VA Medical Images and Reports FAQs
VA Medical Images and Reports
What is the VA Medical Images and Reports feature?
My HealtheVet offers Veterans who have a Premium account another way to access and share their information. The VA Medical Images and Reports feature enables Veterans to view and download a copy of their diagnostic quality medical images and the associated report. Currently, Radiology Imaging studies are available.
Note: Not all VA Radiology Imaging Studies are available, however VA Radiology Reports are available using the Blue Button Medical Reports feature. This is linked from the My HealtheVet homepage under Health Records.
What types of medical images are included in the VA Medical Images and Reports feature?
What types of medical images are included in the VA Medical Images and Reports feature?
Currently, Radiology study images are available, including:
-
Mammograms (screening and diagnostic)
-
Radiographs (chest X rays, abdominal x rays, bone x ray)
-
Digital radiography (DR), computed radiography (CR)
-
Fluoroscopy (barium swallow, upper GI, barium enema)
-
Ultrasounds
-
CT scans images and nuclear medicine images (may include Magnetic resonance (MR) in facilities with PET/MR)
-
MRI, MR angiography, MR Venography
-
Angiography radiographs and cine loops
-
Interventional Radiology as part of the procedure (may include radiographs, ultrasound, CT, or cine loop)
NOTE: Ultrasounds and Nuclear Medicine may have color images.
When are medical images available in the VA Medical Images and Reports Feature?
Reports are available three (3) calendar days after they are verified. This feature also makes the associated DICOM images available.
DICOM, which stands for Digital Imaging and Communication in Medicine, is a medical imaging technology standard that provides storage and convenient access to images from multiple types of equipment. It allows communication between various image sources and computer devices so that users can view, store and print medical images.
How long are completed requests available? What happens if they are not retrieved during that time?
Completed requests are available for 3 calendar days. If needed, you can submit the request again at any time.
How many studies can be requested at one time?
You can request up to three studies at any one time. If more than three studies are requested, the system will display a message to let you know that you can request additional studies once the current requests have completed.
Where can I find step-by-step instructions on how to use the VA Medical Images and Reports feature?
Step-by-step instructions to guide you on how to access VA Medical Images and Reports can be found in the VA Medical Images and Reports User Guide.
What should I do if I have a question about my medical images or report?
If you have a question about your medical images or the associated report, contact your VA health care team.
Updated June 26, 2020