As subspecialists, we all rely on radiology to inform our clinical decisions. Whether it’s an oncologist staging a tumor, an orthopedist assessing a fracture’s healing, or a neurologist evaluating subtle changes on an MRI, imaging often holds the key to diagnosis and treatment planning.

But for many of us, the greatest hurdle isn’t interpreting the images—it’s simply getting them in the first place.

Challenges with Imaging Access

Patients arrive in our clinics with a CD in hand, sometimes unreadable, sometimes containing the wrong study, and often missing prior exams. Others bring only a radiology report without the actual images. In the best-case scenario, our staff spends hours tracking down imaging from outside facilities. In the worst case, we’re forced to reorder scans, delaying care and exposing patients to additional costs and, in some cases, unnecessary radiation.

These delays aren’t just inconveniences. They create very real bottlenecks in patient care. A surgeon preparing for a complex procedure may not be able to finalize an operative plan without access to the original images. An oncologist may hesitate to recommend a treatment change without being able to compare tumor size across multiple prior scans. For patients facing high-stakes decisions, every day of waiting matters.

Another challenge is that radiology reports, while valuable, don’t always provide enough context. A report might note a lesion or abnormality, but as treating physicians we often need to review the images ourselves—measuring margins, examining anatomy in relation to surgical planes, or simply reassuring ourselves that the interpretation matches what we see clinically. Without easy access to the actual images, our confidence in those decisions is diminished.

The Root Cause and Modern Solutions

So why, in 2025, are we still struggling with CDs, portals, and incomplete records? The fundamental issue is fragmentation. Imaging is generated in one place, stored in another, and reviewed in yet another. Different PACS and EHR systems rarely “talk” to each other seamlessly. That leaves patients and providers caught in the middle, trying to bridge the gaps.

The good news is that better solutions are emerging. Cloud-based platforms now make it possible to securely access imaging from any location, with priors included, in a format designed for clinical review. With the right system, subspecialists can:

• Quickly view complete studies—including priors—without relying on CDs.
• Access a diagnostic-quality viewer from anywhere, on any device.
• Share studies with colleagues for second opinions or multidisciplinary review.
• Reduce repeat imaging and the delays that come with chasing records.

Tools like these don’t just make our work easier, they improve patient care. By removing barriers to imaging access, we can spend less time chasing records and more time focusing on treatment decisions. Patients benefit from faster answers, more accurate diagnoses, and reduced anxiety as they move through the care pathway.

Faster Access, Better Care

In subspecialty practice, time and information are critical. Having the complete and authentic imaging record at your fingertips can mean the difference between hesitation and confidence, delay and timely care. As technology continues to evolve, eliminating the bottleneck of imaging access should be a priority—for all of us, and for the patients who depend on us.

Questions? Reach out to us.