The scan is over, and now the waiting begins. Many patients leave an imaging appointment unsure about what happens next: Who reads the pictures? Who gets the report? How long will it take, and what should I do if I have not heard anything? This guide walks through what happens after an X-ray or ultrasound in Ontario, using the process at Annex Medical Imaging in Toronto, so you know what to expect and when to follow up.

What Happens After Your X-Ray or Ultrasound

1. The images are captured. For an X-ray, a technologist takes the images. For an ultrasound, a sonographer performs the scan.
2. A radiologist interprets them. A radiologist is a physician who specializes in reading medical images. They review your pictures and write a report.
3. The report goes to your provider. It is sent to the health care provider named on your requisition, such as your family doctor or nurse practitioner.
4. Your provider explains the results. This may happen at a follow-up appointment or over the phone.
5. Next steps are decided together. Depending on the findings, that could mean no further action, monitoring, treatment or additional imaging.

How Long Do Results Take?

The timing depends on the facility and how urgent your case is. At Annex Medical Imaging:

• Routine reports: usually 3 to 5 business days to reach your doctor, and sent earlier whenever possible
• Urgent reports: faxed to your physician within 24 hours if your physician requests an urgent report

Keep in mind that “received by your doctor” is not the same as “you have heard about it.” Your doctor’s office may need a few additional days to review the report and contact you. Booking a follow-up visit when you get your requisition can make this smoother.

Why the Clinic Usually Cannot Give You the Findings on the Spot

It can feel odd to watch an ultrasound and leave without answers. The sonographer or technologist is trained to capture high-quality images, but interpreting them and reporting to your doctor is the radiologist’s role. Your ordering provider also knows your medical history and symptoms, which helps them put the findings in context. That is why the report goes to them first.

How to Help Your Results Reach the Right Place

• Make sure the requisition is complete. It should clearly show the name and contact details of the doctor or provider who should receive the report.
• Tell the front desk if you have changed doctors recently, so the report goes to the right office.
• Ask your provider’s office how they prefer to share results, such as a phone call or a booked visit.
• Put a reminder in your calendar. If a week has passed and you have not heard anything, contact your provider’s office to ask whether the report has arrived.

If you are not sure your doctor’s details were recorded correctly, call Annex at (416) 531-1128.

What If You Are Worried While You Wait?

Waiting is stressful, and that is normal. If your symptoms get worse, such as increasing pain, new swelling, fever, trouble breathing or anything else that concerns you, do not wait for the report. Contact your doctor, go to urgent care, or visit the emergency department if it feels serious. A pending report never means you have to wait for care.

Reading Your Report: A Word of Caution

Reports are written for doctors, so they use technical language that can sound alarming when read without context. Phrases about “findings” or “follow-up” are common, and many findings turn out to be minor or unrelated to your symptoms. Please talk to your provider before drawing conclusions, and write down your questions in advance. Good questions include: What did the report find? Does it explain my symptoms? Do I need more tests? What should I do next, and by when?

Mammography and OBSP Results Work a Little Differently

Screening mammograms through the Ontario Breast Screening Program have their own result and follow-up process. Our guide to what to expect at an OBSP mammogram explains how results and recalls work for screening.

Booking Imaging at Annex Medical Imaging

Annex Medical Imaging is at 800 Bathurst St, Unit 304 (3rd floor), across from Bathurst subway station. We are open Monday to Friday 9:00 am to 5:00 pm and Saturday 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. Most exams are covered by OHIP with a valid health card and a requisition. You can email your requisition to reception@annexmedicalimaging.com or fax it to 416-531-1127.

Related Reading

• Do You Need a Referral for an X-Ray, Ultrasound, or Mammogram in Toronto?
• Same-Day Diagnostic Imaging in Toronto: How Walk-In Scans Save You Time
• Walk-In Diagnostic Imaging in Toronto: How It Works at Annex Medical Imaging
• Ultrasound Preparation in Toronto: Fasting, Full Bladder and What to Do for Each Exam
• Are X-Rays Safe? Radiation Dose Explained in Plain Language

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I get my results at the clinic?

Reports are sent to the doctor or provider who ordered your exam, and they discuss the findings with you. Your doctor is the best person to explain what the report means for you.

How long until my doctor gets my X-ray or ultrasound report?

Usually 3 to 5 business days, and sooner whenever possible. Urgent reports requested by your physician are faxed within 24 hours.

What if my doctor has not called me?

Contact your doctor’s office and ask whether they have received the report. If you are unsure that the report was sent to the right place, call Annex at (416) 531-1128.

Can I ask for an urgent report?

Urgent reports are requested by your physician. If you think your situation is urgent, speak with the provider who ordered the exam.

Should I stop my normal activities while waiting for results?

Follow any instructions your provider gave you. For most scans there are no restrictions afterward, but your provider can advise you if your condition requires them.

This article is for general information only and describes processes at Annex Medical Imaging. It is not medical advice. Please speak with your health care provider about your results and your personal situation.