Keeping a Record of Your Exam History
 

Diagnostic imaging exams are an important part of quality health care. So is the maintenance of health care records. It’s essential that you keep a record of your diagnostic exam history. If you haven’t started some form of log yet, start one now! 

Most people change doctors often or see specialists (like cardiologists or neurologists) for specific problems. A log is the best way of helping all of your doctors know about the exams you’ve had and whether they can use the information from a prior test instead of ordering another. By keeping a log, you can avoid unnecessary exams and save yourself time and money. You will also help ensure your long-term health, because many diagnostic imaging exams use radiation, which is known to cause cancer. 

What Information Should I Log? 

A detailed report is the best in helping your doctor, but it is important to include these pieces of information on each test you receive:

• Date

• Body part imaged

• Type of study

• City, state, and facility where study was performed

What Type of Studies Should I Log? 

All of them! The following exams are imaging exams:

• Mammograms

• CT (or “CAT”) scans

• Angiograms

• Heart (or cardiac) catheterization

• Fluoroscopy

• Standard x-rays

• Nuclear medicine

• Bone scans

• Myelograms

• PET scans

• MRI

• MR angiography

• Ultrasound

• Doppler

• Sonograms

By keeping track of all your exams, you are taking steps towards providing your doctor with the most information possible about your body—a step that will allow for healthier and better diagnoses.