What Happens After the Scan?

You’ve just finished your imaging scan and might be wondering what comes next. For many people, waiting for results can feel even more stressful than the scan itself. When you’re unsure of your results, time can seem to drag and it’s easy to start worrying. Knowing what happens after your appointment and how to look after yourself during this time can help you feel more at ease while you wait. 

After your scan, our radiologists at New York Imaging Specialists start reviewing your images. Our radiologists are doctors who specialize in interpreting medical images and carefully check every detail. Depending on the type of scan and its complexity, this review can take a few hours or even a few days. We know waiting is tough, so we work to be both accurate and timely. When the review is finished, your doctor will receive a detailed report and reach out to you to discuss the results. 

Sometimes, you might see your results in an online patient portal before you talk to your doctor. If this happens, try not to read too much into the report on your own. Radiology reports use medical terms that can sound worrying, but often these are just standard phrases your doctor can explain in a simpler way. The best thing to do is save your questions for your care team, who can help you understand what the results mean for your health.

While you wait, try to be kind to yourself. It’s normal to feel anxious, and recognizing that is the first step to coping. Gentle activities like walking or stretching can help you relax. Spending time with supportive people, enjoying a hobby, or just getting some fresh air can also help. Try not to search online for your symptoms or read into what the imaging technologist did or said during your scan. What happens during your scan doesn’t reflect your results.

When your doctor contacts you with your results, being prepared can help. Before your appointment, jot down any questions you have. You might want to ask what the results mean for your health, if you need more tests, or what the next steps are. If you find out that more evaluation or treatment is needed, remember that having clear information, even if it’s hard to hear, helps you take care of your health. Our team at New York Imaging Specialists will support you every step of the way, so you never have to go through this alone.

If you’d like to schedule an imaging appointment or talk with someone from our team, please contact New York Imaging Specialists today.