Can a GP tell you your MRI results?

New diagnosis and before diagnosis
1

Hi!

I started experiencing tingling in my right side about two years ago. Due to being pregnant, and then Covid, I only had my MRI about two weeks ago (it’s been quite a long wait!).

I am really worried and was wondering if anyone could advise. I called the neurologist office on Monday, and they’ve received the results but there were no notes attached by the neurologist yet so she said the letter wasn’t ready to be sent out yet. The secretary told me she couldn’t tell me the results over the phone, even if they were fine (I assume this is normal?). She suggested I call my GP as they had received a copy of the MRI and may be able to help.

I spoke to someone at my GP surgery, and they said as it was the neurologist who ordered the test they couldn’t go through the results with me, even if they were all normal. She initially said I can send you the MRI if you like, then went on hold briefly, and come back to say “oh no the GP tells me I can’t as you would struggle to interpret the results due to the jargon.”

I am now really, really worried. Wouldn’t the GP at least be able to tell me it’s normal, or could they have received the scan but not the neurologist’s interpretation of it so I should just take them at their word? Ahh! Any help or thoughts would be really, really appreciated.

Many thanks!

2

If the GP ordered the test then yes.

From the BMA website about whether GPs can give the results of tests ordered by a hospital - they can’t unless it has been agreed between the hospital and GP that they can, and that the GP is willing to accept that role. The person ordering the MRI remains responsible for ensuring proper follow-up of results. It is for a very good reason - if there is no clear chain of responsibility then patients can get overlooked and lost in the system, and may miss out on essential follow up.

So the receptionist / GP was correct. I wouldn’t worry that the response from the surgery implies anything other than that the neurologist has to give you the results, as they will have to discuss what follow-up, if any is required.