouse, Consultant, Amgen Inc Spouse, Consultant, Novartis AG Spouse, Consultant, Johnson & Johnson

Our experience with the online release of radiology reports shows that release of reports is feasible, with no significant adverse effects. As measured by patient viewing rates, patients have a strong interest in their radiology results.

As patients become more involved in their care, organizations are providing access to radiology reports via online patient portals. Portals provide an opportunity for radiologists to engage patients and to meet meaningful use requirements. Since May 2012, we released all radiology reports to patients with activated portal accounts.

We conducted a retrospective review of the utilization of our patient portal (MyChart, Epic Systems, Verona, WI) from May 2012 to March 2013. Patient demographics and online metrics were obtained from audit logs. Our health system is responsible for 2.1 million outpatient visits annually. Since the portal’s inception, 315,450 accounts have been issued, and 105,095 (33.3%) have been activated. 63% of accounts were activated for female patients. Women aged 50-59 and men aged 60-69 had the largest number of activated accounts. Unless embargoed by the referring physician during a 3-day delay, all imaging test results were released to patients with activated accounts. 118,901 imaging test results were released, of which 49.3% (58,580) were viewed--similar to laboratory results released during the same period (51.8%; 588,567/1,134,389). The most frequently viewed imaging results were screening mammograms (50.1% view rate), chest X-rays (52.7%), and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scans (55.1%). No adverse events were reported. Patient phone calls to clinics and radiologists were unchanged. 

Many patients seek direct access to their imaging results, making them a voluntary partner in their care and promoting environmentally friendly communication. The potential savings relative to printing and mailing results to patients may be substantial. The number of calls from patients to clinics seeking radiology results may be reduced.

Chadalavada, S, Cook, T, Langlotz, C, Communicating Radiology Results to Patients: Results from Universal Online Release by an Academic Radiology Department.  Radiological Society of North America 2013 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, December 1 - December 6, 2013 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2013/13021361.html