CIB Position Statement
Self-referral for MRI examination
Any imaging study forms part of the overall diagnostic jigsaw that includes a history, examination and appropriate additional studies. It is necessary that an appropriate formal referral is generated by a registered healthcare professional following the appropriate clinical assessment. The result of the study, following its radiological interpretation, is then sent to the referring professional so the result can be interpreted in the context of the overall clinical assessment.
This is particularly important as any imaging study can give rise to unexpected findings which may be of no consequence or may have serious implications.
It should also be noted that the injection of an MR contrast agent (if required) is contraindicated in certain circumstances, and therefore requires proper clinical assessment prior to referral, vetting and undertaking such examination.
Therefore, the Clinical Imaging Board does not support the self-referral by the patient for MRI or any diagnostic imaging study.
Clinical Imaging Board
August 2021