CT Scans - Who is reading them?

groundeffect
groundeffect Member Posts: 639 Member
edited March 2014 in Ovarian Cancer #1
I have a couple of questions I'd like to throw out and see if anyone knows the answers.

How can a person know if a doctor has actually viewed a CT scan? A second question is what could be so special about a scan on disk that they can't be opened?

I've been seeing a doctor for more than a year now, hand carrying scans that were done in my locale, and now I have reason to believe that he never really viewed them. He mentioned a problem, but said they had sent them to another department to see if they could open them.

I'm a little unnerved at this point, and would appreciate anyone's ablility to enlighten me in the process.

Comments

  • jane65
    jane65 Member Posts: 277
    #2
    scans
    Hi,
    My GYN/ONC surgeon, and my oncologist go by the written reports they get from the radiology group. Neither of them look at the discs.

    I know that the scans are read and signed by the radiologist at the center and a detailed report is faxed to my doctors. The one I pick up at the radiology group is not as detailed.

    My oncologist said that the report is conclusive and he doesn't need to view the disc. Perhaps it's too time consuming or difficult for them as well.
    That's my thought.

    Good luck and be well.
    Jane
  • BonnieR
    BonnieR Member Posts: 1,526 Member
    #3
    Scans
    Hi Sue, My doc goes mostly by the report and if I have too many questions he looks at the scan. But I don't think they can read the as well as the person trained to it and it depends on how big the tumor is. He then at times well draw me a picture of the where or how much a particular tumor has grown. Just does this when I have too many questions. LOL


    Hugs ♥ Prayers Bonnie

    PS What are they saying about your scans and did you get a written report so you are reading what they wrote?
  • carol2dogs
    carol2dogs Member Posts: 132
    #4
    scans
    Hi!
    I just read the other replies and have realized how very lucky I am with my doctor. He not only looks at the scans himself, online, he shows them to me as well. I get a written copy of the report and can get a second copy if I ask. You have the right, via HIPPA, to a copy of the written report.
    Good luck on getting the info you need, and on getting the docs to review the info they need to treat you appropriately.
    Love and hugs, Carol
  • jamilou
    jamilou Member Posts: 200
    #5
    Scans
    Hi Sue
    My oncologist reads the report and then if there is anything in the report that is concerning he looks at the scan. I know this because on my last mammogram he actually went to the hospital and looked at the film and then asked a well known radiologist to meet him there and look at it with him. I was impressed that he would go to that much trouble for one patient. But also grateful. I am sure if it had not been concerning he would have just read the report. Good luck and as always hugs to you!
    Jami
  • groundeffect
    groundeffect Member Posts: 639 Member
    #6
    jamilou said:

    Scans
    Hi Sue
    My oncologist reads the report and then if there is anything in the report that is concerning he looks at the scan. I know this because on my last mammogram he actually went to the hospital and looked at the film and then asked a well known radiologist to meet him there and look at it with him. I was impressed that he would go to that much trouble for one patient. But also grateful. I am sure if it had not been concerning he would have just read the report. Good luck and as always hugs to you!
    Jami

    Thank you
    Thanks to all of you for your replies. Now, here's my situation:

    For 1 1/2 years I have seen an oncologist with "gold medal" credentials. After waiting for more than 3 hours to see him on my last visit in July (a typical wait), I decided to find a doctor who will see me in a more timely manner, and I made an appointment with a doctor of whom I've had glowing reports of by members of my support group.

    I had an appt. to have a CT scan at the hospital of the first doc, but cancelled it. It's been rescheduled for Aug. 4th, but I will be cancelling that one, too.

    I went to see the new doc on July 28th, and was in to see him at the appointment time (!). He came in, introduced himself, did a rehash of my situation, and then had me change for an exam. During the exam, he felt the lump that the prior doctor had found on my last visit with him. After the exam, he had me sit in the consultation room while he showed me on both scans that I had brought what the lump was-a tumor very close to my colon and some other important items.

    I've been very mad about the other doctor and his failure to find that lump until this month, and the failure of the radiologist(s) to put it on their reports. One of my options - probably the best - is to have the tumor removed and have IP chemo. This comes with risk to my colon (possible colostomy), and my right utereter (sp). I will be going to the new gyn/onc for this surgery, of course.

    Does anyone think it's worth letting the local imaging center know about their failure? Both of the hospitals are more than 100 miles from here, and I'm not afraid of offending anyone here.

    Sue
  • JoanC
    JoanC Member Posts: 231 Member
    #7
    groundeffect said:

    Thank you
    Thanks to all of you for your replies. Now, here's my situation:

    For 1 1/2 years I have seen an oncologist with "gold medal" credentials. After waiting for more than 3 hours to see him on my last visit in July (a typical wait), I decided to find a doctor who will see me in a more timely manner, and I made an appointment with a doctor of whom I've had glowing reports of by members of my support group.

    I had an appt. to have a CT scan at the hospital of the first doc, but cancelled it. It's been rescheduled for Aug. 4th, but I will be cancelling that one, too.

    I went to see the new doc on July 28th, and was in to see him at the appointment time (!). He came in, introduced himself, did a rehash of my situation, and then had me change for an exam. During the exam, he felt the lump that the prior doctor had found on my last visit with him. After the exam, he had me sit in the consultation room while he showed me on both scans that I had brought what the lump was-a tumor very close to my colon and some other important items.

    I've been very mad about the other doctor and his failure to find that lump until this month, and the failure of the radiologist(s) to put it on their reports. One of my options - probably the best - is to have the tumor removed and have IP chemo. This comes with risk to my colon (possible colostomy), and my right utereter (sp). I will be going to the new gyn/onc for this surgery, of course.

    Does anyone think it's worth letting the local imaging center know about their failure? Both of the hospitals are more than 100 miles from here, and I'm not afraid of offending anyone here.

    Sue

    Local Imaging Center Failure
    Sue,
    I absolutely would let them know! If no one ever says anything how will they know to improve. I am mad right along with you....did you let the "old" onc. know where he failed?? I wish you the best....I have had the IP Chemo and I think it is one of the best treatments.
    ((HUGS)) Joan
  • jamilou
    jamilou Member Posts: 200
    #8
    groundeffect said:

    Thank you
    Thanks to all of you for your replies. Now, here's my situation:

    For 1 1/2 years I have seen an oncologist with "gold medal" credentials. After waiting for more than 3 hours to see him on my last visit in July (a typical wait), I decided to find a doctor who will see me in a more timely manner, and I made an appointment with a doctor of whom I've had glowing reports of by members of my support group.

    I had an appt. to have a CT scan at the hospital of the first doc, but cancelled it. It's been rescheduled for Aug. 4th, but I will be cancelling that one, too.

    I went to see the new doc on July 28th, and was in to see him at the appointment time (!). He came in, introduced himself, did a rehash of my situation, and then had me change for an exam. During the exam, he felt the lump that the prior doctor had found on my last visit with him. After the exam, he had me sit in the consultation room while he showed me on both scans that I had brought what the lump was-a tumor very close to my colon and some other important items.

    I've been very mad about the other doctor and his failure to find that lump until this month, and the failure of the radiologist(s) to put it on their reports. One of my options - probably the best - is to have the tumor removed and have IP chemo. This comes with risk to my colon (possible colostomy), and my right utereter (sp). I will be going to the new gyn/onc for this surgery, of course.

    Does anyone think it's worth letting the local imaging center know about their failure? Both of the hospitals are more than 100 miles from here, and I'm not afraid of offending anyone here.

    Sue

    Mad as ...
    Oh Sue, I would certainly let them know and I would write a letter to the old oncologist. I would hope that they would hear what you are saying, or at least give you a release for your anger. Good luck with your new doctor. It sounds like you have found a gem. You deserve it!
    Jami
  • BonnieR
    BonnieR Member Posts: 1,526 Member
    #9
    groundeffect said:

    Thank you
    Thanks to all of you for your replies. Now, here's my situation:

    For 1 1/2 years I have seen an oncologist with "gold medal" credentials. After waiting for more than 3 hours to see him on my last visit in July (a typical wait), I decided to find a doctor who will see me in a more timely manner, and I made an appointment with a doctor of whom I've had glowing reports of by members of my support group.

    I had an appt. to have a CT scan at the hospital of the first doc, but cancelled it. It's been rescheduled for Aug. 4th, but I will be cancelling that one, too.

    I went to see the new doc on July 28th, and was in to see him at the appointment time (!). He came in, introduced himself, did a rehash of my situation, and then had me change for an exam. During the exam, he felt the lump that the prior doctor had found on my last visit with him. After the exam, he had me sit in the consultation room while he showed me on both scans that I had brought what the lump was-a tumor very close to my colon and some other important items.

    I've been very mad about the other doctor and his failure to find that lump until this month, and the failure of the radiologist(s) to put it on their reports. One of my options - probably the best - is to have the tumor removed and have IP chemo. This comes with risk to my colon (possible colostomy), and my right utereter (sp). I will be going to the new gyn/onc for this surgery, of course.

    Does anyone think it's worth letting the local imaging center know about their failure? Both of the hospitals are more than 100 miles from here, and I'm not afraid of offending anyone here.

    Sue

    let them know
    Dear Sue,

    I would let them know ~ one time I had to tell my gyn/onc about his front desk staff. Whoever is in charge will want to look back and see what was or wasn't done.

    I am praying for you now as you face this new leg in this journey and feel confident that you will once again enjoy a long long remission. Hugs ♥ Prayers ♥ Much Love

    Bonnie
  • saundra
    saundra Member Posts: 1,370 Member
    #10
    groundeffect said:

    Thank you
    Thanks to all of you for your replies. Now, here's my situation:

    For 1 1/2 years I have seen an oncologist with "gold medal" credentials. After waiting for more than 3 hours to see him on my last visit in July (a typical wait), I decided to find a doctor who will see me in a more timely manner, and I made an appointment with a doctor of whom I've had glowing reports of by members of my support group.

    I had an appt. to have a CT scan at the hospital of the first doc, but cancelled it. It's been rescheduled for Aug. 4th, but I will be cancelling that one, too.

    I went to see the new doc on July 28th, and was in to see him at the appointment time (!). He came in, introduced himself, did a rehash of my situation, and then had me change for an exam. During the exam, he felt the lump that the prior doctor had found on my last visit with him. After the exam, he had me sit in the consultation room while he showed me on both scans that I had brought what the lump was-a tumor very close to my colon and some other important items.

    I've been very mad about the other doctor and his failure to find that lump until this month, and the failure of the radiologist(s) to put it on their reports. One of my options - probably the best - is to have the tumor removed and have IP chemo. This comes with risk to my colon (possible colostomy), and my right utereter (sp). I will be going to the new gyn/onc for this surgery, of course.

    Does anyone think it's worth letting the local imaging center know about their failure? Both of the hospitals are more than 100 miles from here, and I'm not afraid of offending anyone here.

    Sue

    Yes, Indeed
    I would tell both the old doctor and the imaging center. I called the internist that ignored my symptoms after the sonagram was "negative" and I had 2.5 cm tumors all over. Never heard back..Now I wish I had gone in person. I also intend to tell my gyn/onc that his nurse did not return my calls about the last CT until I demanded to talk to her and spoke harshly with the poor receptionist! He told me to call in two days for the result and I finally got to talk to a real person one week later! You bet he will be told about that.

    I have a 5 cm tumor on my colon and find out Monday what will be the next step. It has popped up since the last scan on May 15th so grew pretty fast.

    Hang in there, Sue.
    Saundra
  • groundeffect
    groundeffect Member Posts: 639 Member
    #11
    saundra said:

    Yes, Indeed
    I would tell both the old doctor and the imaging center. I called the internist that ignored my symptoms after the sonagram was "negative" and I had 2.5 cm tumors all over. Never heard back..Now I wish I had gone in person. I also intend to tell my gyn/onc that his nurse did not return my calls about the last CT until I demanded to talk to her and spoke harshly with the poor receptionist! He told me to call in two days for the result and I finally got to talk to a real person one week later! You bet he will be told about that.

    I have a 5 cm tumor on my colon and find out Monday what will be the next step. It has popped up since the last scan on May 15th so grew pretty fast.

    Hang in there, Sue.
    Saundra

    All righty then!
    Saundra, sorry to hear about the tumor-I hope it won't be a huge problem. Are you still taking Femestra?

    I've decided I will start composing a letter. My husband is a very dipolomatic person, and I know he'll help me compose something that's good without being too critical. We've dicussed writing the first onc, and copying the head of the center. Their website is very proud of the caring treatment they give their patients; they even did t.v. ads here for a while. I chose them mostly because of a book I read that was written by one of their doctors. He had retired by the time I started going there, and the doctor I saw was his replacement.

    I will be having a PET scan on Aug. 5, so I think I'll wait until that's done and I know the results.

    Again, thank you for all of your input. It's a hard way to learn how some people "operate".

    One more thing: The first oncologist kept saying they "couldn't open" the scans on their computers. I had copies of two old ones and a PET scan that I dropped into my standard PC at home. They ran perfectly.

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