Study finds wide variation in embargo periods blocking patient access to imaging

PARCA eNews – May 4, 2021 – In a US News & World Report telephone survey of 83 hospitals conducted between 2019 and 2020, over 90% of hospitals offer online patient portal to access medical imaging, however the amount of delay or the embargo period for access varied greatly.

The purpose of such embargoes is to allow clinicians an opportunity to first receive, review and discuss with the radiologist, however, there is no standardized length for such embargo periods. The survey results were published May 4, 2021 in the journal Radiology.
The survey was conducted by Yale School of Medicine researchers as part of US News & World Report’s annual Best Hospitals rankings. The survey revealed that 42% or 27 of 64 respondents reported a delay of 4 days or longer, and 52% or 33 of 64 respondents said they hold access until referring clinicians have reviewed the tests before releasing to patients.

The survey suggests there is a lack of standardization for release of such information to patients, which may soon be mandated under the final rule of the 21st Century Cures Act.


Source: journal Radiology, "Patient Electronic Access to Final Radiology Reports: What Is the Current Standard of Practice, and Is an Embargo Period Appropriate?"