The Legal Aspect of Radiologists Speaking to the Patients

Traditionally, radiologists generate reports that are conveyed to the ordering physician, who is then responsible for communicating the results to the patient. In cases involving critical or unexpected findings, radiologists often communicate directly with the ordering physician. However, with the rise of patient-centered healthcare and the widespread use of electronic health portals, the role of the radiologist is undergoing significant change. There is an increasing conversation around direct communication between radiologists and patients. In this narrative review, we explore the legal framework surrounding radiologist-patient communication, drawing on legal precedents and current laws to illustrate key points.