Please or to access all these features

AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To assume there must be nothing serious/urgent on the scan?

7 replies

seriouslynonames · 17/09/2026 10:08

Hello! I am looking to understand how the NHS system works for getting the resultsof CT scans.

I know the NHS isn't in the best shape and I am grateful we have it. But I am still worried!

I saw a consultant in mid August after a 5 month wait, not too bad considering.
He referred me for a CT scan. I had a call a week or so later and an appointment another week or so after that - excellent.

The scan was just over 2 weeks ago. I was hoping to get the results before I see a different doc for another issue, this time I am paying privately because I can't manage the minimum 12 month wait on the NHS.

I have heard nothing re the CT scan so I called the relevant secretary team. My report is on the system but she said it has to go to a paper clinic first, that won't be until next month. Then the consultant can review it and write to me. So it is likely to be another month or more before I hear anything.

I am not good at assuming everything will be fine, so knowing I now need to wait a lot longer for the results isn't ideal.
Is it normal to wait this long for the results of a scan? Perhaps it is, although I have never waited this long previously (for any NHS test - bloods, ultrasound, echo, heart monitor etc).

I suppose my actual question is AIBU to assume that if there was something serious/nasty showing on the CT scan someone would contact me more urgently than 6 weeks later?
Thank you!

OP posts:
Sunsara · 17/09/2026 10:16

No one can say for sure. But yes, usually if the radiographer sees something concerning she will ask radiologist to see it sooner and you’ll be phoned asap if they are worried or urgent action is needed. However that’s not to say anything discrete can’t be there and needs that expert eye to notice and interpret. Sorry I can’t give you more reassurance.

SpaceAngel1999 · 17/09/2026 10:17

I had a ct scan referred through my GP, o was called a couple of days later with the results. I would chase the consultants pa as this seems way too long to wait

sueelleker · 17/09/2026 10:21

I had a CT scan two weeks ago, after I had a fall, and face-planted. The A&E consultant thought I might have cracked my orbital socket. I hadn't heard back, but contacted then yesterday, and there's some query about my referral. I hadn't had a call from them; so it's definitely worth following up.

seriouslynonames · 17/09/2026 10:29

Thank you all. I have already called but I only got to speak to someone in the admin team who said she would email the secretary to let them know I am chasing. I don't have a direct number for the secretary, I called the number that it said was for the secretary team. And I emailed but heard nothing. So I don't know who else I can call.

I will try to assume the best while I wait

OP posts:
Belladog1 · 17/09/2026 10:38

Do you have the NHS app? I went for an xray a few months ago, and I logged onto that and saw the results of the xray before a doctor actually called me.

I'm slightly obsessed with that app to be honest. Love reading what they type during a routine doctors appointment 😂

INeedaDietcoke · 17/09/2026 11:22

I would assume that yes, they haven't seen any immediate red flags. I had cancer and have had follow up CT and MRI scans for the last 7 years. When there's something they want to double check they get in touch very quickly. When all is fine I get a letter or email when they get round to it.

So I don't know, maybe it needs more investigation but if they were really concerned I think you would be higher up the priority list.

seriouslynonames · 17/09/2026 15:05

Thank you @INeedaDietcoke I hope you are well now

@Belladog1 yes I have the app and have been checking but nothing there. Will keep an eye on it in case it comes up

Thanks

OP posts:
New posts on this thread. Refresh page
Swipe left for the next trending thread