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Why patients should own their medical images?

Despite doctors reluctantly providing medical images directly to patients - there is a real need for patients to insist on access and control of these images. After all, the patient is the central hub for all of the images, records, diagnoses, that relate to him or her. So, it is completely logical that the patient would be THE appropriate repository for all information related to her own medical history. Otherwise, her medical record may be incomplete which may impact prescribed treatment.

Question: who owns my medical images? Answer: you can look but not touch.

It may amaze you to learn that the X-rays, CT Scans & MRIs of intimate parts of your anatomy are not your property. Pretty shocking, huh? In fact, the imaging center or hospital that took these images owns the title (copyright) to the image itself and the media on which it exists. So, it shouldn't come as a surprise that many doctors are reluctant to provide their patients with these images.

Who uses the most medical images? The underserved doctors and sub-specialists.

Consider how often patients are asked to have medical imaging studies performed and reviewed. Although the patient is the one who is getting the image, the sub-specialists and doctors analyzing the images are the ones who are consuming the image studies.