You have the right to a copy of your own medical imaging — the actual scans, not just the radiologist’s report. Here’s exactly how to get them, in a format you can open and share.
When you have an MRI, CT, or X-ray, two things get created: the radiology report (the radiologist’s written interpretation) and the images themselves (the actual scan slices). Most patients are only ever handed the report. But a second-opinion doctor, surgeon, or specialist usually needs the images — the raw picture data, stored in a format called DICOM — to make their own read.
So when you request your imaging, be explicit: ask for “a copy of the images on CD/DVD or a digital download, plus the report.” If you only ask for “my results,” you’ll typically get the report alone.
Contact the imaging center or hospital radiology department where the scan was performed — not necessarily your doctor’s office. Larger facilities have a Medical Records or Release of Information (ROI) department that handles image copies. Ask for the “imaging library,” “film library,” or “PACS” team if the front desk isn’t sure.
You’ll usually complete a short authorization / release form and show ID. Under the HIPAA Right of Access, you can request your records be sent to you or to a third party you designate.
Federal rules give providers up to 30 days to fulfill a records request (often faster in practice). Facilities may charge a reasonable, cost-based fee for the media (a CD or USB), though many provide a first copy at low or no cost — it varies by state and facility.
Here’s the catch most people hit: a DICOM CD isn’t like a photo. It needs a DICOM viewer to open, and the bundled viewers are often clunky, Windows-only, or won’t launch at all. That’s why so many patients end up with a stack of discs they can’t open.
UploMD solves this. It stores your MRI, CT, and X-ray studies and opens them in a real image viewer right on your phone — scroll the same slices your doctor sees, no CD, no special software. You can bring a viewable scan to any appointment or second opinion in a tap.
UploMD requests your records from every facility, keeps your real MRI, CT & X-ray viewable on your phone, and lets you share securely with family, your care team, or an ER. Free to start.
Get started free See the live demoYes. The report is the radiologist’s written interpretation; the images are the actual scan data (DICOM). A second-opinion doctor usually needs the images, not just the report.
Yes. Under the HIPAA Right of Access you can request a copy of your imaging from the facility that performed it, in the format you prefer where readily producible.
Providers have up to 30 days under federal rules, but many imaging centers can produce a disc or download the same day or within a few business days.
Usually yes — DICOM files need a viewer. Bundled disc viewers are often Windows-only or unreliable. UploMD opens your studies in a viewer on your phone with no extra software.
This guide is general information, not legal or medical advice. Records-access rights and fees vary by state and facility; check with the specific provider for their process.